Shanxi Museum

Located in Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shanxi, China, the Shanxi Museum is the largest museum and cultural building in the entire province. If you are passionate about Chinese history and culture, this destination offers an extraordinary journey through time. The institution traces its origins back to October 9, 1919, when it opened as the Education Library and Museum of Shanxi, making it one of the earliest museums in China.

Although its collections suffered heavy damage and partial relocation to Japan shortly after the Second Sino-Japanese War, the institution merged with the Relics Hall of Taiyuan City in September 1953 to become the Shanxi Provincial Museum, eventually adopting its current name upon completing a new building in 2005. Today, when you visit, you can explore a massive collection housing approximately 400,000 cultural relics alongside 110,000 old books. During your walkthrough, you will want to focus on important artefacts related to Northern Wei dynasty figure Sima Jinlong, who died in CE 484.

You can see a remarkable tomb plaque as well as a large number of detailed tomb figurines from his final resting place, including impressive pieces crafted from lead-glazed ceramics.

What to see at Shanxi Museum

• Discover the largest museum and cultural building in Shanxi province, located in Taiyuan.
• Explore a massive collection featuring roughly 400,000 cultural relics and 110,000 old books.
• View lead-glazed ceramic tomb figurines and artefacts from the tomb of Sima Jinlong (d. CE 484).
• Examine an ancient tomb plaque belonging to Sima Jinlong.
• Experience one of China's earliest museum institutions, originally established in 1919.

Visiting tips

Be sure to bring a valid ID with you when visiting to take advantage of free admission.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Shanxi Museum is easy to reach on Taiyuan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Taiyuan Ancient Mosque and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Taiyuan. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Taiyuan travel guide.