Gansu Provincial Museum

If you are traveling through Lanzhou, China, a visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum offers you an incredible look into both ancient regional history and the natural world. Originally established strictly to showcase the history of Gansu itself, the institution underwent three years of renovations before being re-purposed in 1956 to include a natural history museum. Today, you will discover a massive collection featuring over 350,000 artefacts divided across two primary sections: history and natural science.

Over its rich history since its foundation, the museum has hosted nearly 300 exhibitions, with items from its vast holdings shown to audiences worldwide. When you explore the halls, you will encounter diverse permanent exhibitions covering Buddhist art, fossils and paleontology, painted pottery, Silk Road civilization, and 'Red Gansu,' which highlights the Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War. Above all, you should not miss the museum's major holding: the iconic Flying Horse of Gansu.

This remarkable bronze sculpture dates back to the Eastern Han dynasty around the 2nd century AD. Whether you are fascinated by prehistoric fossils, delicate pottery, or ancient trade routes, this premier Lanzhou destination provides an unforgettable cultural stop on your Chinese adventure.

What to see at Gansu Provincial Museum

• The Flying Horse of Gansu, a 2nd-century AD Eastern Han bronze sculpture
• Exhibitions on Silk Road civilization and ancient Buddhist art
• Fossils, paleontology displays, and historic painted pottery
• The 'Red Gansu' exhibition on the Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War
• A collection boasting over 350,000 history and natural science artefacts

Visiting tips

Be sure to allocate enough time during your visit to experience both the natural history displays and historical treasures like the Flying Horse of Gansu.

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

How to get there & what’s nearby

Gansu Provincial Museum is easy to reach on Lanzhou’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Xiguan Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lanzhou travel guide.