Jinsha Site Museum in Qingyang District protects and displays the remains of a Shang-to-Zhou-era Shu kingdom capital discovered in 2001, roughly contemporary with and possibly connected to the earlier Sanxingdui civilization. The museum is built directly over part of the excavation, with a large glass-roofed pit hall letting visitors look down on preserved ivory tusks, ritual pits, and unexcavated soil layers exactly as archaeologists found them. A separate exhibition hall displays the site's finest artifacts, including the gold 'Sun and Immortal Bird' ornament that has become a symbol of Chengdu, alongside jade, bronze, and ivory objects. Outdoor grounds recreate a section of ancient riverbank landscape with reconstructed vegetation typical of the period. A full visit covering both the excavation pit hall and the artifact exhibition hall takes about ninety minutes to two hours. The exhibition hall's gold ornament displays draw the heaviest visitor concentration, while the excavation pit hall, despite being the site's namesake feature, is often calmer since it requires a slower, more deliberate viewing pace. Note that the museum is undergoing renovation from December 2025 through April 2027, so visitors should confirm current opening status and which halls are accessible before planning a visit.
| Admission | Adult ¥70 ($9.70) · Child Half-price for ages 7-18 and full-time students; free for over-60s and disabled visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00), closed Monday except official holidays; note the museum is undergoing renovation from December 2025 to April 2027, so visitors should check current status before planning a visit |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Site Museum Station |
| Address | 2 Jinsha Site Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu |
Weather through the year in Sichuan
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Sichuan.
Location
2 Jinsha Site Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu
30.6812, 104.0126 View on map
Highlights
- Glass-roofed excavation pit displaying preserved ivory tusks and ritual deposits in situ
- Gold 'Sun and Immortal Bird' ornament, a symbol of Chengdu
- Jade, bronze, and ivory artifacts from the ancient Shu kingdom
- Outdoor grounds recreating the site's ancient riverbank landscape
- Direct connection to the broader Sanxingdui-Jinsha Shu civilization narrative
Tips for visiting
- Confirm current opening status before visiting, since the museum is under renovation from December 2025 to April 2027
- Head to the excavation pit hall first if arriving with a tour group, since the artifact hall draws the largest crowds
- Weekday mornings are calmest for viewing the gold ornament display without a crowd
- Combine with a Metro Line 7 day covering other western Chengdu sights, since the museum sits slightly outside the central core
- Check current phone contact for hours given the ongoing renovation
When to visit
Weekday mornings, and only after confirming the museum's renovation status for the December 2025-April 2027 closure period.
Accessibility
The museum buildings are modern with ramps and elevators connecting the pit hall and exhibition hall, making the site broadly wheelchair accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Jinsha Site Museum take?
A full visit covering the excavation pit hall and artifact exhibition hall takes about ninety minutes to two hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the in-situ excavation displays and the well-known gold ornament give children a tangible sense of archaeology, though some abstract historical context may need adult explanation.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in both the pit hall and exhibition hall; flash is prohibited to protect the artifacts.