The city of Xian is of inestimable significance in the history of China, having long been a cultural powerhouse as well as the capital of numerous dynasties. The Shaanxi History Museum, a modern building echoing classic Tang Dynasty architecture, offers a time-traveling tour of the city and its surrounding province.
Much of the enormous collection is the result of archeological digs in the area, including early tools and vessels from a Neolithic village. A collection of Ming Dynasty pottery guard figurines makes a nice contrast to the city’s famed terracotta warriors, while other exhibits include priceless objects in jade, bronze, ceramics and other materials.
The Shaanxi History Museum (also known as the Shaanxi Provincial Museum) is to the south-west of the Xian City Walls, near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Numerous bus routes go past the site, including tourist buses 6 and 8.
