SHM Qin-Han Civilization Museum (陕西历史博物馆秦汉馆)
陕西历史博物馆秦汉馆Shǎnxī Lìshǐ Bówùguǎn Qínhàn Guǎn
The Shaanxi History Museum's easier-to-book second site
Entry
Free
Hours
Wed–Mon · ≈9:30
Time needed
2–3 hours
Booking
Required · 2 days ahead
The Qin-Han Civilization Museum (陕西历史博物馆秦汉馆) is the Shaanxi History Museum's second site, opened in May 2024 in Qinhan New City, Xixian New Area, between Xi'an and Xianyang. It is devoted entirely to the Qin and Han dynasties — the period when China was first unified and the Silk Road opened — and sits near the ruins of the Qin capital Xianyang and the belt of Western Han imperial tombs. The complex of seven connected Qin-Han-style buildings displays around 1,500 objects, most shown for the first time, including Terracotta-style figures, bronzes and the 'Silk Road No. 1' wooden boat. Admission is free with a real-name reservation, and because it is far from the city centre, tickets are much easier to get than at the main museum on Xiaozhai East Road. Pair it with Hanyangling or Maoling, or with a flight from Xianyang Airport.
Main museum vs the Qin-Han branch
- Two separate sites, two separate reservations — check which one you are booking
- The main museum (91 Xiaozhai East Road) covers all of Shaanxi history; this branch covers only the Qin and Han
- Main museum closes Mondays; the Qin-Han branch closes Tuesdays
- Tickets here are far easier to get — a realistic plan B when the main museum is sold out
What's inside
- Inaugural 'Qin-Han Civilization' permanent exhibition
- 'City and Mausoleum' (城与陵) hall pairing the buried capitals with the imperial tombs around them
- About 1,500 relics on display, around 90% shown for the first time
- Highlights cited by guides include the 'Silk Road No. 1' wooden boat and the Tally of Du
Booking as a foreigner
- Reserve through the 'Shaanxi History Museum' WeChat official account and select the Qin-Han Civilization Museum
- Have your passport details ready; bring the passport to enter
- Free tickets; book a few days ahead for weekends and holidays
- Visitor service line: +86-29-85253806
Getting there and combining sights
- The museum is in the Xixian New Area north-west of Xi'an, not near the city-centre museum mile
- Combine with Hanyangling (Emperor Jing's tomb) or Maoling on a Han-tombs day
- Convenient on the way to or from Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY)
- Allow 2–3 hours inside plus travel time
Questions, answered
Is the Qin-Han Civilization Museum the same as the Shaanxi History Museum?
It is a branch of the Shaanxi History Museum but a separate building in Xixian New Area, with its own reservation and opening days.
Is it hard to get tickets to the Qin-Han museum?
Much easier than the main Shaanxi History Museum; tickets are free but must be reserved under your real name through the museum's WeChat account.
Which day is the Qin-Han museum closed?
Tuesdays, except on national holidays.
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