Overview
What to Expect
Sanxingdui Ruins Site, located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province (40 mins from Chengdu), is one of China’s most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-771 BCE), it reveals a mysterious ancient civilization that was previously unknown to history, often called the “Sanxingdui Civilization”. The site is famous for its spectacular bronze artifacts, including giant bronze masks with protruding eyes, bronze sacred trees, gold scepters, and jade artifacts, which showcase an advanced bronze-casting technology and unique artistic style far different from other contemporary Chinese civilizations. The Sanxingdui Museum, built on the ruins site, displays these precious artifacts and interprets the mysteries of this ancient civilization, making it a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts in Sichuan.
Reveals a mysterious 3,000-year-old civilization unknown to historical records
Famous for unique bronze artifacts: giant eye masks, sacred trees, gold scepters
Advanced ancient bronze-casting technology far ahead of its time
Close to Chengdu (20 mins by high-speed train), perfect short cultural trip
Modern museum with interactive exhibits explaining archaeological discoveries
Things to Do
- View the iconic bronze mask with protruding eyes – the symbol of Sanxingdui civilization
- Explore two exhibition halls with over 1,000 precious artifacts including bronzes, gold, and jade
- Visit the actual excavation pits to see where the artifacts were discovered
- Watch 3D documentaries about the archaeological discovery process (available in English)
- Participate in hands-on activities: try making small bronze artifact replicas (weekends only)
Suggested Itinerary
- Morning – Arrival & Museum Exhibition
Take high-speed train from Chengdu to Guanghan North Railway Station (20 mins). Take taxi to Sanxingdui Museum (15 mins). Visit the Exhibition Hall 1 and 2, viewing the famous bronze masks, sacred trees, and gold artifacts with audio guide explanation. - Midday – Ruins Park Exploration
Explore the actual ruins site including the Sacrifice Pit Area (where artifacts were excavated) and the Ancient City Wall remains. Learn about the archaeological excavation process and the layout of the ancient city. - Afternoon – Cultural Experience & Return
Visit the cultural and creative center to purchase replica artifacts or souvenirs. Have lunch at the museum restaurant with Sichuan specialties, then take high-speed train back to Chengdu (20 mins).
How to Get to Sanxingdui Ruins Site
- By high-speed train (Recommended): Take CRH train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Guanghan North Railway Station (20 mins, 10-15 RMB). Then take taxi to Sanxingdui Museum (15 mins, 20-30 RMB) or bus No. 6 (30 mins, 2 RMB).
- By bus: Take bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Guanghan Bus Station (1 hour, 15-20 RMB). Then take taxi to the museum (10 mins, 15-20 RMB).
- By private car/taxi: 40-minute drive from Chengdu city center, about 150-200 RMB one-way. Free parking available at the museum.
- By tour: Many half-day cultural tours from Chengdu include Sanxingdui (200-300 RMB including transport and guide).
Travel Tips
- Audio guide recommended: Rent an English audio guide (40 RMB) to fully understand the artifacts and their historical significance. Group guides in English are available for booking (150 RMB for up to 10 people).
- Best visiting time: Visit in the morning (9-11 AM) to avoid crowds and have better lighting for photography. The museum is less crowded on weekdays.
- Photography rules: No flash photography allowed in the exhibition halls to protect the artifacts. Photography is permitted in the ruins park area.
- Duration: Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit (1 hour for exhibitions, 1 hour for ruins, 30 mins for cultural center).
- Combination trip: Combine with Chengdu Museum or Jinsha Site Museum for a full day of Sichuan ancient civilization exploration.
FAQ
What makes Sanxingdui so mysterious?
Sanxingdui civilization has no records in historical texts, and its bronze artifacts with unique styles (like giant eye masks) are very different from other contemporary Chinese civilizations, creating many unsolved mysteries.
Are the artifacts on display real?
Most of the major artifacts on display are high-quality replicas for protection. The original artifacts are kept in specialized museums or storage facilities, but some smaller artifacts are original.
Is Sanxingdui suitable for children?
Yes, the museum has interactive exhibits and educational programs that make ancient history interesting for children. The mysterious bronze artifacts often spark children’s curiosity.
What’s the entrance fee for Sanxingdui?
Museum ticket: 72 RMB (adults), free for children under 1.2m. Discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel with valid ID. Audio guide rental is additional (40 RMB).
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