Plan at a glance
Site areas and current opening status
The Niuheliang site is on the border between Jianping County and Lingyuan City and dates to about 5,500–5,000 years ago. Visits are limited to the areas open at each venue: the site museum, Site 2, and the Exhibition Center. The protected core area is not all open to visitors.
Status update (as of October 13, 2026): The Goddess Temple Protection and Exhibition Hall has been under renovation since June 8. A scenic-area announcement reposted on September 29 said the hall would open temporarily during the National Day holiday. An earlier closure notice said other venues would remain open, but the holiday opening does not confirm a return to regular service; some travel platforms still show the park as “temporarily closed.” Before making the trip, call 0421-7061911 to confirm the site museum, Site 2, the Exhibition Center, and the Goddess Temple individually, then arrange transport and tickets.
Admission, shuttle, and entry times
The regular price schedule is CNY 40 for the museum, CNY 10 for Site 1 (第一地点), CNY 30 for Site 2, and CNY 60 for a joint ticket. The shuttle is CNY 20 per person. While the Goddess Temple was closed for renovation, a temporary price of CNY 50 full fare and CNY 25 half fare was announced for the joint ticket. Confirm the current ticket price and sales arrangements with the site; the holiday opening price was not specified.
Trip.com lists hours of 09:00–16:00 and a 15:30 last-entry time while also marking the park as temporarily closed. Those hours do not confirm that the site has reopened. Once opening is confirmed, check the internal transport and its last departure, and allow time for walking between venues.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The main site museum
The main museum has eight core sections: “Dawn of Civilization,” “Hongshan Ancient State,” “Human Ancestors,” “Altars and Rituals,” “Royal Tombs of the Ancient State,” “The Beginnings of Jade Ritual,” “Hongshan Culture,” and a temporary exhibition hall. Start here to learn about the site's discovery and archaeological background before visiting the protected remains at Site 2.
Exhibits related to the site include the Jade Pig Dragon (玉猪龙), Jade Phoenix (玉凤), and the famous clay Goddess Head (女神头像). Check the displays to see which artifacts are currently on view and whether they are originals or replicas.
Site 2 and the Exhibition Center
The Site 2 protection hall focuses on altars and stone burial mounds (积石冢). Follow the permitted route through the shelters to view the remains and display panels; use the museum's own explanations for archaeological comparisons.
The Exhibition Center adds background on archaeological discoveries; its opening and multimedia schedule may vary by day. The Goddess Temple's National Day opening was temporary, and regular service has not been confirmed.
Build your day
Two- to three-hour highlights route
When the museum and Site 2 are open, start at the main museum, then take park transport to Site 2 to see the altars and stone burial mounds. Allow about 2–3 hours for this highlights route, adjusting for transport connections and the areas that are open. This route does not include the Goddess Temple.
The venues are spread out, and the shuttle costs CNY 20 per person. The interval, route, and last departure have not been published; ask about the return trip when you enter.
Half-day extended route
If the Exhibition Center is open and park transport connects to it, add it as a third stop and allow about 4–5 hours for a half-day visit. Check the last shuttle before setting out; include the Goddess Temple only if the site confirms it is open.
Get there
Jianping and Niuheliang railway stations
Jianping Railway Station and Niuheliang Railway Station are different stops. A 2024 notice from Lingyuan and Jianping listed dedicated buses from both stations to the site museum, with different schedules; the 2026 timetable has not been confirmed. Call 0421-7061911 or the transit operator before departure to confirm the boarding point and return service. Do not infer the return timetable from the outbound schedule.
The site is in a remote area, and return transport may not be readily available. Arrange a round trip in advance. If driving, follow the on-site parking signs.
Driving, parking, and supplies
For navigation, search for “牛河梁国家考古遗址公园” (Niuheliang National Archaeological Site Park) or “牛河梁遗址博物馆” (Niuheliang Site Museum). Call ahead to confirm which entrance is open. The 2026 parking schedule gives the first 30 minutes free, then CNY 10 per visit for small vehicles, CNY 15 for medium vehicles, and CNY 20 for large vehicles.
Outdoor stops are spread out, and food options in the park are limited. Bring water and simple supplies. Include sun exposure, walking, and shuttle connections between venues in your plan, and allow extra time for the return trip.
Know before you go
Identification, concessions, and guiding
Call 0421-7061911 to confirm the exact concession rules for children, seniors, and visitors with disabilities, as well as student discounts, passport ticketing, and real-name registration. If you cannot confirm eligibility, budget for a regular ticket.
Guiding is charged by group. Book ahead to confirm the current price, available times, foreign-language service, and whether you can join a shared group.
Artifacts and on-site rules
Stay on open routes and follow barriers and signs around protected or construction areas. If the whole park is still closed, postpone your visit and plan around the confirmed open areas, ticket prices, and transport arrangements.
Photography, flash, audio guides, VR, and accessibility connections have not been confirmed. Follow signs inside the museum; if you need assistance, ask about shuttle stops and ramps before your visit.