Gansu Provincial Museum

Reserve first, then plan to arrive in the morning

Admission is free, but make a real-name reservation through the museum's WeChat account in advance. For popular dates, do not leave this until the last minute. The regular schedule is Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00, with last entry at 16:30; the museum is closed on Mondays.

Handle luggage and decide on interpretation before starting

If you have a suitcase or large bag, ask about storage at the first-floor service desk. If you want more context, rent an audio guide or ask about an official guided visit.

Start on the second floor with Silk Road civilization

Begin in the Gansu Silk Road Civilization Gallery and prioritize the Bronze Galloping Horse, the bronze carriage-and-horse procession figures, and the messenger mural brick. If a key case is crowded, see the surrounding displays first and return later.

Continue to the third floor for painted pottery and Buddhist art

After the second floor, move upstairs for painted pottery, including the human-head-shaped pottery vase, then continue to the Buddhist art galleries for paintings, sculptures, and cultural exchange.

Finish on the first floor, then decide whether to visit the museum shop

Use the first floor for the paleontology displays and any remaining exhibitions. Visit the museum shop or stamp area only after the main galleries; if you have little time left, return to the second- or third-floor displays instead.