01Historic Walk
Maoling Museum
茂陵博物馆
All Ages
Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb).
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
Free entry; normally no reservation required. Busy weekends and public holidays may use a reservation arrangement.
Hours
Tue-Sun: 09:00-17:30; last entry 17:00.
Transport
No direct metro; a short taxi ride from Xianyang Railway Station
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Time
Year-round; combine with an old-town walk
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Travel to the Ming-era Confucian Temple complex at 53 Zhongshan Street, Weicheng District
From Xianyang Railway Station, a taxi takes only a few minutes. City buses 7, 19, and 56 serve the surrounding area.
Tip:The museum is in the old town. If you continue to the old street or Xianyang Lake afterward, wear shoes suitable for stone paving and longer walks.
2
Enter during museum hours
The museum opens Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00-17:30, with last entry at 17:00. Entry is normally free and does not require a reservation; follow the on-site procedure and present the identification required for entry.
Tip:Busy weekends and public holidays may switch to a reservation arrangement. If a reservation notice is issued for your visit date, complete it before travelling there.
3
See the Western Han painted terracotta figures first, then the jade and metalwork
Start with the Western Han painted terracotta army, then look for the Jade Immortal Riding a Galloping Horse, the Warring States gold-and-silver-inlaid tripod, and the Tang sancai horse led by a foreign groom.
Tip:The museum is compact but covers the Warring States, Han, and Tang periods. Without a priority order, it is easy to spread limited time across less important cases.
4
Join the museum's free guided talk if your arrival time matches it
Free guided talks are usually offered at 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, and 16:00; ask staff after entry for the day's schedule.
Tip:If you miss the talk, allow extra time to read labels for the painted figures, jade sculpture, and other key objects.
5
Link the museum with a walk through the old town
Continue to Xianyang Old Street, then choose Phoenix Terrace, the Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site Museum, or Xianyang Lake.
Tip:If you place several stops in one afternoon, enter the museum before 17:00; a later walk cannot replace missed gallery time.
Highlights
- The museum occupies a Ming-era Confucian Temple complex, where courtyards, red walls, and glazed roof tiles form part of the visit.
- The Western Han painted terracotta army preserves colour and offers a useful comparison with the Qin Terracotta Army.
- The Jade Immortal Riding a Galloping Horse combines an immortal figure and celestial horse in an important example of Han jade carving.
- The Warring States gold-and-silver-inlaid tripod shows the precision of elite metalworking.
- The Tang sancai horse led by a foreign groom reflects Tang-period people, horses, and exchange themes.
Insider Tips
✦Allow 2-3 hours for the full museum and a guided talk. With only one hour, focus on the painted terracotta figures, jade sculpture, and inlaid tripod.
✦Light changes between the galleries and the historic courtyards. Do not use flash and follow the museum's photography rules.
✦Phoenix Terrace is close enough for a short stop after the museum; Xianyang Lake works better for an evening walk.
✦Free admission does not guarantee walk-in entry if a weekend reservation arrangement is in effect.
✦Plan meals separately from the museum visit so restaurant queues do not make you miss the 17:00 last-entry time.
More Xianyang Attractions
02City Guide
Maoling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu
汉武帝茂陵
All Ages
Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb). Covered by the Maoling Scenic Area ticket.
Typical Visit
45-60 minutes
03Historic Walk
Tomb of Huo Qubing
霍去病墓
All Ages
Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb). Included within the Maoling Museum grounds.
Typical Visit
45-75 minutes
04City Guide
Xianyang Ancient Ferry Covered Bridge
咸阳古渡廊桥
All Ages
Admission
Free pedestrian access
Typical Visit
Short walk
05City Guide
Han Yangling National Archaeological Site Park
汉阳陵国家考古遗址公园
All Ages
Admission
Mar-Nov: CNY 70; Dec-Feb: CNY 55; students half price.
Typical Visit
1.5-3 hours
06Food District
Mawei Post Folk Culture Experience Park
马嵬驿民俗文化体验园
All Ages
Admission
Free public area
Typical Visit
Half day