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; no reservation required.
Hours
09:30-17:00; last entry 16:00.
Transport
Qingong Station (秦宫站), Line 14, Exit A
Duration
2.5-4 hours
Best Time
Year-round; indoor museum
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Travel from Qingong Station on Metro Line 14
Leave from Exit A and walk for about 10 minutes, or take the roughly CNY 1 shuttle bus or free transfer service to the entrance. Drivers should navigate to the South Gate car park.
Tip:If you rely only on the walking route without allowing time for the transfer, you may lose time intended for the galleries.
2
Complete entry before 16:00
The museum is open 09:30-17:00, with free entry and no reservation required. Follow the on-site procedure and present the identification required for entry.
Tip:Entry stops at 16:00, so arriving late means you cannot begin the visit even without a reservation requirement.
3
Start with the All Under Heaven United permanent exhibition
Enter from the South Gate, visit this main exhibition first, then continue through the east-side galleries, second-floor Qin and Han displays, and the themed Cities and Tombs and Technology and Beauty sections.
Tip:The museum is large. Moving between galleries at random creates unnecessary backtracking and can mean missing the second-floor sections.
4
Use a short list of priority objects
Look for the Empress's Seal, the Du Tiger Tally, the Gilt Bronze Silkworm, the Painted Wild Goose and Fish Lamp, the Gilt Bronze Bamboo-Node Incense Burner, the Han-period boat, and the Kneeling Archer.
Tip:There are many objects on display; trying to read every case makes it difficult to finish the main route within 2-4 hours.
5
Choose interpretation support if needed and visit light
A human guide costs about CNY 25 per person and usually requires a group of 20; an audio guide is about CNY 30 per device. Large luggage can be stored near the South Gate.
Tip:Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Large bags and photography equipment will slow security and the visit.
Highlights
- The All Under Heaven United exhibition provides a clear starting point for understanding Qin and Han institutions and culture.
- The Empress's Seal is a key object for exploring Western Han imperial authority and jade craftsmanship.
- The Du Tiger Tally preserves gold-inlaid inscriptions and illustrates military mobilisation in late Warring States Qin.
- The Painted Wild Goose and Fish Lamp shows a sophisticated Han-era design that channels smoke into the body of the vessel.
- Objects such as the Gilt Bronze Silkworm and Han-period boat connect silk production, water transport, and long-distance exchange.
Insider Tips
✦Allow 2.5-4 hours. A visit focused only on the permanent exhibition can be shorter, but the Cities and Tombs and Technology and Beauty sections need additional time.
✦There is still a walk from Qingong Station in summer, so bring water and wear shoes suitable for extended standing and walking.
✦Human-guided tours have a minimum group requirement. If a group does not form, use the audio guide instead of delaying entry.
✦Parking is about CNY 5 for three hours; allow extra time if your visit runs longer.
✦Pair this museum with the Qin Xianyang Palace Site Museum: see the palace-site remains first, then use the Qin-Han Branch to add historical context through objects.
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