Jinsha Site Museum金沙遗址博物馆
The Jinsha site, on Chengdu's western outskirts, was the capital of the ancient Shu kingdom during the Shang and Zhou periods. Excavated from 2001, it yielded tens of thousands of objects — above all the Golden Sun Bird gold foil, now the emblem of China's cultural heritage. The museum stands on the site itself and showcases the brilliance of Shu civilization.
Chengdu · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Jinsha Site Museum worth visiting?
Remains of the ancient Shu kingdom of the Shang and Zhou eras, findspot of the Golden Sun Bird — now China's emblem of cultural heritage. Admission CNY 70; a must for archaeology lovers.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Adults CNY 70; students CNY 35 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-18:00 (until 18:30 in summer); last entry 17:00 |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Any season — the indoor galleries are weatherproof |
| How to get there | Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Museum station (金沙博物馆站), Exit C, then a short walk; buses 7, 32, 41, 82, 83, 96 to the Jinsha Site stop. (Line corrected from Line 2, verified against the museum's official transport page 2026-10-12.) |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Age | About 3,200-2,600 years ago (Shang-Zhou period) |
| Site area | About 5 sq km |
| Artifacts unearthed | About 10,000 |
| Star artifact | The Golden Sun Bird (China's cultural heritage emblem) |
| Excavated | 2001 |
| Status | National first-class museum |
What to expect
The Jinsha site, in Jinsha Village on Chengdu's western edge, was the capital of the ancient Shu kingdom in the Shang and Zhou periods, roughly 3,200 to 2,600 years ago. Discovered in 2001 and extensively excavated, it produced around 10,000 objects — gold, jade, bronze, stone and ivory among them.
The most famous find is the Golden Sun Bird gold foil: 12.5 cm across the outside, 5.29 cm across the inner cutout, a mere 0.02 cm thick and just 20 grams in weight — the most exquisite gold work of the Shang-Zhou era known today. In 2005 it was chosen as the emblem of China's cultural heritage.
The museum was built on the site itself, in two parts. The Relics Hall preserves the excavation area as found, with its sacrificial zone and dwelling remains in situ; the Exhibition Hall displays the treasures unearthed here. Take a guided tour if you can — otherwise the fine points are easy to miss.
How to get there
Metro Line 7 to Jinsha Museum station (金沙博物馆站), Exit C, then a short walk; buses 7, 32, 41, 82, 83 and 96 stop at the Jinsha Site stop.
Best photo spots
- The Golden Sun Bird gold foil (the museum's star piece)
- The sacrificial area inside the Relics Hall
- The museum's exterior and gardens
- The gold and jade galleries
Tips
- Hire a guide or audio guide — without one the exhibits are hard to read
- Pairs well with Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, about 2 km away
- Photography rules inside are strict — please follow them
Scams to avoid
- No significant scam risk
Frequently asked questions
How does Jinsha relate to Sanxingdui?
Both are sites of the ancient Shu civilization. Jinsha dates to about 3,000 years ago, Sanxingdui to about 4,800. Sanxingdui feels wilder and more mysterious, while Jinsha shows a more mature mastery of bronze and gold.
Do I need to book ahead?
Booking ahead is recommended in peak season.
How long is a visit?
About 2-3 hours; longer with a guided tour.
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