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Xi'an Beilin Museum [Photo / China.org.cn]

Located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Xi'an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物館) is home for steles and stone sculptures. First established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, its original purpose was to preserve and display two classics, The Thirteen Classics and Classic on Filial Piety (Shitai Xiao Jing Steles). Then, after many dynasties' worth of collecting, the museums holdings became larger and larger. It became known as the Stele Forest during the Qing Dynasty. The modern version of the museum was christened Xi’an Beilin Museum in 1992.

Covering an area of 31,900 square meters, Beilin consists of a Confucian temple, the Stele Forest and the Stone Carving Art room. It is the biggest collection of steles in China, with over 3,000 unique pillars. There are 11 exhibition rooms that display works of calligraphy, paintings and other historical records. Most of the museums exhibits focus on Tang Dynasty steles. Just before the first display room, one can find the tablet pavilion that was specially built for the classic, Classic on Filial Pierty.

In 1961, the State Council announced that the Xi'an Stele Forest, later the Xi'an Beilin Museum, was in the first batch of national important historical sites that should receive special protection.

Pro-Tips:

1. Nearby to the museum, there is a Muslim street drum-tower which has delicious snacks.

2. The best time to visit is in the spring (March-May) or autumn (Septemeber-November.)

3. Students and soldiers receive a 50% discount on tickets. Guides cost 50 yuan.

Hours: 8 am - 6:45 pm (summer);

8 am - 6 pm (winter);

Admission: 45 yuan (high season);

Tel: +86-29-7210764

Add: No.15, Sanxue Road, Xi'an City

Getting There:

By Bus: Take bus No.14, 402, 512, 223, 704 or 208; or tourism bus No.6