Gansu Provincial Museum

Introducing Gansu Provincial Museum
Gansu Provincial Museum is a regional museum located in Lanzhou city. Gansu Provincial Museum is one of the oldest museum in China. Established to showcase the history of Gansu Province, it underwent a significant renovation in 1956, expanding the scope to encompass natural history as well. Today, Gansu Provincial Museum’s diverse collection of over 82,000 artifacts has served as the foundation for nearly 300 exhibitions, bringing its treasures to audiences both locally and internationally.

Gansu Provincial Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Gān Sù Shěng Bó Wù Guǎn 甘肃省博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Archeology, Gansu’s Culture and History
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 3 Xijin West Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu Province

What to Expect at the Gansu Provincial Museum
Gansu Provincial Museum is the destination for diving deep into the rich history and multifaceted culture of Gansu Province. From ancient pottery and intricate Buddhist sculptures to displays of Silk Road treasures and captivating exhibits on local traditions, the museum paints a vivid tapestry of Gansu’s vibrant past and present. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the region’s cultural heritage, a visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Exhibitions of Painted Pottery in Gansu Province
The exhibitions’ collection features an impressive array of pottery types, shapes, and decorative patterns, reflecting the evolution of artistic skills and cultural aesthetics. Notable highlights include tripodia painted pottery with distinctive broadband patterns, a beautiful painted vase featuring a unique mouth design, and the renowned Dadiwan (5800-5400 BC) Drawing, a testament to the early artistic expressions of Gansu’s ancient inhabitants.

Silk Road Civilization Exhibition
The ancient Silk Road represents the vibrant cultural exchange between East and West, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite art and artifacts. The Silk Road Exhibition of the museum offers a glimpse into this remarkable history, showcasing over 420 carefully curated pieces. Visitors can explore a diverse range of artifacts, including bronzes from the Northern China Prairie Culture, intricate bronze horses and honor guards, delicate silk fabrics, Buddhist relics, precious gold and silver wares, vibrantly colored tri-colored glazed pottery from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and elegant blue-and-white pottery from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

Paleontological Exhibition
Structured around the central theme of Life Evolution, the exhibition has four halls presenting a rich tapestry of paleontological fossils and specimens. Visitors are taken on an immersive journey through time, starting with the formation of Earth and the emergence of life. Each hall delves into a specific geological epoch—Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic—showcasing the diverse fossils discovered from each period and providing insights into the prevailing environmental conditions and the evolution of life forms during those eras.

How to Get to Gansu Provincial Museum
• By Bus: Take bus 31, 58, K102 to Provincial Museum Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Gansu Provincial Museum
• The museum is closed on Mondays except Chinese public holidays.
• Food and colored drinks are not allowed in the museum.