Location & Transportation

Banpo Museum sits in Baqiao District of Xi’an, near the Chan River. The address is straightforward: No.155 Banpo Road, Baqiao District, Shaanxi Province. To get there, take Metro Line 1 to Banpo Station (exit C) and walk 5 minutes. Buses 157, 301, or 903 also drop you nearby. If driving, park at the museum’s lot—it’s free!

Natural Surroundings

Though Banpo Museum focuses on history, its riverside location adds a calming touch. The Chan River flows nearby, and in spring, willow trees sway gently. It’s a quiet escape from Xi’an’s busier tourist spots.

Cultural Treasures: A 6,000-Year-Old Village

Banpo Museum is China’s first prehistoric settlement museum, showcasing the largest and best-preserved Neolithic village in the Yellow River region. Walk through reconstructed huts and imagine life 6,000 years ago. The site reveals how early humans farmed, fished, and crafted tools.

The museum’s exhibits split into three parts:

  1. Unearthed Artifacts: Over 18,000 items, including pottery, bone tools, and 300+ fossil specimens.
  2. Site Hall: A giant preserved section of the village where you can see ancient house foundations.
  3. Supporting Exhibits: Interactive displays explaining Neolithic lifestyle, like how they made fire or stored grain.

Must-See Highlights

  • Human-Fish Face Basin: This iconic pottery bowl, decorated with a fish-headed figure, is Banpo’s crown jewel. Its design inspired the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Fuwa mascots!
  • Skeleton Samples: See preserved human bones from the Neolithic era, offering clues about diet and health.
  • Tools & Pottery: Ancient stone axes, bone needles, and delicate painted ceramics show remarkable craftsmanship.

Facilities for Visitors

  • Guided Tours: Free English-language tours run daily at 10 AM and 2 PM.
  • Interactive Zones: Try making a clay pot or weaving reed mats—modern replicas of ancient tasks.
  • Gift Shop & Café: Buy mini replicas of the Human-Fish Face Basin or rest with a tea by the river.

What to Expect During Your Visit

At Banpo Museum, history feels alive. You’ll walk on dirt paths between rebuilt huts, just like ancestors did. The open-air Site Hall lets you peer into ancient homes, while VR displays transport you to Neolithic times. Plan for 2–3 hours to explore everything.

A visit here isn’t just about looking at old objects—it’s about stepping back in time. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, Banpo Museum offers a unique window into China’s roots. Don’t miss the riverside benches, where you can relax and reflect on 6,000 years of human creativity.