Forest Of Stone Steles Museum

西安碑林博物馆 (Xi'ān Beilin Liùshí Jiànzhuàng)

Cultural Institutions Xi'an China | 0.88km from downtown

An ancient Xi'an museum housing 11,000+ stone tablets showcasing Tang calligraphy masterpieces and millennia-old carvings, blending China's Han-to-Qing art and history in a serene old-town courtyard.

Location & Transportation

The Forest Of Stone Steles Museum sits at No. 16, Sanxue Street in Beilin District, Xi’an. It’s nestled in the heart of the old city, surrounded by traditional hutong (alleyways) and historic buildings. Getting there is easy:

By metro: Exit at Beidajie Station (Line 2) and walk 10 minutes.
By bus: Routes 40, 187, or 221 drop you near the entrance.
Walking: It’s a 15-minute stroll from Xi’an City Wall or the Muslim Quarter, making it perfect for combining with other sights.

Natural & Architectural Highlights

Though not a “natural” landscape, the museum’s courtyards and ancient architecture blend seamlessly with its stone treasures. The complex spans 31,900 square meters and includes three main sections:

Confucius Temple: A serene space with classic Chinese pavilions and halls.
Stele Forest: Rows of towering stone tablets dating back over a millennium.
Stone Art Gallery: Showcases intricate carvings and statues.

Shade from centuries-old trees makes the outdoor areas peaceful, especially during hot summer days.

Cultural & Historical Treasures

This is China’s oldest museum in Shaanxi, dedicated to preserving stone steles, epitaphs, and carved artworks. Inside, you’ll find:

11,000+ artifacts across 11 exhibition halls.
Famous calligraphy: Masterpieces by Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, and Huai Su, all giants of Chinese书法 (calligraphy). Their brushwork is frozen in time on massive stone slabs.
Tang Dynasty gems: The Stone Terrace Evidence of Filial Piety (a grand monument promoting respect for elders) and the Kai Cheng Stone Classics (a Confucian text carved in epic detail).
Ancient statues: Buddhist figures and imperial guardians carved from stone.

Practical Facilities

Guided tours: Available in English/Chinese for deep dives into history.
Gift shop: Buy replicas of steles, calligraphy sets, or Tang-style souvenirs.
Café: Relax in the courtyard with tea or snacks after exploring.
Rest areas: Wooden benches and shaded spots let you pause and absorb the vibe.

Immersive Experience Tips

Start at the Confucius Temple: Its halls frame the museum’s layout perfectly.
Touch replicas: Rubbings (ink-transfer copies) let you feel the texture of ancient carvings.
Join a workshop: Try DIY stone rubbing to create your own mini-masterpiece.
Time your visit: Mornings are quietest; afternoons can be crowded but lively.
Combine with nearby spots: Walk to the Museum of Shanxi History or grab lunch at a local liangpi (cold skin) stall in the Muslim Quarter.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

Even if you’re not a history buff, the Forest Of Stone Steles Museum offers a unique peek into China’s artistic and intellectual heritage. The sheer scale of the stone archives—spanning Han to Qing dynasties—feels like stepping into a time capsule. And the chance to see Tang-era masterpieces up close? Priceless.

Pro tip: Bring a notebook! Staring at these 2,000-year-old characters might spark your own creativity. 📜✨

Basic Trip Information of Forest Of Stone Steles Museum

Play Time:

1-3 Hours

Traffic:

By Public Transportation: From the city center, take bus routes 14, 23, 40, 208, 216, 221, 222, 402, 800, or 258 and alight at Wenchangmen Bus Station. Proceed with a short 200-meter walk to reach the Xi’an Beilin Museum.

Ticket:

Admission Fee: 10 RMB (January 1 to December 31, Monday to Sunday)

Free Admission Policies:

Eligibility: Active military personnel (including retired military officers), disabled individuals, seniors aged 65 or older, and children aged 6 or younger. Required Documents: Military/retirement ID, disability certificate, resident ID card (or Shaanxi Provincial Senior Citizen Preferential Card).
Eligibility: Spouses and minor children under 18 years old accompanying active military personnel. Required Documents: Marriage certificate, household registration book, etc.
Eligibility: “Three-Category” personnel (family members of martyrs, etc.) with valid preferential treatment cards.
Eligibility: Active and retired firefighting/rescue personnel. Policy: Equivalent to active military personnel privileges.
Eligibility: Holders of the Sanqin Talent Card. Policy: Free admission for three accompanying individuals.
Eligibility: Academicians.

Additional Information:

The museum comprises the Stone Forest and the Ancient Confucian Temple Architectural Complex (south of Stone Forest Square).
From January 10, a low-price operation mode is implemented.
From January 14, only the Ancient Confucian Temple area remains open.

Note: The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the official announcement on the day of visit for details.

Open Time:

Opening Hours:

Daily Opening Time: 09:00-17:30

Applicable Dates:

Year-round: January 1 – December 31 (Monday through Sunday)

Note:

The museum operates daily throughout the year with no closures.

The Location of Forest Of Stone Steles Museum

Address:

Shaanxi Province Xi'an City Beilin District No.16 Sanxue Street

Phone:

029-87253331

Sub-attractions:

Beilin Calligraphy And Painting Street

Nearby Attractions To Forest Of Stone Steles Museum

Xi'An Tower

Distance: 0.04 KM

A historic Ming-era tower near Xi’an’s Bell Tower, famous for its stunning woodwork, golden details, and panoramic city views. Once used for timekeeping with giant drums, it’s now a cultural symbol with vibrant nighttime lights.

Xi'An Yu Youren Former Residence Museum

Distance: 0.07 KM

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Reconstruction Stele Of Dizang Wang Hall, Jianfu Temple