Location & How to Get There
“Tomb With A Secondary Bench” is tucked inside the Xi'an Banpo Museum, located at 155 Banpo Road in the eastern suburbs of Shaanxi Province. To reach it, you can take a taxi or bus (like Bus 157 or 401) straight to the museum’s entrance. If you’re coming from downtown Xi’an, it’s about a 30-minute drive—perfect for a half-day trip. The museum itself feels like a quiet escape, surrounded by trees and greenery, so you’ll know you’re in the right place once you see the traditional Chinese architecture.
Natural Scenery: A Peaceful Retreat
Though this tomb isn’t surrounded by mountains or rivers, the museum’s grounds offer a calming vibe. You’ll walk through a landscaped garden with old-growth trees and flower beds that feel like a mini oasis. It’s a great spot to take a breather between exploring exhibits. The tomb area is shaded by tall trees, which makes visiting on a sunny day much more comfortable.
Cultural Highlights: Ancient Secrets Revealed
The “Tomb With A Secondary Bench” is one of the coolest relics here. Unlike regular burial sites, this one has a unique second-level platform built into the grave—a design that dates back over 6,000 years to the Yangshao Culture. Imagine an ancient “apartment” for the deceased! Archaeologists think this bench might have been used for rituals or offerings. What’s even wilder? The tomb was found with delicate painted pottery and tools, giving us a peek into daily life during China’s Neolithic era.
Guided Tours & Learning Experience
Don’t miss the free English tours led by museum guides! They’ll explain why the secondary bench matters (hint: it shows early Chinese beliefs about death and the afterlife). Kids or history buffs will love the interactive displays, like replicas of the pottery found here. The museum also has a small theater showing short films about archaeological digs, which adds context to the tomb’s story.
Facilities: Family-Friendly & Accessible
The museum is super visitor-friendly. You’ll find clean restrooms, a cafe with local snacks (try the Shaanxi liangpi noodles!), and a gift shop selling cute souvenirs like mini pottery replicas. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, too—the paths are flat, and the tomb area is easy to navigate. If you get tired, there are benches under the trees where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A trip to the “Tomb With A Secondary Bench” feels like stepping back in time. You’ll wander through reconstructed huts showing how ancient people lived, then dive into the mysterious tomb itself. Be sure to snap photos of the bench structure (it’s tiny but fascinating up close!) and the surrounding pottery displays. Plan for 1–2 hours here; pair it with a visit to the museum’s main hall to see other Yangshao artifacts for a full cultural immersion.
This hidden gem proves that even small relics can hold huge stories—perfect for anyone curious about China’s ancient roots!