The Golden Window to Bashu Civilization: Chengdu Museum and the Urban Living Room of Tianfu

The "Urban Living Room" at Tianfu Square

1.Located at: No. 1 Xiaohe Street, immediately to the west of Tianfu Square in the heart of Chengdu, the Chengdu Museum (New Hall) stands as the largest comprehensive city museum in Western China. Opened to the public in 2016, this architectural landmark was designed by the renowned architect Liu Kecheng. The building's exterior is a striking fusion of modern geometry and ancient symbolism, featuring a golden copper mesh facade that evokes the image of the "Golden Sun Bird" spreading its wings—a symbol of the city's vibrant culture and history. As a "National First-Class Museum" and a National 4A Tourist Attraction, it serves as a grand encyclopedia, chronicling the city's evolution from a mysterious ancient kingdom to a modern metropolis,,.

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Shu Civilization

The museum houses a staggering collection of over 200,000 artifacts, offering a systematic display of Chengdu's history spanning 4,500 years of civilization and 2,300 years of city construction. The Bashu Civilization Hall is a highlight, showcasing precious items related to the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites. Visitors can marvel at mysterious bronze masks, the sacred bronze holy trees, and exquisite gold and jade wares that reveal the spiritual world and advanced craftsmanship of the ancient Shu people. These exhibits provide a vital link to understanding the unique origins of civilization in the Yangtze River valley and its distinct path parallel to the Central Plains,,.

2.The Smile of the: Han Dynasty and Folk Traditions

One of the museum's most iconic artifacts is the Han Dynasty Storyteller Figurine (Shuochang Yong) found in the Han Dynasty Life Hall. With its exaggerated grin, dynamic posture, and drum in hand, this pottery figure captures the optimism, humor, and artistic flair of the Han people, reflecting the prosperity of ancient Chengdu. The museum also features an extensive display of Han Dynasty Stone Reliefs and bricks that vividly depict scenes of farming, banquets, and carriage travel, painting a lively picture of daily life two thousand years ago,. For those interested in later history, the Folk Customs Hall reconstructs scenes of "Old Chengdu," including traditional teahouses and markets, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's leisurely "Slow Life" and the vibrant atmosphere of the past.

A World of Shadows and Puppets

A unique feature that sets the Chengdu Museum apart is its Shadow Play and Puppetry Hall. This is the first dedicated exhibition hall of its kind in a comprehensive museum in China. It displays an impressive array of shadow puppets and marionettes from various regions, showcasing the intricate cutting and painting techniques of this intangible cultural heritage. The hall is not just a static display; it includes a dedicated theater where traditional Shadow Play and Puppetry performances are staged, bringing the static artifacts to life with movement and music. This interactive experience is particularly popular with families and offers a rare glimpse into the folk arts that entertained generations of Chinese people,.