Explore Xi’an’s Treasures Without Spending a Dime

#freemuseumdays Xi’an, one of China’s most historically rich cities, is home to numerous museums that showcase its ancient heritage. Many of these museums offer free admission on certain days, making them accessible to both locals and tourists. Below is a detailed guide to free entry policies at Xi’an’s major museums in 2025. 1. Xi’an Museum (Xi’an博物院) – Always Free The Xi’an Museum, located near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔), is permanently free to enter, except for special exhibitions. It houses artifacts from Xi’an’s 3,000-year history, including Tang Dynasty relics. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) Reservation Required: Yes (via official WeChat or website) 2. Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆) – Free Basic Entry One of China’s top museums, the Shaanxi History Museum, offers free admission to its basic exhibition (pre-booking required). However, special exhibits like the Treasure Hall (¥30) and Tang Dynasty Murals Hall (¥270) require tickets. Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (winter) Closed: Mondays Reservation Difficulty: High (book 3-7 days in advance) 3. Xi’an Beilin Museum (碑林博物馆) – First Wednesday of Each Month The Forest of Stone Steles Museum (Xi’an Beilin Museum) houses ancient Chinese calligraphy and stone carvings. It offers free entry on the first Wednesday of every month (e.g., July 2, August 6, etc.). Normal Ticket Price: ¥65 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM (summer), 8:00 AM – 5:45 PM (winter) 4. Terracotta Warriors Museum (兵马俑) – Rare Free Days The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army) rarely has free admission days. However, International Museum Day (May 18) and China’s Cultural Heritage Day (June’s second Saturday) sometimes offer discounts or free entry. Normal Ticket Price: ¥120 (includes Terracotta Pits & Emperor’s Tomb) 5. Other Museums with Free Days Banpo Museum (半坡博物馆): Free on International Museum Day (May 18) Hanyang Ling Museum (汉阳陵): Occasionally free during cultural festivals Tang West Market Museum (大唐西市博物馆): Free basic exhibition Tips for Visiting Free Museums in Xi’an Book Early: Free tickets for Shaanxi History Museum and Xi’an Museum sell out quickly. Bring ID: Free entry often requires a passport or Chinese ID card. Avoid Peak Times: Weekends and holidays are crowded. Check Official Websites: Policies may change; verify before visiting. While Xi’an Museum is always free, others like Shaanxi History Museum and Beilin Museum have specific free days. The Terracotta Warriors rarely offer free entry, so planning ahead is essential. By understanding these policies, travelers can explore Xi’an’s rich history without overspending.