In 1991 a building taking architectural inspiration from Tang dynasty palaces was completed to house one of the most important museums in China.
Shaanxi Province, being the heart of a nation for over a thousand years, is China’s Valley of the Kings. The museum documents a comprehensive history of China, starting with the Lantian Man from 1.7 million years ago. The collection of bronze ware, dating from the Shang (c.1766 – 1027 B.C.) and Zhou (1122 – 256 B.C.) periods is one of the best in the world. It includes Tripods, musical instruments, and animal-shaped wine vessels, inscribed with ancient characters. These overlap into the Qin dynasty (221-206), when China was united for the first time under, Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Exquisite pieces from his tomb are beautifully displayed, including court officials and an archer retaining some original color. The subsequent Han dynasty (206 B.C.- 220 A.D.) is considered one of the golden periods of Chinese history, when emperors encouraged trade as well as permitted original cultures to thrive. The display includes one of the most important imperial seals ever found in China. It was during this era that paper was invented and the Silk Road appeared, paving the way for cultural exchange. The exhibition continues with a perfect summary of the Sui (581-618), Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. Xi’an was the largest city in the world during the Tang dynasty, with a population of over a million. The prosperity of the period is supported by a vast collection of Tang gold and silverware. The significance of this period is most vividly presented in a separate special exhibition space, where a selection of murals removed from a group of Tang dynasty tombs are displayed under vacuum conditions. The colorful works depict plump Tang beauties in flowing gowns, juxtaposed with imperial ceremonies, traditional pavilions and vibrant hunting scenes. Clear cut lines and well preserved colors reveal an even deeper story about one of the most culturally rich periods of Chinese history. The museum is a must see for anyone interested in Chinese history as it provides a perfect summary of the last three thousand years.