66elizabethm

2017-11-26 13:06:26

The Baoji Bronze Ware Museum contains four exhibit halls on the first floor with other, seasonal or special exhibits, on the second floor. Dioramas, manikins, replicas, and original artifacts tell the story of life in ancient Shaanxi, especially the Zhou and Qin dynasties. There is so much information and so many things to view that one cannot do it justice in one visit. Most exhibits are described in Chinese, English, and Korean. English and Chinese-speaking volunteers (usually students from the nearby Baoji University of Arts and Sciences) are available to assist visitors throughout the museum.The building itself is an architectural wonder standing on a hill near the river. It can be seen from many locations. At night it is lit like a beacon, contrasting with the nearby pagoda standing slightly higher on the hill.I have visited the museum now four or five times and would jump at the chance to return. The majority of times I visited, there was no fee, although I had to show my passport. Not only does this museum represent the beginnings of civilization in the area, but also displays the true beauty of the Bronze Age.

Travelingmaven

2017-12-30 20:07:53

Hardly a "side trip" from Xi'an, in Sha'anxi Province, since it's around 3 hours by car, this museum is well-worth a visit, especially if you stop at the Famen Temple Hotel to visit the Famen Temple site and stay overnight.This is the largest museum devoted to bronzewares in China. The architecture was designed so the building looks like a four-legged bronze food container. Four large exhibit halls were open when we went there in June, with the potential for 4 more. We wish they had been open while were were there!Baoji is known as the "cradle" of bronzeware in China. The museum showcases bronzes from the Zhou period onward, many unearthed locally. The workmanship is fabulous! One treasure, in particular, an ox-shaped wine vessel, defies belief because of its delicacy and workmanship.We saw a documentary about the museum on CCTV, and decided to visit. We were happy we did.

letsgotochina

2018-01-30 15:24:56

While Baoji is not a common tourist destination, this museum has an amazing collection of ancient bronze ware. If you are in the western Shaanxi area, it is well worth your time to visit this museum. Close by is the Baoji Renmin Park with a lovely scuplture garden.