Stele Forest Museum
The Stele Forest Museum, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles and sculptures. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the museum was initially built to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" and the "Stone Tablet of Filial Piety." Over the centuries, the collection expanded, and in 1992, it was officially named the Stele Forest Museum due to the vast number of steles it houses. Today, the museum boasts nearly 3,000 steles, making it the largest collection in China. The exhibits span various dynasties, with a significant emphasis on pieces from the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can explore seven exhibition halls showcasing Chinese calligraphy, historical records, and stone sculptures, offering a profound insight into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
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15 Sanxue St, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Stele Forest Museum: A Treasury of Chinese Calligraphy and Stone Carvings
The Stele Forest Museum, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles and sculptures. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the museum was initially built to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" and the "Stone Tablet of Filial Piety." Over the centuries, the collection expanded, and in 1992, it was officially named the Stele Forest Museum due to the vast number of steles it houses. Today, the museum boasts nearly 3,000 steles, making it the largest collection in China. The exhibits span various dynasties, with a significant emphasis on pieces from the Tang Dynasty, offering a profound insight into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
What to See and Do
Stele Forest: The main highlight is the vast collection of stone steles, arranged like a forest. These steles are inscribed with important historical texts, classical literature, Buddhist scriptures, and masterpieces of Chinese calligraphy. It's a unique opportunity to see the evolution of Chinese writing and art.
Kaicheng Stone Classics: A set of 114 steles inscribed with the complete texts of 12 Confucian classics, providing a valuable resource for scholars and a testament to ancient printing methods.
Stone Sculptures: The museum also houses a collection of stone sculptures, including Buddhist statues, tomb figures, and architectural components, showcasing the artistry of ancient Chinese sculptors.
Calligraphy Masterpieces: Many steles feature the works of famous calligraphers, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and skill of this traditional Chinese art form.
Historical Significance: Learn about the historical context of the steles, their role in preserving knowledge, and their importance in Chinese culture and education.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is an indoor attraction, making it suitable for visiting year-round. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Arrive early to make the most of your visit.
How to Get There
The Stele Forest Museum is located near the South Gate of the Xi'an City Wall. Take Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (永宁门站) and then walk east for about 10-15 minutes, or take a short taxi ride. Several bus routes also stop near the museum.
Travel Tips
Allow ample time: Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive collection of steles and sculptures.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
Guided tours or audio guides: To fully appreciate the historical and artistic significance of the steles, consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide.
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Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Music Fountain Square
Located at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Square is a renowned cultural and tourist destination. The square is divided into several sections: North Square: Known for its grand musical fountain, the North Square is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. The central axis features a main waterway, flanked by areas such as the Tang Poetry Garden, the Dharma Flower Terrace, and the Meditation Forest. The musical fountain performances, especially enchanting at night with illuminated displays, are a major attraction. BAIKE.BAIDU.COM East and West Pedestrian Streets: Situated on either side of the Daci'en Temple, these streets showcase sculptures depicting scenes from Tang Dynasty daily life, including "People Celebrating Longevity," "Shadow Puppet Theater," and "Street Music." The lifelike sculptures offer a glimpse into the prosperity and culture of the Tang era. The streets are also lined with shops selling various souvenirs and local crafts. VACATION.EZTRAVEL.COM.TW South Square: Located in front of the Daci'en Temple, the South Square emphasizes Buddhist culture, featuring a prominent statue of the monk Xuanzang. The area is complemented by gardens, water features, and bridges, making it a popular spot for relaxation among locals and tourists alike.
Mount Hua
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Stele Forest Museum
The Stele Forest Museum, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, is renowned for its extensive collection of ancient stone steles and sculptures. Established in 1087 during the Northern Song Dynasty, the museum was initially built to preserve the "Kaicheng Stone Classics" and the "Stone Tablet of Filial Piety." Over the centuries, the collection expanded, and in 1992, it was officially named the Stele Forest Museum due to the vast number of steles it houses. Today, the museum boasts nearly 3,000 steles, making it the largest collection in China. The exhibits span various dynasties, with a significant emphasis on pieces from the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can explore seven exhibition halls showcasing Chinese calligraphy, historical records, and stone sculptures, offering a profound insight into China's rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, located just inside the South Gate (Yongning Gate) of Xi'an's ancient city wall, is a historic pedestrian street that stretches approximately 570 meters. The street derives its name from the "Guanzhong Shuyuan" (Guanzhong Academy), one of the most prestigious academies during the Ming and Qing dynasties, situated within the area. Lined with traditional Ming and Qing-style architecture, Shuyuanmen is renowned for its rich cultural atmosphere, featuring numerous shops selling calligraphy works, paintings, antiques, and the "Four Treasures of the Study" (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone). Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic ambiance, observe artisans at work, and explore the profound cultural heritage that the street embodies.
Daci'en Temple
Daci'en Temple, located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Gaozong in memory of his mother, Empress Wende. The temple is renowned for housing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda), which was built to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. The temple complex showcases traditional Chinese architectural styles and offers insights into the rich cultural and religious history of ancient China.
