Xi'an Western Airport Museum

Located on the 4th floor of Terminal 5 of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Xi'an Western Airport Museum holds the unique distinction of being the only on-site museum in the world set up in an airport. The overall architecture of the museum is in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). With a total area of approximately 6,400 square meters (1.58 acres), it consists of the Hall of Convergence, the Hall of Treasures, and the Temporary Exhibition Area. The key exhibits are 121 cultural relics unearthed during the construction of the airport. 
 

These relics not only vividly portray China’s ancient past but also enliven the typically dull waiting time for flights, making it an engaging experience.
 

As a piece of first-class national cultural relics, the Qin Duke Bo is a prized bronze musical instrument from the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), impressing visitors with its majestic shape and fine craftsmanship. Once used to conduct orchestras, its real allure lies in the 135-character inscriptions that chronicles the feats of Duke Wu of Qin and his predecessors.
 

The Yang Quanjie’s Fish-shaped Tally was the pass for Yang Quanjie, the cousin of Empress Wu Zetian (624 - 705) - the only female emperor in the history of China, to enter and exit the imperial palace. According to the Tang Dynasty rules, Fish-shaped Tally without specific names but only official title had to be returned when the holder left office, so the next official could continue to use them. The fish-shaped tally unearthed from Yang Quanjie’s tomb did not have his name but only his official title. This might be related to Wu Zetian’s special favor towards him, so he could still keep it when left the office and even had it buried in his tomb. Currently, the number of Tang Dynasty Fish-shaped Tally discovered through archaeological excavations and those that have been passed down are very rare.
 

Comprising 28 pieces, including 20 seated musicians, a set of 4 seated musicians, and 4 standing ones, this group of figurines vividly capture the performance scene of ancient musicians.
 

The exhibition theme of the Hall of Convergence is “Chang’an Everlasting Peace”, which is an exhibition of 121 unearthed cultural relics from the construction of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. 
 

The Treasure Exhibition Hall will select one representative cultural relic for display each period. Kicking off the series is the Spring and Autumn Period bronze bell, Qin Duke Bo mentioned above.
 

This exhibition area presently showcases the intangible cultural heritage of Xianyang Fu tea production techniques and the legendary stories of the Silk Road. It brings the relics to life through creative ways such as tea making and appreciation of tea sets.
 

Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00, last admission at 18:30.
 

The Hall of Convergence and the Hall of Treasures open once every hour, allowing the next batch of visitors to enter after each session ends.
 

Tickets are free but need to be reserved at most three days in advance on the official WeChat account “Western Airport Changxiang Travel”. Reservation information will be updated at 00:00 every day. As the WeChat account has no English service, non-Chinese speakers can ask friends or use a third-party travel agency for booking.
 

Seniors aged 65 and above can enter directly by queuing at the spot without prior reservation. 
 

2 hours
 

1. The Metro Line 14 can directly reach Terminal 5 of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. Tourists can take the metro at any metro station in Xi’an urban area and transfer to Line 14 to get there.
 

2. You can take the Airport Shuttle Bus to the airport at the following locations in Xi'an: 

The parking lot of Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel,
Konggang Business Hotel Xishao Gate,
Ziction Liberal Hotel in Hi-tech Industries Development Zone,
Jiyuan International Hotel in Chang’an District
 

If you fly to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport from other cities, you can follow the signs at the airport to reach Terminal 5.