Chengdu Museum

As the largest comprehensive museum in Chengdu, Chengdu Museum has a history more than five decades as founded by the Preparatory Committee of Chengdu Chorographic Museum in 1958, which was later, reset as the Cultural Administration of Chengdu in 1974. In 1982, authorities of cultural management were integrated to Chengdu Museum at Daci Temple, Dongfeng Road, Chengdu. It was opened to the public two years later. In 2009, the new museum started construction and started to open for public in June of 2016.

Chengdu Museum - best place to learn about the history of Chengdu

By the west side of Tianfu Square, the Chengdu Museum, covering an area of about 12, 000 square meters, is close to Sichuan Library, Sichuan Art Museum and Sichuan Science & Technology Museum. With total building area of 65, 000, the museum, consisting of the south tower and north tower, has many themed exhibition halls, including three temporary exhibition halls in the underground floor and 1st floor, History and Culture Display of Chengdu in the 2nd and 3rd floors, Recent Historical Period and Folk Customs in the 4th floor and Puppetry and Shadow Plays of China in the 5th floor.

Architecture Layout of Ancient Chengd City

History and Culture Display of Chengdu

History and Culture Display of Chengdu uses a large number of archaeological materials and historical relics to completely show the historical development of Chengdu: extensiveness and profoundness of ancient Shu Civilization, land of populousness and abundance in Han Dynasty, prosperity as the southwestern metropolis of Tang and Song Dynasties, southwestern capital of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the perseverance and rebirth in 20th century, as the best opportunity to know this open, inclusive and innovative city. There are thousands items of relic exhibited, such as the excavated lacquers, the stone rhinoceros, the painted figure with meridians system, the pattern loom models, the Zengjiabao stone relief, the Tianfu stone stele, the Buddhist sculptures, the color painted terracotta dancers and musicians, the pottery figurines found in ancient imperial mausoleums, to reproduce the resplendent and glorious history and culture of Chengdu vividly.

Pirogue Coffin (the Warring States Period: BC 476 ~ BC 221)

Ancient Weapons (the Warring States Period: BC 476 ~ BC 221)

Puppetry and Shadow Plays of China

Originated in Han Dynasty and prospering in Tang Dynasty, the Chinese Puppetry falls into a number of varienties, such as the String Puppetry, Rod Puppety, Water Kuilei, Flesh Kuilei, Yaofa Kuilei, Glove Puppetry, Iron Branch Puppetry, Shoulder Pole Puppetry, etc. Puppet show is a wonderful artwork amongst civilians which represents the folk artists’intelligence and places the dreams of ordinary people. It is world-renowned for the comprehensive artistic quality in modeling, vocal music and performance skills. Puppet shows in many Chinese areas have been listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and become the common spiritual wealth for all mankind.

Chinese Puppetry

As a traditional folk opera, the Chinese Shadow Play has a long history and profound cultural connotation. Representing the best artistic heritage of classic modeling and performing, it is an important form of oral intangible cultural heritage in China. Born and nourished in traditional Chinese culture, attributed to years of vicissitudes and experiences, the Chinese Shadow Play turns out to be a legend of light and shadow not only to China but also to the outer world. With its exquisite modeling, beautiful singing and rich repertoire, the Chinese Shadow Play has found its long-lasing and unique position in performing arts all over the world.

Chiense Shadow Plaly