Jinsha Site Museum

Jinsha was the Shu kingdom's capital from 1200-650 BCE — discovered by accident during a 2001 construction dig. The Gold Sun Bird (太阳神鸟) gold foil, just 0.02mm thick and 12.5cm wide, is the museum's icon and serves as the official symbol of Chinese Cultural Heritage. The 5-hall museum covers the dig site (preserved in situ under a glass dome), the artifacts (gold, jade, bronze), and the cultural context. Entry 70 RMB. Allow 3 hours. The artifacts predate written Chinese history in southwest China by 1500 years; the museum's interpretive videos in English are surprisingly good. Pairs with Sanxingdui for a 'Shu civilization' day trip — Sanxingdui is 40 km away (1 hr by metro+bus).