What is Banpo Museum and why is it significant?

Banpo is one of China's most important Neolithic sites, a Yangshao-culture village dating roughly 5000-3000 BCE, discovered in 1953 and preserved on the spot where it was dug. You see house foundations left exactly as found, painted pottery including the famous 'human face fish' design, and tombs suggesting a matrilineal society where women's graves were more elaborate than men's.

How do I reach Banpo Museum by metro?

Take Metro Line 1 to Banpo Station; the museum is about a five-minute walk from the exit, in Baqiao District east of the center. This makes it one of the easier Xi'an sites to reach independently. Entry is around 65 yuan, and note the museum is cash only, so bring small bills rather than relying on cards.

How long should I spend at Banpo Museum?

About 90 minutes to two hours covers everything comfortably. It is a compact, focused site rather than a sprawling park, best suited to visitors who already enjoy archaeology and prehistory. Most foreign tour itineraries skip it, so it stays quiet, making it a rewarding half-day stop for anyone curious about life before written Chinese history.

Banpo Museum, Xi'an: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

6000-year-old Neolithic village preserved in situ — Yangshao culture, painted pottery, the matrilineal society evidence.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 半坡博物馆 (Bànpō Bówùguǎn)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Time needed: 2 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday morning
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 155 Banpo Rd, Baqiao District · 灞桥区半坡路 155 号

Banpo (5000-3000 BCE) is one of China's most important Neolithic sites — a Yangshao-culture village discovered 1953 and preserved as an on-site museum. The most famous find: the matrilineal-society evidence (women's tombs more elaborate than men's, indicating matriarchal lineage), painted pottery with the iconic 'human face fish' design (on Chinese textbook covers), and house foundations preserved exactly as found. Entry ¥65. Metro Line 1 to Banpo Station drops you 5 min walk away. Most foreign tourists skip; it's a great half-day for archaeology fans who already have a base in pre-history. 90-min visit covers everything well.

Highlights

Matrilineal Society EvidencePre-historic gender hierarchy reversal
'Human Face Fish' PotteryIconic Yangshao painted ceramic; on Chinese textbook covers

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Bring cash; the museum is cash only, and there are no card terminals at the ticket window.
▸Passport-based booking is required here, so carry your passport even for walk-in entry.
▸A weekday morning is quietest, before the occasional school group arrives mid-morning.
▸Hunt for the original 'human face fish' painted bowl; it appears on Chinese school textbook covers.
▸The preserved house pits are roofed but open-sided, so visit on a dry day for clearer viewing.
▸Read the matrilineal-tomb panels first; they are the site's real story and easy to walk past.
▸Skip the gift-shop replicas and spend your time in the original excavation hall instead.

Photos

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Aerial view of the ancient ruins at Gobekli Tepe, showcasing stone pillars.

Explore the ancient pillars of Göbeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple in Turkey.

A cityscape blending traditional Chinese architecture with modern skyscrapers under a clear sky.

Serene view of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an with lush greenery and a clear evening sky.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands majestically on a hilltop against a vibrant sky in Xi'an, China.

Aerial photo of traditional huts surrounded by lush greenery, showcasing cultural heritage.

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Aerial view of Göbekli Tepe ancient ruins showcasing stone pillars and circular structures.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArchaeologyFan·TripAdvisor·4/5

6000-year Yangshao culture village excavation. ¥65. Skip if rushed; gem if not.

2026-04-12

半坡博物馆·Xiaohongshu·4/5

半坡博物馆仰韶文化遗址。¥65。配兵马俑半日游。新石器时代复原村落。

2026-03-18

Pete G.·Google Maps·4/5

Neolithic village excavation. Niche but well-presented. ¥65.

2026-02-15

Frequently asked questions about Banpo Museum

What is Banpo Museum and why is it significant?: Banpo is one of China's most important Neolithic sites, a Yangshao-culture village dating roughly 5000-3000 BCE, discovered in 1953 and preserved on the spot where it was dug. You see house foundations left exactly as found, painted pottery including the famous 'human face fish' design, and tombs suggesting a matrilineal society where women's graves were more elaborate than men's.
How do I reach Banpo Museum by metro?: Take Metro Line 1 to Banpo Station; the museum is about a five-minute walk from the exit, in Baqiao District east of the center. This makes it one of the easier Xi'an sites to reach independently. Entry is around 65 yuan, and note the museum is cash only, so bring small bills rather than relying on cards.
How long should I spend at Banpo Museum?: About 90 minutes to two hours covers everything comfortably. It is a compact, focused site rather than a sprawling park, best suited to visitors who already enjoy archaeology and prehistory. Most foreign tour itineraries skip it, so it stays quiet, making it a rewarding half-day stop for anyone curious about life before written Chinese history.