The Forest of Stone Steles Museum in Xi’an
A visit to the Forest of Stone Steles Museum is not to be missed for those looking to gain insights into the rich history and heritage of Xi’an; here’s more on what to expect.
A Long History
Located on Sanxue Street, a 15-minute walk from Grand Park Xian, this site dates to the Tang Dynasty when it served as an Imperial Ancestral Temple. During the Song Dynasty, it was a Confucian Temple and centuries later, it was extended to incorporate the museum with a section for stone sculptures and stone tablets.
Stone Tablets
The Forest of Stone Tablets features an impressive collection of ancient China’s stone tablets showcasing calligraphy and stone carvings. Dating from the Han to the Qing dynasties, there are more than 3,000 stone tablets in seven display rooms and those visiting from nearby Xi’an hotels can spend much time exploring.
Display Rooms
Those in the first display room can see Chinese classics, engraved on both sides of over 100 stone tablets. Visitors will be enthralled by the Tang Dynasty calligraphy on stone tablets in the second room; also of note are the 1,000-character stone tablet in the third room and the ancient poetry in the fourth and sixth rooms.
Stone Sculptures
The other section at the museum is the Gallery of Stone Sculptures. Here, you will find over 70 stone sculptures that were found in the Shaanxi Province that cover religious carvings and mausoleum carvings. As you take in the exhibits, you will notice the exquisite relievos or reliefs that showcase ancient craftsmanship.
