Hanzhong Museum

As the site of the ancient palace of the first Han Emperor Liu Bang, Hanzhong city has traditionally been the centre of China's history, culture and literature.

Hanzhong is also the central focus of the ancient roads that linked the Wei River valley in Guanzhong Basin, with the Sichuan Plain to the south of the Qinling and Ba mountains.

There are many historical attractions dotted across the city, and the Hanzhong Museum which was set up in 1958 is one of them.

Located in Hantai which was built on the site of the ancient palace of the first Han Emperor, Han Gaozu, the Hanzhong Museum is a beautiful site and houses many cultural treasures.

Walking in the museum, you can see exhibits showcasing significant cultural relics preserved since the days of the Han dynasty, including the 13 Stone Inscriptions, the Baoxie Plank Road, valuable relics unearthed from the Song Dynasty Tombs, renowned calligraphy, paintings and religious statues among other things.

Another historical site that cannot be missed is the Zhang Qian Memorial, situated in Chengdu county in Hanzhong. Zhang Qian, born in Chenggu, was an outstanding envoy and explorer of Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD).

Thanks to the explicated illustration of the guide here in the memorial, we've learned a great deal about Zhang Qian's legendary stories. He opened up the ancient Silk Road and gained reliable information about the Western regions as well as establishing important commercial ties with Western countries.

Zhang Qian's travels in history are still associated today with the major routes of the transcontinental trade, the Silk Road. In essence, his historic missions opened up to China, the many kingdoms and products of a part of the world that was then unknown to the Chinese.

In the memorial stands Zhang Qian's tomb and stone tigers which are used as guardians for distinguished dead people. Trimmed Trees and various plants make this place a quiet, soothing corner where visitors can pay respect to this great pioneer.