About Gansu Provincial Museum
The Gansu Provincial Museum is home to one of China's most famous artifacts — the "Gansu Flying Horse" (Ma Ta Fei Yan), a 2,000-year-old bronze galloping horse from the Eastern Han Dynasty. The horse is depicted with one hoof resting on a flying swallow, symbolizing speed and grace. It has become the official symbol of Chinese tourism.
The museum showcases Gansu's rich Silk Road heritage, with artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era. The collection includes bronze vessels, pottery, Silk Road manuscripts, Buddhist sculptures, and textiles from the Han to Tang dynasties. The Silk Road exhibits are particularly impressive, revealing Gansu's role as a crucial corridor connecting China with Central Asia and beyond. The museum is free to visit but requires advance reservation.
What Not to Miss
The Flying Horse — the 2,000-year-old bronze galloping horse, China's tourism symbol.
Silk Road exhibits — artifacts showing Gansu's role in ancient trade.
Buddhist sculptures — exquisite statues from Gansu's cave temples.
