5 out of 10! The Liaoning Provincial Museum is Shenyang's hidden cultural treasure; a whole day isn't enough!
As the first museum in New China, the Liaoning Provincial Museum truly embodies the spirit of "understated yet rich in content"! Free admission and directly accessible by Metro Line 2 (Exit D, just a 150-meter walk), it's incredibly convenient, requiring no navigation. The architecture is magnificent and grand, with a clear exhibition layout. The 22 exhibition halls cover 17 categories of collections, including prehistoric culture, Liao Dynasty artifacts, and calligraphy and painting masterpieces, with over 115,000 artifacts to explore—a paradise for history buffs!
The must-see exhibits are truly breathtaking! The white jade pig-dragon from the Hongshan Culture is exquisite; its rounded shape is both ancient and mysterious, a marvel of 5,000-year-old carving techniques. Zhang Xu's "Four Poems in Ancient Style" features unrestrained cursive script; even the ink smudges are clearly visible under magnification, exuding the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. There's also the Murong Xianbei's gold hairpin shaped like a flowering tree and the Yongzheng kiln-fired red-glazed pomegranate-shaped vase—both aesthetically pleasing and historically significant. For a deeper understanding, I recommend renting a VR audio guide for 50 yuan. It not only provides detailed explanations but also comes with a postcard, making it far more rewarding than wandering around aimlessly. Don't miss the volunteer guides either, as they are packed with information!
The exhibition hall is vast, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Allow at least 3-4 hours for a leisurely visit. There's a restaurant on the first floor for a light meal, and the "Hairpin Flower" series of souvenirs in the cultural and creative area are very attractive—perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment. The only minor drawback is that some of the museum's most prized artifacts (such as the "Auspicious Cranes" painting) may be temporarily closed for conservation purposes; check the official website for announcements before you go.
Whether you're introducing history to your children or experiencing cultural heritage with friends, the Liaoning Provincial Museum is worth visiting multiple times! Every artifact here tells a story spanning thousands of years. After a visit, you'll be deeply moved by the profoundness of Chinese culture. Don't miss it when you're in Shenyang!