Sheng Bowuguan (Provincial Museum)
When reviewed, this museum had closed its doors to undergo a huge renovation. It's expected that it will reopen again sometime in 2006 in a modern building but museum officials aren't getting more specific than that. Call ahead to see if the work is done. In the case that it's been reopened, call ahead to arrange an English-speaking guide. The late Neolithic pottery is particularly impressive, most of it from the region around Tianshui, displaying the rapid progress in both pottery and painting during this period (ca. 3000-1900 B.C.). The museum's most famous exhibit is theFlying Horse (Tong Ben Ma), taken in 1969 from the tomb of an Eastern Han (25-220) general near Wuwei. Staff admit that the bronze horse on display is a replica; the real article is in the vaults of the museum, and another copy is in Beijing. However, the original was damaged in the copying process, and the mold was either lost or destroyed, so this copy is priceless. Other items from the tomb include bamboo strips containing meticulous instructions on the etiquette of drinking, marriage, and death. Allow at least an hour.
 | | | |
| Hours | 9am-4:30pm | |
| | | |
| Location | Directly opposite the Friendship Hotel | |
| | | |
| Transportation | From Youyi Binguan, cross the road and continue west for 135m (450 ft.). Bus: no. 1 to Youyi Binguan | |
| | | |
| Phone | 0931/234-6306 | |
| | | |
| Prices | Admission ¥15 ($1.90); English-speaking guide about ¥40 ($4.80) | |