Located in Luoyang, Tianzi Jialiu Museum is a museum that focuses on the in-situ preservation and display of the large chariot and horse pits in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770BC-256BC). So it is also called the Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse and Chariot Pits.
The museum is divided into two exhibition areas, with the large-scale “Tianzi Jialiu” Chariot and Horse Pit as the main part. The first area is an introduction about the history of Luoyang during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty; the second area is an exhibition of large chariot and horse pits during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
The “Tianzi Jialiu” chariot and horse pit, a remarkable archaeological discovery of the 21st century, is a must-see attraction during your trip to Luoyang.
Fast Facts of Tianzi Jialiu Museum
- Location: No.226 Zhongzhou Middle Road, Xigong District, Luoyang, Henan,China
- Opening time: 8:30– 18:30 every day
- Ticket price: 30 RMB(free for children under 1.4 meters)
- Time needed: 1-2hours
- Best time to visit: All year round
- Suited to: History and culture lovers
The History of Tianzi Jialiu Museum
The Luoyang government discovered 397 Eastern Zhou tombs and 17 burial pits during the construction of a square in 2002. After nine months of archaeological excavation, 194 Eastern Zhou tombs and 16 burial pits were unearthed, including the precious “Tianzi Jialiu” pit.
To protect and display this precious historical and cultural heritage, the Luoyang government constructed the Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse and Chariot Pits on the original site in 2003.
Architecture and Design of Tianzi Jialiu Museum
The buildings of the museum blends traditional and modern. The exterior of the building retains the style of ancient architecture and incorporates the simplicity of modern architecture.
There are two thematic exhibitions in the museum, each of which is centered on a specific historical period and cultural background. The multimedia displays also show the history and culture of the Eastern Zhou period.
Things to See in Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse and Chariot Pits
1. Large-scale Carriage and Horse Pit Exhibition
“Tianzi Jialiu” Chariot and Horse Pit is the highlight of the museum, with 42 meters in length and 7.2 meters in width. Visitors can see the remains of carriages, axles, wheels, and shafts, as well as the skeletons of six horses. The relic confirms the ancient literature on the travel rituals of ancient emperors.
The museum also displays several other carriages and horses pits, which vary in size. These pits also show how horses and carriages traveled during the Eastern Zhou period.
2. Ancient City Relics Exhibition
This exhibition displays artifacts unearthed from the tombs of the Eastern Zhou kings. When visiting the Tianzi Jialiu Museum, discover a large number of exquisite bronze wares, including tripods, pots, swords and gorges, reflecting the level of bronze casting technology during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Observe a variety of pottery, such as painted pottery tripods, which show the craftsmanship of pottery during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
3. The City of East Zhou Dynasty Exhibition
Tianzi Jialiu Museum also shows the urban layout and historical background of the Eastern Zhou royal city. It covers an area of about 9 square kilometers and is divided into a palace area, a grain area, a handicraft workshop area and a mausoleum area.
4. New Discoveries in the Archaeology of the King’s Tomb
It mainly displays the archaeological excavation results of archaeologists at the royal mausoleum site, including information on the number of tombs, car and horse pits, and the precious relics. Visitors can understand the important value of these discoveries for the study of Eastern Zhou history.
How to Get to Tianzi Jialiu Museum
By Bus
From Luoyangdong Railway Station, it takes 45 minutes to reach Tianzi Jialiu Museum by bus 48.
From Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, it takes about 1 hour and 10 min to reach the museum by bus 1, 77 and 49.
From Luoyang downtown, it takes 30-40 minutes to reach the museum by bus 59, 34, 2, 8, 9 and 101.
By Taxi
Take a taxi from Luoyangdong Railway Station to arrive at the Tianzi Jialiu Museum, which takes 15 minutes and costs 7.5 to 15 RMB.
Take a taxi from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station to arrive at the museum, which takes 20 minutes and costs 14.5 to 26 RMB.
Take a taxi from Luoyang downtown to arrive at the museum, which takes 10 minutes and costs 5.5 to 10 RMB.
Attractions nearby Tianzi Jialiu Museum
Zhouwangcheng Square: The square is themed on the Zhou culture, reflecting the history and culture of the Zhou Dynasty.
Xigong Xiaojie Night Market: This is one of the earliest urban commercial districts in Luoyang, with a wide range of Henan delicacies and fine handicrafts.
Luoyang Museum: Founded in 1958, the museum boasts many relics and exhibitions, including Tang Tri-Color Glazed Ceramics and bronze wares, showing the heritage of Luoyang.
Customize Luoyang tours to Museum of Luoyang Eastern Zhou Royal Horse and Chariot Pits at https://www.chinaxiantour.com/tailor-make-a-trip.html.
