Beilin Museum (The Forest of Stone Steles)

Tucked near Xi’an’s South Gate, Beilin Museum is more than a museum — it’s a living record of China’s 2,000 years of civilization carved in stone. Founded in 1087 AD, it houses over 1,000 stone steles inscribed with poems, official decrees, and Confucian classics, many dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties.

Locals often call it the “library of stone.” Each stele preserves the handwriting of legendary calligraphers like Ouyang Xun and Yan Zhenqing. With our expert English-speaking local guide, you’ll learn how these carvings reveal not just art, but the philosophy and spirit of ancient China.

Hidden within Beilin’s courtyards are tranquil Confucian temples — spaces once used for study and imperial exams. Walking through them offers a quiet glimpse into traditional Chinese education and scholarship.

 

 

 

Visit Tips

Recommended Time: 1.5–2 hours
Best Visit: Morning or early afternoon
 

 

Special Experience: Ink Rubbing Workshop

Try the ancient art of stone rubbing, a hands-on way to reproduce inscriptions on paper using ink and rice paper. Guided by a local artisan, you’ll create a personal keepsake — a beautiful memory of your journey into Chinese calligraphy and culture.