Xi'an is the capital of the province of Shaanxi, so it is only right that the provincial museum is here. The Shaanxi History Museum was opened in 1991 and houses artefacts and relics dating back to the Qin Dynasty, recognised as China’s first dynasty. Housed in a building designed to resemble a traditional palace from the Tang Dynasty, perhaps the most famous imperial rulers of the area, the museum collections feature over 370,000 items from the province. 

The museum's extensive collection gives an important insight into the history, culture and way of life of the Shaanxi people. Featuring gold, silver and bronze ware, ancient pottery and fascinating murals there is plenty to admire. The most famous displays include ancient fossils, a kneeling archer from amongst the ranks of the Terracotta Army, and a particular Tang Dynasty mural of a game of polo, a popular game of the time.