How to Get to Sanxingdui Museum: A Local's 2026 Guide

Introduction: Why You Need This Guide

As a local resident of Guanghan, I have watched the excitement grow as phase two of the archaeological excavations reveals more mysterious artifacts. Sanxingdui is no longer just a destination for domestic tourists; it is attracting the world.

However, 2026 is a unique year. With the Jinsha Site Museum in Chengdu closed for major upgrades (starting Dec 2025), many travelers who planned to see Ancient Shu history in the city are now shifting their focus entirely to Sanxingdui.

But here is the problem: I often see international travelers looking confused at the train station or getting dropped off at the wrong location. Online guides are plentiful, but they are often outdated or lack specific details for non-Chinese speakers.

In this guide, I will stand from the perspective of a Free Independent Traveler (FIT). Combining my local experience, I will break down the three best ways to get here: High-Speed Rail, Scenic Shuttle, and Driving/Taxi.

Quick Comparison: Which Route Suits You?

Before we dive into the details, here is a quick overview to help you decide.

Method	Route	Cost (Approx)	Time	Best For
1. High-Speed Rail 🚅	Chengdu East → Guanghanbei → Museum	¥33-38 (Train ¥18 + Taxi ¥15-20) or ¥20 (Train ¥18 + Bus ¥2)	18-25 mins (Train) + 10-15 mins (Taxi) or 50-60 mins (Bus)	Speed & Punctuality. Best for solo travelers or couples. Bus option great for experiencing local culture.
2. Scenic Shuttle 🚌	Chengdu IFS → Museum	¥25	~70 mins	Simplicity. Best for families or those who hate transfers.
3. Car / Didi 🚗	Chengdu → Museum	¥120-150	60-80 mins	Flexibility. Best for groups of 3-4 people.

Method 1: High-Speed Rail (The Most Efficient) 🚅

This is my personal recommendation. It is fast, cheap, and very reliable. However, there is one major trap you must avoid when booking tickets.

Step 1: Booking the Right Ticket

You can book tickets via Trip.com or the official Railway 12306 website.

ℹ️ Note: The 12306 website is the official China Railway booking platform. You can register with your passport and purchase high-speed rail tickets directly. The link above is pre-configured for the Chengdu East → Guanghan North route.

Departure Station: Chengdu East (成都东 / ChengduDong)
Arrival Station: Guanghan North (广汉北 / GuanghanBei)

⚠️ CRITICAL LOCAL TIP: Do NOT buy tickets to “Sanxingdui Station” (三星堆站). Although it sounds like the right place, fewer trains stop there, and logistics can be tricky. “Guanghan North” is the main hub with frequent shuttles and taxis.

Screenshot of 12306 or Trip.com showing the correct station selection Make sure your destination is Guanghan North (广汉北).

Step 2: The “Last Mile” Transfer

Once you arrive at Guanghan North Station, you are about 15 minutes away from the museum by taxi, or 50-60 minutes by bus. You have two good options:

Taxi / Didi (Recommended for Speed):
- Walk out of the station. You will see taxis lined up.
- Cost: About ¥15 - ¥20 RMB.
- Time: 10-15 minutes.
- Tip: Use the Didi app (integrated with Alipay/WeChat) to avoid language barriers.
Public Bus No. 13 (Great for Local Experience):
- Look for the bus stop sign for Route 13.
- Cost: ¥2 RMB (Cash or Alipay Bus Code).
- Time: 50-60 minutes (the bus takes a longer route through Guanghan city).
- It drops you right at the museum gate.
- Why take the bus? While it’s slower, the bus route winds through Guanghan’s neighborhoods, giving you a genuine glimpse of local life. Perfect if you want to experience the city beyond just the museum.

The exit at Guanghan North Station. Taxis are to the left, buses to the right.

Method 2: Scenic Shuttle Bus (The Easiest) 🚌

If you don’t want to navigate huge train stations or worry about transfers, the “Scenic Shuttle” (景区直通车) is the most stress-free option.

Where to take the bus?

The bus departs from Chengdu IFS (International Finance Square).

Landmark: Look for the famous “Climbing Panda” sculpture on the building facade. The bus stop is usually near the ground floor entrance or the designated tourist bus zone nearby.

Photo of Chengdu IFS Panda Sculpture and Bus Stop Look for the giant Climbing Panda at IFS. The bus station is nearby.

Schedule & Tickets

Operator: Look for the “Chengdu Scenic Spot Shuttle Bus” logo. Avoid unregistered private vans.
Cost: ¥25 RMB (One way) / ¥45 RMB (Round trip).
Time: ~70 minutes (Traffic dependent).
Booking: You can usually pay by scanning a QR code on-site or via their WeChat Mini-program.

Why choose this? It takes you door-to-door. You get on in downtown Chengdu and get off at the Museum parking lot. No transfers, no getting lost.

Method 3: Driving or Didi (Maximum Flexibility) 🚗

If you are traveling with a group of 3 or 4, splitting a Didi (Ride-hailing car) is actually quite affordable and very comfortable.

For Didi/Taxi Users:

Destination: Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆).
Cost: ¥120 - ¥150 RMB (One way).
Time: About 1 hour.
Note: It might be harder to call a Didi back to Chengdu late at night, so plan your return trip before 6:00 PM or take the train back.

For Self-Driving Travelers:

If you are renting a car, please note that International Driving Permits (IDP) are NOT directly valid in China. You need a temporary Chinese driving license.

Distance: 45-50km from Chengdu.
Parking Fee: ¥10 RMB per entry.

🏛️ LOCAL INSIDER TIP: When you park in the underground garage, don’t just wander around looking for the exit. Take the elevator specifically to “Level B2”. This connects directly to the Visitor Center entrance corridor. It saves you a lot of walking in the sun!

Photo of the Museum Parking Lot or B2 Elevator Sign Follow signs to the B2 elevator for the fastest entry.

Summary: A Local’s Verdict

Choose High-Speed Rail if you want the fastest travel time and want to experience China’s modern infrastructure. Remember: Guanghan North, not Sanxingdui Station!
Choose the Shuttle Bus if you are staying near Chunxi Road/IFS and want a “lazy”, worry-free ride.
Choose Didi if you are a group of 3+ sharing the cost.

⚠️ One Last Reminder for 2026

Tickets for the museum are in high demand. Book your museum entry tickets 5-7 days in advance on the official WeChat platform. I cannot stress this enough—don’t travel all the way here only to find tickets sold out!

Welcome to my hometown. Enjoy the mystery of the Bronze Age!