Banpo Museum, Xian

The Xi'an Banpo Museum, found on the outskirts of Xi'an City in Shaanxi Province, is notable for being the first museum established at a prehistoric site. It opened in 1958 right where the Banpo site was excavated. Since then, it's attracted over two million visitors.

This site represents a classic Neolithic settlement from the Yangshao Culture, dating back around 6,000 years. The Banpo inhabitants utilized mainly wood and stone tools. In this community, women took charge of pottery, weaving, household tasks, and family care, while men focused on fishing. The museum, covering about one acre, includes two exhibition halls and a hall dedicated to the site itself.

In the first exhibition hall, you'll find an array of artifacts unearthed from Banpo, like axes, chisels, sickles, and stone and pottery knives. These pieces give us a glimpse into the daily lives and activities of these early people. Besides tools, there's also a collection of art and decorative items that shed light on the social and cultural aspects of that era.

The second hall is more dynamic, hosting various events and exhibits that delve into the ancient culture's ethnology, folklore, and art history. The Site Hall, nearly three-quarters of an acre in size, showcases different sections for living, pottery-making, and burial practices. It displays the architectural styles of the time, including huts, kilns, and tombs, offering insights into the challenges and societal structures of the early village inhabitants.

Lastly, the Banpo Matriarchal Clan Community Village, an extension of the museum, is a reconstruction based on archaeological discoveries. It not only enhances the museum's cultural value but also serves as a reminder of China's extensive and impressive history.