Timeline
17:02
Take the Hi Panda shuttle bus from Chunxi Road or Kuanzhaixiangzi to reach Sanxingdui. The journey takes you out of the city center toward the museum in Guanghan.
17:32
Enter the museum grounds. Since the site closes to new entries at 17:00 and sunset is at 18:32, you have plenty of time to explore the main halls and the newly discovered sacrificial pits before heading to the viewing area. Check the current opening hours to ensure you arrive before the 17:00 cutoff.
18:17
Find a spot near the open-air areas or the museum's exterior edges where you can face west. The sun sets toward the W, casting long shadows across the Bronze Age landscape.
18:32
Watch the sunset. The golden light from 17:59 to 18:32 illuminates the ancient artifacts and the surrounding fields. This is the peak moment for photography and reflection.
19:17
After the sun has set, take the return shuttle bus back to Chengdu. The museum will be closed for the night, so plan your departure accordingly.
Local tip
The Hi Panda shuttle bus is the most direct way to get here. If you miss the bus, you can take a high-speed train to Guanghan North and then use public bus no. 13, but this is less convenient.
Check before you go
- The museum closes to new entries at 17:00. Ensure you arrive before this time to enter.
- Sunset on 15 October is at 18:32. The golden light starts at 17:59.
- Check the latest opening hours for Sanxingdui Museum as they may vary by season.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chengdu (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).