Imagine waiting for your flight and stepping back in time to explore ancient civilizations. At the newly expanded Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, this is now a reality.
During the airport’s expansion from June 2020 to October 2022, archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Over 22,000 relics were unearthed, including 6,848 ancient cultural items, 4,093 tombs, and 2,755 sites such as pottery kilns, ash pits, trenches, and ancient roads. These discoveries highlight the rich historical significance of the region.
With the official opening of Terminal 5 on February 20, 2024, the airport unveiled the Western Airport Museum—the world’s first on-site cultural heritage museum housed within an airport. Spanning approximately 6,400 square meters, the museum offers travelers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing artifacts discovered during the airport’s expansion and from the surrounding areas.
One of the museum’s standout features is an 88-square-meter exhibition hall dedicated to key artifacts from Shaanxi’s cultural heritage. The hall presents a rotating display, featuring a representative artifact from the province’s rich history every six months, ensuring there’s always something new for visitors to discover.
The Western Airport Museum is set to open to the public on February 26, with reservations available starting February 23. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just waiting for your next flight, this unique museum offers a chance to connect with thousands of years of history right inside the airport.
