Stele Forest Museum

Overview

The Stele Forest Museum (Beilin) holds over 3,000 inscribed stone tablets spanning 2,000 years of Chinese calligraphy and history. One of Xi'an's oldest cultural institutions, dating to 1087 CE.

Highlights

• Kaicheng Stone Classics: 114 steles with the complete text of 12 Confucian classics (837 CE).
• Nestorian Stele: A 781 CE document of early Christianity in China.
• Calligraphy rubbings: Ink rubbings from ancient steles as souvenirs.

History

Founded in 1087 during the Northern Song dynasty to preserve the Kaicheng Stone Classics. Expanded during Ming and Qing dynasties.

Visitor Tips

• Calligraphy fans: A pilgrimage site for enthusiasts.
• Rubbing prices: ¥10 to ¥500 depending on the stele.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.