Shexiang Museum in Bijie

Located at the foot of Yunlong Mountain, 0.5 km north of Dafang County, Bijie City, Guizhou, adjacent to the Shexiang Tomb (a major national cultural heritage site) and built on the ruins of the Mu’ege Castle. It is the first museum named after an ethnic historical figure in Southwest China, a national Level-3 museum, and a national base for ethnic unity education & patriotic education. Opened in April 1994, the museum integrates the magnificent Yi-style architecture, precious cultural relics, and the legendary life story of Madam Shexiang (1368–1396), the renowned Yi female chieftain who opened the Longchang Nine Post Roads and promoted ethnic integration in the early Ming Dynasty.

 Core Highlights & Collections

1. Architectural Style: A classic Yi Tusi manor-style complex built on three terraced platforms, with halls, corridors and pavilions arranged in an orderly way. A lifelike bronze statue of Madam Shexiang stands at the entrance, and the overall layout is solemn and elegant, blending traditional Chinese and Yi ethnic architectural aesthetics.
2. Madam Shexiang Special Exhibition Hall: Chronicles her legendary life—from her marriage to the Shuixi Tusi, her regency after her husband’s death, her courage to oppose separatism, and her great feat of opening 9 post roads to connect Guizhou with the Central Plains, which promoted trade and cultural exchanges across ethnic groups.
3. Comprehensive Yi Culture Exhibition Hall: Houses over 1,600 pieces of cultural relics, including rare Yi-language ancient books, bronze wares, costumes, musical instruments, and ritual items. The Stone Tiger Head (from the Shu-Han period) is a treasure of the museum, reflecting the ancient beliefs of the Yi people.
4. Shexiang Tomb & Mu’ege Ancient City: Connected to the museum. The tomb is a well-preserved Ming Dynasty mausoleum with exquisite stone carvings; the ancient city is a cultural park showcasing the grand scene of the ancient Yi Tusi regime.

Practical Visitor Guide (International Travelers)

• Address: Shexiang Cemetery, 0.5 km north of Dafang County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, China (Mu’ege Cultural Scenic Area)
• Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 daily (last admission at 16:30; closed on special maintenance days, confirm in advance)
• Tickets & Fees: Free admission (valid ID required for registration). Separate fees may apply for guided tours, audio guides, and special temporary exhibitions.
• Transportation:
  1. Self-driving: About 1 hour from downtown Bijie, ~2.5 hours from Guiyang; free parking is available at the scenic area entrance.
  2. Public transport: Take a high-speed train/coach to Dafang County, then take a taxi/rideshare to Shexiang Cemetery (around 5 minutes’ drive).
• Travel Tips: Respect the cultural customs during your visit; no loud noises or touching cultural relics; wear comfortable shoes for walking in the scenic area; spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit with pleasant temperatures; combine your trip with a visit to the Baili Azalea Scenic Area nearby in spring.

 Nearby Experiences & Accommodation

Stay in boutique hotels in Dafang County or the themed inns near Mu’ege Ancient City for easy access. Don’t miss local delicacies such as Yi-style roasted pork, wild mushroom hot pot, and glutinous rice cakes. You can also watch traditional Yi folk performances (like the Torch Festival celebrations in summer) and buy handcrafted Yi silver ornaments and batik works as souvenirs.