Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street

 

Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street, which starts from Nanmennei in the west and ends at the entrance of Baishulin Street in the east, is a famous ancient culture street in Xian.

 

Shuyuamen (Academy Gate) got its name because of the Guanzhong Academy at Nanmennei. The Guangzhong Academy was the highest academy in Shaanxi during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and one of the four famous academies in China. It ranks first of the four major academies in Northwest China. Now it is occupied by the Shaanxi Xian Normal School.

 

Calligraphy and Cultural Treasures

The street is flanked by hops and stores, which sell the four trasures of the study (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper). Shu Yuan Men is particularly famous for its collection of calligraphy. In fact, the market is popularly known as the “Calligraphy Street”. A host of shops here carry the legacy of the ancient Chinese art.

 

Artistic Atmosphere and Handicrafts

This art street is flanked by over 100 shops in the Ming and Qing styles, selling rubbings from stone inscriptions, paintings and calligraphic works by celebrities, and books of ancient seals. The high quality of this work wins many tourists at home and abroad. Shu Yuan Men is also an authentic destination for hand crafted products and reflect the richness of traditional Chinese crafts.

 

The market has a wonderful collection of oriental paintings which make a colorful display of the traditional painting styles. This street also can be an attraction itself. The ancient Ming and Qing constructions contain high values in architectural field. The quaintness of the surroundings definitely adds to the charm of shopping here.

 

Historical Background

Shuyuanmen derives its name from the Guanzhong Academy. During the Ming Dynasty, Minister of Works Feng Congwu was dismissed due to political conflicts and later lectured at Baoqing Temple, where he attracted many students. To support him, Shaanxi’s administrative officials built the Guanzhong Academy, marking the beginning of Shuyuanmen’s cultural legacy over 400 years ago.
 

Since the Tang Dynasty, the area had housed important educational institutions such as the Imperial College and the Jingzhao Prefecture School. During the Yuan period, it neighbored the Examination Institute. In the Ming and Qing periods, this area formed a unique educational zone known as “Three Academies and One Temple,” including Xi’an Prefecture Academy, Chang’an County Academy, Xianning County Academy, and the Confucian Temple (today’s Forest of Stone Steles Museum). By the late Qing Dynasty, the Guanzhong Academy was converted into the Shaanxi Normal School, which later became the highest educational institution in Northwest China. Today, it is part of Xi’an University of Arts and Science.

What to Do at Shuyuanmen

Explore the Four Treasures and Calligraphy Market

Shuyuanmen is home to hundreds of shops selling brushes, ink sticks, rice paper, and inkstones—the essentials of traditional Chinese study. You can also find artist studios where calligraphers and painters create and sell their works. Many shops offer personalized calligraphy, painted fans, and small art pieces—perfect as souvenirs.

Along both sides of the street, you’ll find stalls selling stone rubbings, antiques, jade carvings, and old books. Bargaining is common, and comparing prices is recommended before purchasing.

Discover Traditional Handicrafts and Creative Products

Walking along the street, you’ll encounter artisans making dough figurines, sugar sculptures, or mounting calligraphy works. These crafts preserve the cultural memory of old Xi’an.

In recent years, Shuyuanmen has also introduced a variety of creative cultural products featuring Xi’an elements such as the Terracotta Warriors and City Wall. These items—like Yongning Gate refrigerator magnets or Qinling walnut bracelets—blend traditional culture with modern design and are popular with younger visitors.

Join Cultural Events and Exhibitions

Throughout the year, Shuyuanmen hosts exhibitions and live demonstrations, including calligraphy contests, traditional painting showcases, and intangible cultural heritage performances. Renowned artists often gather here to display their works.

Some shops also offer hands-on experiences such as paper cutting, seal carving, or observing shadow puppet shows. These activities provide tourists with an immersive way to experience Xi’an’s traditional arts.

Appreciate the Architecture and Atmosphere

In the 1990s, Shuyuanmen underwent major renovations to restore its Ming and Qing architectural style. The street is paved with bluestone slabs, lined with red lattice doors and golden signboards, creating a serene and antique atmosphere.

Unlike other busy shopping areas, Shuyuanmen offers a calm and leisurely pace. Visitors can stroll along the stone-paved lane, admire traditional buildings, enjoy the fragrance of ink and tea, and experience the poetic feeling of “stealing half a day’s leisure.”

Visit Guanzhong Academy and Baoqing Temple Pagoda

Guanzhong Academy is the cultural core of Shuyuanmen. Now part of Xi’an University of Arts and Science, the academy retains many Ming and Qing structures, including Yunzhi Hall and Jingyi Pavilion. It is open to the public at certain times, offering insight into traditional Chinese education.

At the western end of Shuyuanmen stands Baoqing Temple Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty relic and a provincial cultural heritage site. The pagoda features stone carvings from the Wei and Tang periods, prized for their historical and artistic value.

A recommended route is to begin at Guanzhong Academy, learn about its history, stroll along Shuyuanmen to browse calligraphy and craft shops, sip Shaanxi’s dark Fucha tea, and finish your visit by photographing the Baoqing Temple Pagoda.

Food Recommendations near Shuyuanmen

Local Snacks

• Jinsan Barbecue (金三烤肉) – Halal charcoal-grilled skewers
• Weijia Liangpi (魏家凉皮) – Famous for sesame-flavored cold noodles
• Zenggao Wang Pangzi (甑糕王胖子) – Sweet glutinous rice cake with red dates
• Lao Mijia Paomo (老米家泡馍) – Traditional lamb soup with bread crumbs

Shaanxi Cuisine Restaurants: Zuichangan (醉长安, Shuyuanmen Branch) – Elegant environment with recommended dishes like Gourd Chicken and “Miaobi Shenghui” (Artistic Chicken Roll).

How to Get There

By Metro:
Take Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station, exit from D2 and walk about 5 minutes. Alternatively, transfer from Line 6 at Zhonglou Station.

By Bus:
Take Bus No. 12 or 26 and get off at Nanmen Station, then walk 3 minutes to reach the street.