The exhibition hall for Chengdu in Pre-Qin Times, located on the museum’s second floor, is the first section of exhibitions covering general history. The display depicts the history of Shu in Pre-Qin times as the main line, focusing on the Baodun Ancient City Ruins of the late Neolithic period; the Sanxingdui Ruins and Jinsha Ruins of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties; boat-shaped coffins excavated from Chengdu’s Shangye Street; Bashu symbols of the Warring States Period, and more. It shows how magnificent the Shu civilization was in Pre-Qin times through more than 240 fine artifacts. Meanwhile, various exhibition forms including scene restoration, sand tables, and multi-media were established to vividly present visitors the lives of ancient Shu people in all aspects. 

During the Western and Eastern Han dynasties, Chengdu was the capital of Shu Prefecture, which was the center of politics, economy and culture in the southwest region. Chengdu was prosperous and abundant in products, ranking among “five most important commercial and industrial metropolises” in ancient China, which won it the fame of land of abundance. In 221 AD, Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor in Chengdu. Since then, the political structure of “three kingdoms” formed. During the Eastern and Western Jin dynasties and the Southern and Northern dynasties, Chengdu was the starting point of the southern Silk Road and played a significant role in the Eurasian economic and cultural exchanges.

The Tang and Song Dynasties Exhibition Hall is on the third floor of Chengdu Museum, mainly exhibiting Chengdu's prosperity as the metropolis in southwestern China from the Sui Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty. There are over 600 pieces (sets) of cultural relics in the exhibition hall, including porcelains, pottery, gold and silver ware, and bronze ware. Numerous exhibits contain rich connotations, showing Chengdu's prosperity during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, which was described as "Yangzhou First, and Yizhou Second" (Yizhou refers to Chengdu), its peace and luxury during the Five Dynasties, which was described as "the land of abundance", its bustling markets and residences in the Song Dynasty, and its struggle and reconstruction in the Yuan Dynasty. In addition, the exhibition hall exhibits the items "Ships of Shu with Red Brocade" re-presenting the developed water transportation of Chengdu in the Tang Dynasty, and "Silkworm Market in March" showing the scenarios of bustling market and prosperous city of Chengdu in the Song Dynasty.

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Chengdu was not only the provincial capital of Sichuan, but also a key player in bringing centralization to Southwest China and ruling this region. At that time, Chengdu had matured in agriculture, business, city construction, and education, living up to its reputation as Land of Abundance. In the hall, items and models created showcasing the palace of King of Shu in Ming Dynasty allow visitors to imagine how magnificent the building was at that time. Also, many exquisite gold vessels, jade articles, and porcelain pieces elaborate the affluence of Chengdu in the Ming Dynasty. Various pieces of porcelain, delicate snuff bottles and decorations reflect how prosperous Chengdu was in the Qing Dynasty.