Beilin Museum, China's largest stone library of ancient literature and historical records is situated just inside the city walls of Xi'an, a little bit east of the South Gate. Before it became the Forest Stele Museum, it had other purposes. In the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) it was first a Confucian Temple. Lateron some precious stone tablets were moved here for preservation. Since 1944 it has been the principal museum of Shaanxi Province. In 1992 they changed the name into his current one because of the large number of stone tablets.

Over 3,000 tablets are spread over 7 exhibition halls. The collection includes ancient Chinese calligraphic masterpieces such as  the "Classic Filial Piety" written by Emperor Xuanzong in 745 A.D, the annalects of Confucius, "the Kaicheng Stone Steles" dating from 837 A.D. It contains the best of Han and Tand Dynasty stone carvings, relieves and sculptures as well.
Because of this collection we understand more about the Chinese historical facts and the bond with other countries.

As it is of great historical importance, you should at least pay it a visit. Souvenirs you'd better buy outside of the area, it will be much cheaper and they are practically the same.