Badong Museum
Badong Museum, located in Badong County, Hubei Province, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Three Gorges region. As a 4A-rated national scenic site, this museum offers a fascinating journey through ancient artifacts, relocated historical buildings, and the dramatic story of the Three Gorges Dam resettlement.
Highlights of Badong Museum
Historical & Cultural Treasures
"Sun Man" Stone Carving: A Neolithic-era relic depicting sun worship—one of China’s oldest representations of solar mythology.
Bronze Tiger-Button Chunyu: A Warring States period musical instrument and the museum’s top treasure, symbolizing the military and ritual traditions of the ancient Ba people.
Song Dynasty Iron Staff: Believed to have been used by Kou Zhun, a famous official who governed Badong.
The museum houses over 3,000 artifacts, including ancient pottery, bronze weapons, and stone carvings, showcasing the Ba and Chu cultures that thrived along the Yangtze River for millennia.
Key exhibits include:
Three Gorges Relocation & Preservation
The museum documents the massive relocation efforts during the Three Gorges Dam construction, including the salvage of 11 historical buildings (e.g., Qiufeng Pavilion) moved to the museum’s Cultural Park.
Interactive displays illustrate how over 10,000 cultural relics were rescued from the submerged areas.
Ethnic Minority Heritage
The Folk Culture Hall features Tujia and Miao artifacts, such as wood carvings, embroidered textiles, and ritual masks, highlighting local traditions.
Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November): Pleasant weather (15–25°C) ideal for exploring both indoor exhibits and the outdoor Cultural Park.
Weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds for a quieter experience.
Special Events: Visit during the Dragon Boat Festival (June) for traditional performances.
Getting There
From Yichang: Take a 2-hour bus to Badong (¥50), then a taxi (10 min, ¥15) to the museum.
By Cruise: Many Yangtze River cruises stop at Badong Port, with shuttles to the museum.
Admission & Hours
Free entry (ID required for international visitors).
Open: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays).