Hubei Provincial Museum

Located in Wuhan's scenic East Lake area, the Hubei Provincial Museum stands as one of China's most prestigious cultural institutions—a national first-class museum and AAAA-level tourist attraction that houses some of the country's most significant archaeological discoveries. Established in 1953 and spanning 81,909 square meters with 49,611 square meters of building space, this museum holds over 240,000 artifacts, including nearly 1,000 national first-class relics.

Highlights of Hubei Provincial Museum

1. Unparalleled Bronze Age Treasures

The museum's collection represents the pinnacle of China's Bronze Age (1600-256 BC), particularly from the Zeng and Chu states that flourished in Hubei. Must-see exhibits include:

Zenghouyi Chime Bells:

• A 2,500 kg set of 65 bronze bells that can play a complete 12-tone scale

• Discovered in 1978 from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng (5th century BC)

• Features 3,730-character inscriptions documenting ancient music theory

• Still used in performances (see "Cultural Experiences" below)

Sword of Goujian:

• A 2,500-year-old bronze sword that remains untarnished and razor-sharp

• Inscribed with "Belonging to Goujian, King of Yue" in ancient script

• Legend connects it to the king who "slept on brushwood and tasted gall" to regain his kingdom

Chu State Artifacts:

• Tiger Stand Bird Frame Drum—a lacquered wooden drum stand with mythical creatures

• Exquisite lacquerware and silk paintings showing Chu's artistic sophistication

• Bronze ritual vessels used in ancestral worship ceremonies

  Zenghouyi Chime Bells	Sword of Goujian	Tiger Stand Bird Frame Drum

2. Architectural Layout & Exhibitions

The museum's South and North Buildings plus two independent exhibition halls contain:

Section	Highlights
Ancient Music Hall	Zenghouyi Chime Bells and replica performances
Chu Culture Hall	Bronze, lacquerware, and silk artifacts
Zeng State Gallery	Tomb replicas and excavated treasures
Temporary Exhibitions	Rotating displays of domestic/international collections

3. Unique Cultural Experiences

• Chime Bell Performances: 30-minute concerts played on replica bells (6 daily shows during holidays)

• Interactive Workshops: Try ancient bronze-casting techniques (weekends)

• VR Time Travel: Experience life in the Chu capital through virtual reality

• Traditional Costume Photography: Dress as ancient nobles among replica artifacts

Best Time to Visit

Ideal Seasons:

• Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November): Pleasant 15-25°C weather; fewer crowds

• Winter (December-February): Quiet atmosphere to appreciate artifacts (indoor heating available)

Daily Timing:

• Morning (9:00-11:00): Best for avoiding crowds and seeing the first chime bell performance

• Extended Hours During Holidays: Opens at 8:30 with last entry at 16:30 (e.g., Qingming Festival)

Avoid:

• Mondays (closed)

• Chinese National Day (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival when visitor numbers triple

Travel Tips

1. Essential Information

• Location: 156 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan

• Hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry 15:30); closed Mondays

• Admission: FREE (requires online reservation via official WeChat/website)

• Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours minimum

2. Getting There

• Metro: Line 8 to "Provincial Museum Station" (Exit E)

• From Airport: Take Metro Line 2 → Transfer to Line 4 → Transfer to Line 8 (90 minutes)

3. Must-Do Checklist

1. Reserve chime bell performance tickets (¥30) upon arrival

2. Download the museum's English audio guide app

3. Visit the Sword of Goujian early (most crowded exhibit)

4. Explore the Chu Culture Hall for exquisite lacquerware

5. Check for special exhibitions on the ground floor

4. Accessibility Notes

• Wheelchair rentals available at north entrance

• Elevators serve all floors

• Braille guides for visually impaired visitors