Hunan Museum

湖南博物院（湖南省博物馆）

The home of the Mawangdui Han Tombs: Lady Xin Zhui, the silk garment and the T-shaped banner. It's a complete picture of aristocratic life in the Western Han dynasty 2,000 years ago, and entry is free with advance booking.

The Hunan Museum (formerly the Hunan Provincial Museum) lies next to Lieshi Park on Dongfeng Road in Kaifu District. Its new building opened in 2017 with a floor area of 90,000 square metres. It is one of the first national first-class museums in China and is famous for the artefacts unearthed at the Mawangdui Han Tombs. Excavated between 1972 and 1974, the tombs belonged to Li Cang, the chancellor of the Kingdom of Changsha in the early Western Han dynasty, and his family. More than 3,000 artefacts were found. The body of Lady Xin Zhui, the occupant of Tomb No. 1, still had elastic skin after more than 2,100 years, which is considered a wonder in the history of archaeology.

Highlights include the Changsha Mawangdui Han Tomb exhibition, which recreates the tomb structure. It features the silk garment (weighing only 49 grams, the lightest silk textile in the world), the T-shaped banner (a painting depicting the soul ascending to heaven, a peak of ancient Chinese silk painting), black- and red-lacquered coffins, lacquerware and bamboo slips and silk manuscripts (including the Book of Changes and the Laozi). Lady Xin Zhui's body is displayed on the basement floor, and you can choose to skip it.

The exhibition 'Hunan People: Sanxiang History and Culture' covers the history of Hunan from prehistory to modern times. Its Shang dynasty bronzes are excellent. The Four-Ram Square Zun was unearthed in Hunan but its original is in the National Museum of China in Beijing. The Dahe Human-Face Square Ding is displayed here, along with many fine Chu culture artefacts.

Admission is free, but you must book in advance with real-name registration through the Hunan Museum official WeChat account or mini-program. Slots are usually released a few days in advance and fill quickly on public holidays. The museum is closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. Audio guides and guided tours are well regarded.

Getting there: take Metro Line 1 to Peiyuanqiao station and walk about 15 minutes, or take several bus routes to Provincial Museum stop.

Suggested plan: allow at least three hours. Visit the Mawangdui exhibition first, then the 'Hunan People' exhibition. The nearby Lieshi Park is pleasant for a stroll.

Tips: leave large bags in storage. The Lady Xin Zhui gallery is dimly lit and crowded, so please keep quiet.

Hunan Museum

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby