Henan Museum

河南博物院

One of China's top museums. Treasures such as the Fu Hao owl-shaped zun, the Lotus-and-Crane Square Hu, and the Jiahu bone flute tell the story of Chinese civilization through nine ancient capitals of the Central Plains.

The Henan Museum is on Nongye Road in Jinshui District. Its main building is shaped like a crowned pyramid. The collection contains more than 170,000 items, with Xia, Shang, and Zhou bronzes, Han and Tang pottery figurines, and Song and Yuan ceramics especially outstanding. It is a must-see for understanding early Chinese civilization. Treasures include: the Jiahu bone flute, about 8,000 years old; the Shang-dynasty owl-shaped zun of Lady Fu Hao; the Spring and Autumn Lotus-and-Crane Square Hu; the Warring States mural of the Four Celestial Animals among clouds; the Northern Song Ru ware sky-blue glazed carved goose-neck vase; and Tang sancai glazed pottery. The permanent exhibition, 'Vast Huaxia: The Choice of the Central Capital,' is arranged by dynasty across floors 1 to 3. It's best to start on the first floor with the prehistoric and Xia and Shang galleries and proceed in order. The Huaxia Ancient Music Ensemble performs several times a day (about 30 minutes, with a separate ticket of about CNY 30). Their performances use reconstructed bone flutes and bronze bells, and they're well worth hearing. Admission is free, but you must book in advance, with real-name registration, through the Henan Museum's official WeChat account. Tickets are usually released 3 to 7 days ahead. The museum is closed on Mondays (except public holidays), and entry stops at 16:00. Free guided tours run at set times, or you can rent an audio guide. Getting there: Walk about 10 minutes from Guanhutun Station on Metro Line 2 or Nongye Road Station on Metro Line 5. Note: The 'archaeology blind boxes' in the gift shop are very popular. Large bags are not allowed inside, and the bag check is by the entrance. Plan at least 2.5 hours.

Henan Museum

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