le jardin du musée du Hubei
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Hubei Provincial Museum Wuhan

4.5
·51 reviews·Wu Han Shi, China

Discover ancient wonders at the Hubei Provincial Museum, home to the world-renowned Chime Bells and the legendary Sword of Goujian.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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le jardin du musée du Hubei

Hubei Provincial Museum Wuhan

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient wonders at the Hubei Provincial Museum, home to the world-renowned Chime Bells and the legendary Sword of Goujian.

4.5
(51 reviews)

"Amazing collection, many ancient artifacts. The most famous area is the Sword of Goujian."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Reservations are mandatory for free entry. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

English descriptions are limited. Rent an audio guide or use a translation app for a richer understanding. :iphone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng

Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng

Chime Bell Exhibition Hall

Marvel at 2,400-year-old bronze bells that still produce perfect tones. Witness history come alive with their incredible preservation and sound.

TikTokReddit
Sword of Goujian

Sword of Goujian

Comprehensive Exhibition Hall

See the legendary bronze sword, remarkably preserved and still sharp after over 2,000 years. A testament to ancient craftsmanship.

Reddit
Chu Culture Exhibition Hall

Chu Culture Exhibition Hall

Chu Culture Exhibition Hall

Immerse yourself in the sophisticated technology and artistry of the ancient Chu State, from intricate bronzes to delicate jade.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

Reservations are required for free admission to the Hubei Provincial Museum. Popular exhibits, like the Sword of Goujian and the Chime Bells, can draw large crowds, so booking ahead is essential to avoid disappointment and long waits. Reddit

Enhance Your Understanding

While some English descriptions are available, they can be minimal. Consider bringing an audio guide or using a translation app to fully appreciate the rich history and intricate details of the artifacts, especially the Chu culture exhibits. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon performances
Why
Experience chime bell music
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#TourwithCSCEC 🏙️Explore the Hubei Provincial Museum with #CSCEC, delve into the culture, and immerse yourself in the resounding echoes of its chimes! #Hubei #Museum
@chinastateconstruction
7.7K likes • 62.9K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Reservations are mandatory for free entry. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit :admission_tickets:

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

English descriptions are limited. Rent an audio guide or use a translation app for a richer understanding. Reddit :iphone:

Step into the Hubei Provincial Museum to marvel at the ancient bronze chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng. Book ahead to enjoy a live performance of these majestic instruments! #HubeiCulture #Hubei #music #performance
@hellohubei
6.4K likes • 29.7K views
Performing Ode to Joy on a 2,000-year-old instrument? China Daily reporter Felix visited the Hubei Provincial Museum and was stunned to see the Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng. "I never imagined this bronze-like artifact was actually a musical instrument," he exclaimed. To his surprise, he was even invited to play Ode to Joy himself on a replica set. #CulturalJourney #Hubei #Wuhan #Bianzhong
chinadailynews
226 likes • 9.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared for Crowds

Popular exhibits like the Sword of Goujian can get very crowded. Be patient and ready to navigate through people. Reddit :walking:

🎶 Catch a Chime Bell Performance

Check the schedule for live performances of the ancient chime bells – a truly unique and memorable experience. TikTok :musical_score:

@ngeeannpoly Nursing and Optometry students. Let’s cherish the memories we made during our last three days in Wuhan. From exploring the Hubei Provincial Museum and the iconic Yellow Crane Tower, learning about Wuhan’s history, and then that fantastic final Hubei dinner with our buddies. We truly had an unforgettable time, and these moments will stay with us. #ngeeannpoly #mykindofxtra #hsoipwuhan...
nphealthsciences
100 likes • 4.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Reservations are mandatory for free entry. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit :admission_tickets:

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

English descriptions are limited. Rent an audio guide or use a translation app for a richer understanding. Reddit :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared for Crowds

Popular exhibits like the Sword of Goujian can get very crowded. Be patient and ready to navigate through people. Reddit :walking:

🎶 Catch a Chime Bell Performance

Check the schedule for live performances of the ancient chime bells – a truly unique and memorable experience. TikTok :musical_score:

🏛️ Explore All Halls

Don't miss the Chu Culture Hall and the Chime Bell Hall for a comprehensive look at Hubei's ancient heritage. Reddit :museum:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(51 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Hubei Provincial Museum for its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, particularly the remarkably preserved Chime Bells and the legendary Sword of Goujian. The Chu Culture Hall is highlighted for showcasing sophisticated ancient craftsmanship. However, some find the English descriptions lacking and popular exhibits can be extremely crowded, requiring patience and advance booking.

"Nice museum with a decent collection of Chinese antiquities. Highlights are the bronze sword and ancient bells. Can also attend a performance that highlights how the bells sounded. Multiple gates and entry points. Make sure to book in beforehand and have your passport."

Daryl Streat

"Amazing collection, many ancient artifacts. They provide an audio device. The descriptions in English are meager, better bring an audio device or use a translation device."

Topsy Blanco

"Great experience. So many cool artifacts from over 2000 years ago. Free admission, but reservation is required. The most famous area is the Sword of Goujian. There was a line to get in to that area and a large crowd around the display case. It took a long time to get to the front to take a photo. If you are not okay with a bit of pushing to get through, you may have a bad experience here."

Yiran Liu

What People Like

Ancient Chime Bells
Sword of Goujian
Chu Culture artifacts

What People Dislike

Limited English descriptions
Crowded exhibits
Need for advance booking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hubei Provincial Museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Wuhan Metro to stations like Hongshan Square (Line 2) or Zhongnan Road (Line 2 & 4), followed by a short walk or bus ride. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. TikTok

Limited parking may be available, but it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion and the museum's central location. Check the museum's official website for the most current parking information. TikTok

These two major attractions are relatively close. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, which should be a quick trip. Alternatively, you can use the metro system, transferring lines as needed, or enjoy a longer walk if the weather permits. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, admission to the Hubei Provincial Museum is generally free. However, advance reservation is required, and you'll need to present your passport or valid ID for entry. Reddit

Absolutely. Reservations are mandatory for all visitors, even for free admission. It's highly recommended to book your tickets online through the museum's official website or WeChat account well in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

The museum typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM, with last entry usually an hour before closing. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary and the museum is often closed on Mondays. TikTok

Yes, live performances showcasing the ancient chime bells are often available. You can usually book tickets for these performances separately, and they are a highlight for many visitors. Check the museum's schedule for performance times and booking details. TikTok

You will need to present a valid passport or other official identification that you used when making your reservation. This is a standard procedure for entry, especially for international visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The absolute must-sees are the Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, the Sword of Goujian, and the extensive collection in the Chu Culture Exhibition Hall. These showcase the pinnacle of ancient Hubei's achievements. TikTokReddit+1

While official guided tours might be limited, renting an audio guide is highly recommended. Many visitors also find it helpful to research the exhibits beforehand or use translation apps to understand the artifacts better. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into history that can engage older children. The sheer scale of some artifacts, like the chime bells, can be awe-inspiring. However, younger children might require more interactive elements. Instagram

To fully appreciate the collections, especially the main exhibition halls, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you wish to attend a chime bell performance or explore more deeply, allocate half a day. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some special exhibits might have restrictions, so always look for signage. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum typically has a cafe or small eatery offering snacks and light refreshments. For a more substantial meal, you'll find numerous restaurants and food stalls in the vicinity, especially near Hubu Alley. Reddit

Near the museum, especially at Hubu Alley, you can try Wuhan's famous hot dry noodles (re gan mian), various skewers, and other local street food delicacies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Chime Bells and the Sword of Goujian displays are highly photogenic, though often crowded. The architectural elements of the museum itself and the intricate details of the Chu artifacts also make for great shots. Instagram+1

No, flash photography is generally prohibited inside the Hubei Provincial Museum to preserve the delicate artifacts. Always check for signage regarding photography rules in specific exhibition areas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hubei Provincial Museum can be a fascinating outing for families, especially for children interested in history and ancient civilizations. The sheer scale of the Chime Bells and the legendary Sword of Goujian are often awe-inspiring for younger visitors. TikTokReddit While the museum's descriptions might be brief in English, consider bringing along a tablet with educational apps or pre-downloaded videos about ancient China to supplement their learning. The Chu Culture Hall, with its intricate bronzes and jade, can also spark curiosity about ancient craftsmanship. Instagram

To make the visit smoother, aim for weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds. Reddit Pack some snacks and water, as dining options inside might be limited. If possible, look for any interactive displays or demonstrations that might be available, though these are not always guaranteed. The museum's proximity to other Wuhan attractions also makes it a good stop on a family itinerary. Instagram

🤓 History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

For those deeply interested in Chinese history and archaeology, the Hubei Provincial Museum is an essential destination. The Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng are a world-class exhibit, offering unparalleled insight into ancient musical technology and metallurgy. TikTokReddit The Chu Culture Exhibition Hall is a treasure trove, showcasing the sophisticated artistry and technological prowess of this ancient state, particularly its mastery of bronze casting and jade carving. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the Sword of Goujian, a testament to ancient metalworking that remains remarkably preserved. Reddit Take advantage of the museum's layout, which often reflects historical architectural styles, and consider renting an audio guide or doing prior research to fully grasp the context and significance of the artifacts. Reddit The museum's collection of over 240,000 pieces means there's always more to discover, making it a rewarding visit for dedicated enthusiasts. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Marvel of the Chime Bells

The Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng are arguably the museum's most prized possession. Discovered in 1978, this set of 65 bronze bells dates back over 2,400 years to the Warring States period. What's astonishing is that their original alloy composition has prevented corrosion, allowing them to retain their pristine sound. TikTokReddit Visitors can witness these ancient instruments and, in some cases, even attend live performances where replicas are played, recreating the music of antiquity. TikTok The precision with which these bells were crafted, each tuned to a specific pitch, is a testament to the advanced metallurgical and musical knowledge of the ancient Chu people. Reddit

These bells were not just musical instruments; they were symbols of power and status, used in important ceremonies and rituals. The intricate inscriptions on the bells provide valuable historical and linguistic information. Instagram The museum's dedicated exhibition hall allows you to marvel at their scale and craftsmanship, offering a profound connection to China's rich musical heritage. TikTok

Unveiling Chu Culture

The Chu Culture Exhibition Hall offers a deep dive into the civilization of the ancient State of Chu, a powerful entity during China's Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. This section showcases the remarkable technological and artistic achievements of the Chu people, particularly in bronze casting. InstagramReddit You'll find exquisite bronze vessels, intricate jade carvings, and other artifacts that reveal a sophisticated society with a unique aesthetic. Instagram

One of the standout features is the display of advanced techniques like the lost-wax casting method, used to create incredibly detailed bronze sculptures and objects. Reddit The museum's layout often reflects the architectural styles of the Chu State, immersing visitors in the historical context. Reddit Exploring this hall provides crucial insights into the cultural landscape that shaped ancient China, highlighting the ingenuity and artistry that flourished long before the Common Era. Instagram

Navigating the Museum Experience

Visiting the Hubei Provincial Museum requires a bit of planning to maximize your experience. As mentioned, advance reservations are crucial for entry, even though admission is free. Reddit This helps manage crowd flow, especially around the most popular exhibits like the Sword of Goujian and the Chime Bells, which can become quite congested. Reddit

To truly appreciate the historical significance of the artifacts, consider supplementing the limited English descriptions. Renting an audio guide is a popular option, or you can utilize translation apps on your smartphone. Reddit This will enrich your understanding of the Chu culture, the bronze artifacts, and the historical context of each piece. Instagram Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the main halls, and consider attending a chime bell performance for a truly unique auditory experience. TikTok