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At the Shou County Museum, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing the rich history and culture of Shou County. The museum features ancient artifacts, calligraphy, and relics that highlight the region’s local traditions. It's also a great place to learn about the historical significance of Shou County in the broader context of Anhui’s development.
Shou County Museum, located south of West Street in Shouchun Town, formerly housed within Bao'en Temple, is one of the oldest museums in Anhui Province. It primarily houses historical relics unearthed in the region, including artifacts from the Chu culture, as well as modern and contemporary artifacts and revolutionary relics. The collection dates back to the Neolithic Age and the modern and contemporary eras.
The museum is a three-story exhibition building, with exhibition halls such as the Treasures of the Chu Capital, the Footprints of the Late Cai Dynasty, and the Buddha's Light. The main exhibition hall is on the second floor. The " Yue King's Will to Give " sword and Chu gold coins on the west side of the second floor are the treasures of the museum and are not to be missed.
The dazzling cultural relics exhibition hall on the east side of the second floor features an Eastern Han Dynasty gilded silver bronze boat with engraved mythical beasts, a hollowed-out gold belt buckle with eight dragons, and a Hetian white jade pendant. These artifacts, all from the tomb of Liu Yan, Prince of Fuling, are among the museum's finest artifacts and well worth a visit. Two other key artifacts, a gold coffin and a relic, are displayed in the Buddha's Light exhibition on the east side of the third floor.
The two special exhibitions in the museum, "Treasures of the Chu Capital" and "Rhymes of the Han and Wei Dynasties", are the core parts of the basic display of the museum. They display a large number of precious Chu cultural relics. Through careful artistic design, detailed text descriptions, clear illustrations, lifelike figure sculptures, sand tray models, and modern technology-assisted exhibition methods such as sound and light-electricity, they vividly show the elegance of Shouchun Chu culture during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period; at the same time, they show the most glorious period of Shou County from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period to the Wei and Jin Dynasties, reflecting the long history and splendid culture of Shou County in a relatively comprehensive way.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
Off-season : 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM , 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Peak season : 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM , 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Closed every Monday
Shou County is known for its historical importance in Anhui, being a cultural hub throughout various dynasties. The Shou County Museum reflects this rich history, with displays that include ancient tools, pottery, art, and a deep dive into the county’s involvement in local and national events.
The Shou County Museum is located in Shou County, Huainan, Anhui. It is easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle from the city center of Huainan. Public buses are available, though their schedules may vary. Walking is an option if staying nearby, but taxis are the most convenient mode of transport.
The museum is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. The best times to visit are in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer a quieter visit.
The entrance to Shou County Museum is free of charge, allowing visitors to explore its exhibitions without any cost. There is no need for online booking as it operates on a walk-in basis.
No advance booking is required for general visits, as the museum is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can expect to spend about 1-2 hours exploring the museum, depending on your interest in the exhibits. If you enjoy history and detailed artifacts, you may want to allocate more time for a deeper experience.
Must-see highlights include the historical artifacts on display, such as ancient pottery, calligraphy, and local cultural relics. The museum also has exhibitions dedicated to Shou County’s role in China’s history, which provide insight into local traditions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. However, audio guides in other languages are generally not provided, so non-Mandarin speakers might need to rely on the general descriptions or bring a local guide.
Inside the museum, the best photography opportunities are found in the main exhibit halls, particularly where large historical artifacts and relics are displayed. Photography is generally allowed, but flash is discouraged to preserve the items on display.
Start with the main hall to get an overview of Shou County's history. Then, move to specific sections featuring ancient artifacts, followed by the cultural and folk exhibits. This route will help you understand the context of each display and its significance.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Shou County Museum. However, special exhibitions may be held occasionally, so it's worth checking their schedule if you are interested in specific events.
The museum is not usually crowded, especially during weekdays. For a quieter experience, visit in the early mornings or on weekdays, avoiding weekends and public holidays when local visitors tend to come.
The museum has basic amenities, including toilets and rest areas. However, food and drink are not sold inside the museum. You can find small cafes and shops around the area for refreshments after your visit.
The museum is generally accessible for elderly and children. There are no major barriers, but those with mobility issues should be aware that there may be stairs in some sections. There is no explicit mention of facilities for disabled visitors, so it’s advisable to call ahead for specific accessibility concerns.
Cash is accepted at the museum for any small purchases, but for convenience, mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely accepted in the area.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the museum, but there are several local eateries and cafes in the surrounding area. These offer traditional Anhui cuisine, including local delicacies.
Vegetarian food options are available in local restaurants near the museum, though vegan and halal options may be more limited. It's best to ask at the restaurants for specific dietary needs.
There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses near Shou County. For more luxury options, visitors can head to the Huainan city center, which offers a wider variety of accommodations.
Nearby attractions include the historic Shou County Ancient City, as well as the Liuhuang Temple and the scenic areas around Huainan. These sites can easily be visited in a day trip combined with the museum.
There are small souvenir shops in the vicinity of the museum selling traditional Chinese crafts, calligraphy, and cultural relic replicas. Common souvenirs include locally made pottery, tea, and traditional clothing.
After visiting the museum, the best transportation options include taxis or buses to explore nearby attractions. If you're heading to Huainan city, local taxis are a convenient option for continuing your trip.
