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Visit the various exhibits showcasing the development of written characters throughout Chinese history, including oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, and calligraphy. You can also engage in interactive displays and learn about the evolution of Chinese scripts.
Located north of the central axis of Anyang's East Administrative District, the Chinese Character Museum showcases world writing systems, with Chinese characters as its core and minority languages as a key component. As China's first dedicated writing museum, it houses a collection of 4,123 artifacts, encompassing oracle bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions, bamboo slips, silk manuscripts, and minority languages.
The museum has four floors above ground and one floor underground. A tall calligraphy pavilion stands in front of the door. The entire architectural style has both modern and fashionable atmosphere and is full of the charm of the Shang Dynasty court. It consists of the calligraphy pavilion, square, main hall, Cangjie Hall, science and technology hall, research center, exchange center and other buildings.
The main hall adopts the relief golden roof of the Shang Dynasty, showing the characteristics of the " four-sided and double-roofed " Shang Dynasty palace . The road leading to the main hall is lined with a forest of steles consisting of 28 very representative bronze oracle bone pieces, which imply the two most representative elements of the Shang Dynasty - oracle bone inscriptions and bronze ware.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Make an appointment in advance and get a free ticket
9:00-17:00 , ticket checking stops at 16:30 , closed on Mondays
Special circumstances such as holidays and other important events will announce the visiting time in advance
The Text Museum in Anyang is dedicated to the study and display of ancient Chinese writing systems, especially the famous oracle bone script, which dates back over 3,000 years. Anyang was a key site of the Shang Dynasty, where many of the earliest forms of Chinese writing were discovered.
The Text Museum is located in Anyang City, Henan Province. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public buses also serve the area, but taxis are more convenient for tourists. The city does not have a metro system.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to visit during weekdays, preferably in the morning, to avoid the crowds typically seen during weekends and holidays.
The entrance fee is approximately 40 CNY for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or, in some cases, online via local ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, except during peak tourist seasons or national holidays. You can book tickets 1-2 days ahead via local travel websites or apps.
It typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum, especially if you want to engage with the interactive displays and read through the historical exhibits. If you're a history enthusiast, you may want to spend longer.
Highlights include the ancient oracle bone script exhibit, bronze inscriptions, and the calligraphy section. The interactive digital displays showcasing the evolution of Chinese characters are also a must-see.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they can be arranged at the museum's information desk. Audio guides may be available in Mandarin, with some availability of English audio guides during peak tourist seasons.
The museum's central courtyard and the main exhibits on ancient scripts are great for photography. The various displays of ancient inscriptions also provide interesting backdrops for photos.
Start with the oracle bone script exhibit, as it sets the stage for understanding the evolution of written characters. Then, move on to the bronze inscriptions and the calligraphy displays. Don’t miss the interactive sections to learn more about the script's history.
Night visits are not available at the Text Museum, as it is a daytime-only attraction. However, special tours and events may be organized during certain festivals or national holidays, so it's worth checking the museum's schedule in advance.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.
There are toilets available inside the museum. However, food and drink options are limited, so it's best to visit nearby restaurants for a meal. The museum has a small gift shop selling souvenirs and books related to the exhibits.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility challenges. It is also family-friendly and suitable for children, with several interactive exhibits designed to engage younger audiences.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted at the museum. It is advisable to carry some cash in case of any technical issues with mobile payment systems.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the museum, offering Chinese cuisine. For more dining options, head to Anyang City, which has a wide range of restaurants, from fast food to traditional Chinese dining.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found in local Chinese restaurants. Halal food options may be available in Anyang City, which has a growing Muslim population.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses in Anyang City, as well as mid-range hotels that provide easy access to the museum. For more upscale options, consider hotels in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Yin Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a significant archaeological site from the Shang Dynasty. You can also visit the Anyang Museum or the Longmen Grottoes, a bit farther away but worth a visit if you're interested in ancient art.
The museum has a small souvenir shop that sells books, replicas of ancient inscriptions, and traditional calligraphy supplies. You can also find local handicrafts and themed souvenirs related to Chinese script and history.
Taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi are the best options for continuing your trip from the museum. You can also use local buses or private vehicles to explore other attractions in Anyang or head back to the city center.
