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Henan Museum is located on Nongye Road, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. It is a national key museum and one of the earliest museums established in China. It is also one of the first national museums jointly built by the central and local governments. Its predecessor was the Henan Provincial Museum.
The museum boasts an exhibition area of over 10,000 square meters and houses a collection of 140,000 cultural relics. Most of these artifacts originate from archaeological excavations conducted in Shangqiu, Luoyang, Anyang, Kaifeng, Xichuan, Sanmenxia, Huixian, and Xinzheng in the early 20th century. Prehistoric artifacts, Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes, and ceramics and jade artifacts from various dynasties are particularly noteworthy. Over 5,000 of these artifacts are national first- and second-class cultural relics of exceptional historical, cultural, and artistic value, with some items considered national treasures. During the Anti-Japanese War, some of the museum's precious artifacts were transferred from one place to another, ultimately finding their way to the National Museum of History in Taiwan.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
free
Tuesday to Sunday 9:00~17:30
Winter opening hours are 9:00~17:00
The Henan Museum, established in 1927, is one of China’s oldest and most comprehensive museums. It houses an extensive collection of over 130,000 cultural relics, including artifacts from ancient Chinese civilizations. It serves as a major cultural institution for both the province and the nation, providing visitors with a unique insight into the rich history of Henan, a region considered the cradle of Chinese civilization.
The Henan Museum is located in the city center of Zhengzhou, Henan Province. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or metro. The closest metro station is the Henan Museum Station (Line 1), which is just a short walk from the museum’s entrance.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the morning when it is less crowded, though weekends may be busier due to local visitors.
Entry to the Henan Museum is free of charge, although some special exhibitions or events may require a ticket. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the museum’s official website for special exhibits.
For general entry, no advance booking is required. However, for special exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
You can spend around 2 to 3 hours fully exploring the Henan Museum. This will allow you to visit the main galleries and exhibitions at a comfortable pace.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are also offered. These can be rented at the museum’s entrance.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the museum, except for special exhibitions. The main halls, with their historical displays and architecture, offer great photo opportunities.
Start with the Ancient Ceramics Gallery, then move on to the Bronze Ware and Jade Collections. Afterward, explore the Fossil and Paleontology Exhibition before concluding with the calligraphy and painting sections. Be sure to check any ongoing temporary exhibitions at the end of your visit.
The museum does not typically offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours or evening events may be available during specific times of the year or for special exhibitions.
The museum can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. For a quieter visit, plan your trip for weekdays, preferably in the morning right after the museum opens.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and has elevators for easy access to different floors. It is also family-friendly, with child-friendly exhibits and educational activities.
Both cash and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted for purchases at the museum.
Vegetarian options are widely available in the surrounding restaurants. Halal food is also available in some nearby eateries in Zhengzhou.
There is a souvenir shop inside the museum selling books, replica artifacts, and cultural items related to the exhibits. Traditional Chinese crafts like jade and silk are also available in the surrounding area.
