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Visit the Heyang County Founding Museum to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the area. Learn about the county's founding, local traditions, and historical artifacts. The museum offers an insight into the evolution of the region through exhibits showcasing historical documents, relics, and interactive displays.
Heyang County Museum is located in the Confucian Temple in Heyang County. It was officially established in May 1989 after the separation of Heyang County Cultural Center. It is a county-level museum integrating collection, protection, research, education, and archaeological investigation. It is affiliated to the Heyang County Cultural Bureau.
The Heyang Confucian Temple, where the museum is located, was founded in 1093, the eighth year of the Yuan Dynasty in the Northern Song Dynasty. Comprising a temple in front and a school in the back, it is a grand complex of ancient Song and Ming Dynasty buildings of great historical and artistic value. The main buildings comprise the Yucheng Hall, Minglun Hall, and Zunjing Pavilion, along with two halls, two wings, and two side rooms. Covering an area of 6,750 square meters and a building area of 2,173 square meters, it is the largest and most numerous ancient architectural complex in Heyang. On April 20, 1992, the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government designated it a provincial-level key cultural relic protection site.
The Dacheng Hall, originally built during the Daguan reign of the Northern Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the second year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, features a single-eaved hip roof and a simple, imposing style. It exhibits distinct early Ming architectural styles and local characteristics, making it a valuable physical reference to Ming Dynasty architecture. A replica of the Han Dynasty Heyang Magistrate Cao Quan Stele stands on the west side of the hall, while a stele inscribed in the 32nd year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, "Reconstruction of the Imperial Academy," stands on the east side.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Located north of the Dacheng Hall, the Zunjing Pavilion is a three-story wooden structure built on a raised platform. Founded in the early Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it features a double-eaved hip roof. Standing 20 meters tall, its interlocking arches and eaves soar above the ground, it appears majestic and impressive, a rarity among similar structures in Jiangsu Province. A stele inscribed with "Lei Jianfu Recommending the Three Su" stands on the side of the front door, erected in 1998.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
Monday to Sunday, 9:00-17:00
The Heyang County Founding Museum showcases the history of Heyang County, focusing on its founding, cultural development, and historical events. It serves as an educational site to preserve and display the region’s rich cultural heritage, including artifacts from various periods of the county’s history.
The museum is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center of Huayin. Public transport options are limited, so hiring a car or taking a taxi is recommended.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds, and weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥20. Tickets can be purchased directly at the museum, as there is no online booking system available.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. However, it is recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival, especially during busy tourist seasons or holidays to avoid long queues.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum and view all exhibits. If you are particularly interested in reading the detailed descriptions, you may want to allocate additional time.
Key highlights include exhibits on the founding history of Heyang County, ancient artifacts, historical documents, and the cultural development of the region. The main gallery focuses on the county’s history and cultural evolution.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for specific exhibits, but English language options might be limited. It’s best to inquire at the entrance.
The museum’s interior provides great photo opportunities of historical exhibits. However, the architecture of the building itself is also a nice subject for photography, reflecting traditional Shaanxi designs.
Start by exploring the main exhibition hall that covers the history of Heyang County. Move on to smaller sections featuring cultural relics and historical documents. Don’t miss the section dedicated to the county's founding and its key figures.
The museum does not offer night visits, light shows, or special tours. It is typically open during daylight hours for a more traditional museum experience.
The museum is generally not overly crowded. Weekdays, especially in the mornings, are the best times to visit for a quieter experience.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets and rest areas. However, food and drink options inside the museum are limited, so it is advisable to bring snacks or visit nearby restaurants.
The museum is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, there might be limited accessibility for disabled visitors, particularly in areas that may involve stairs. It’s recommended to inquire beforehand for any specific assistance needed.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. It’s also advisable to carry cash, as some smaller vendors may not accept digital payments.
There are no restaurants inside the museum, but nearby Huayin offers a variety of local eateries where you can enjoy Shaanxi cuisine. Popular options include noodle shops and traditional dumpling restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available in many local restaurants. However, halal food might be less common in the area, so it’s recommended to check with restaurants in advance for specific dietary requirements.
There are several hotels in Huayin city center, including budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Consider staying in the city center for easy access to the museum and other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Huashan Mountain, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains, and the Huashan Scenic Area. Both are easily accessible from the museum and make for great additions to a day trip.
There are souvenir shops within the museum and in nearby areas, offering traditional crafts, local snacks, and cultural artifacts. Popular souvenirs include small sculptures, paintings, and textiles.
Taxi or private car is the most convenient option to continue your journey. Huayin also has a bus system, but taxis are faster and more direct for reaching other tourist spots such as Huashan Mountain.
