Live Your Best Lives
At the Yinxu Museum you should:
Located in Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province, the Yinxu Museum is China's first national-level thematic museum to present a panoramic view of Shang Dynasty civilization and serves as the core exhibition area of the World Cultural Heritage Yinxu Site. As the site of the late Shang Dynasty capital, Yinxu is renowned for its oracle bone inscriptions, bronze artifacts, and grand capital ruins. It has advanced Chinese historical records by approximately 1,000 years and is known as the "cradle of modern Chinese archaeology." 310
Highlights of the new museum:
Rich Exhibits: Displaying nearly 4,000 artifacts, including bronzes, jades, and oracle bones, three-quarters of which are on display for the first time, including key exhibits such as a chariot unearthed from the Shang Dynasty mausoleum and funerary objects from Yachang's tomb. 10
Diverse Themes: Featuring three core exhibitions (Shang Dynasty History, Oracle Bone Studies, and Archaeological History) and four thematic exhibitions (such as "The Imperial Capital and the Four Directions"), combined with immersive digital displays, the exhibition comprehensively explores the magnificent achievements of Shang Dynasty cities, rituals, music, writing, and handicrafts. 810
Architectural Features: Designed by Academician He Jingtang, the building incorporates the artistic conception of the Shang Dynasty Ode from the Book of Songs, with a bronze color scheme and a green grass terrace. It has been dubbed the "Temple of Chinese Civilization." 810
Recommended must-see exhibits at the Yinxu Museum
include: the replica of the "Simuwu Ding" (Simuwu Ding), a replica of the largest Shang Dynasty bronze ritual vessel, recreating its impressive size.
The Huayuanzhuang East Site H3 Oracle Bone Hoard: Over 110 oracle bones are on display for the first time, documenting divination and daily life
during the Shang Dynasty. A display of 23 Shang Dynasty chariots recreates the sounds of war and travel.
Artifacts from the Yachang Tomb: Through multidisciplinary research, the exhibits include weapons, jade artifacts, and other artifacts that recreate the military career of a Shang Dynasty general.
Ticket Reservations: Real-name reservations are required, and tickets are 80 yuan per person. Special groups (such as teachers, students, and the elderly) can enjoy half-price or free tickets.
It is recommended to reserve 1-2 days in advance to avoid ticket shortages during peak hours.
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 every day (ticket sales stop at 16:30), open all year round (except temporary closures) 810.
The Yinxu Museum is located on the site of Yinxu, the final capital of the Shang Dynasty, and one of the most significant archaeological sites in China. The museum houses artifacts that testify to the origins of Chinese script (oracle-bones), bronze ritual culture, and the urban and royal systems of China’s early civilization.
The museum sits in Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province, China, adjacent to the ruins of the ancient city of Yinxu. To get there:
The museum is typically open during daytime hours; one source lists Tuesdays through Sundays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Mondays (subject to local change). For best experience visit in the morning, early in the week or outside major public holidays to avoid crowds.
The full ticket price is approximately ¥ 80 RMB (one source) for day entry, with discounts for certain groups/night sessions. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the museum box office; some online reservation may be available via official local portals.
It is advisable to book in advance especially during peak periods or holidays. For regular days you may purchase on arrival. If you need guided tour audio or specialised visits, booking ahead is better.
A typical visit to the museum and immediate exhibition halls will take around 2-3 hours. If you include exploration of the wider archaeological site adjoining the museum (ruins, tombs, pits) allow half a day (3-4 hours).
Highlights include:
Yes, guided tours and interpretation services are available. While most are in Chinese, there are increasing bilingual/English supports in major exhibits. It’s recommended to check ahead at visitor centre for English commentary devices.
Good photo spots include the exterior architecture of the museum (designed in the shape of an ancient ding vessel) the display rooms with bronze vessels under spot-lighting, and the outdoor ruins areas (chariot pit foundations, tomb site landscapes). Arrive early for good light and fewer visitors.
A recommended route:
While standard opening is daytime, there are night-discount ticket options (one source mentions a night entry price of ¥ 40) and exhibitions may be extended for special events. Check local schedule for any evening events or light-shows.
The museum is popular (1.8 million+ visits in 2024) Visit weekday mornings, avoid national holiday periods and late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Yes — the museum has restrooms, a cafe or snack area, a museum shop and resting benches. On the outdoor site, paths and benches are provided; water bottles recommended for walking outside.
Generally accessible for children and most elderly visitors inside the museum (lifts, ramps). For outdoor ruins and uneven terrain (chariot pits/tomb fields) mobility may be more challenging; some parts may require walking on uneven paths.
You can pay for tickets and in museum shops by Chinese bank card or mobile payment apps (Alipay/WeChat) in most cases. Still advisable to have some cash for smaller purchases especially in site-adjacent kiosks or cafés.
Nearby the museum and within the visitor centre area you will find a café and light-meal service. In Anyang city centre there are more full restaurants serving Henan provincial cuisine. Check the visitor map for the museum’s on-site snack bar.
Vegetarian options should be available in the café or nearby restaurants (vegetable-based Chinese dishes). Halal may be more limited; if halal is required, ask in city centre restaurants in Anyang.
There are several hotels of varying levels in Anyang city centre (5–10 minutes by taxi from the museum). Staying near Yindu District gives easy access to the museum and ruins site. Booking ahead is advisable during peak seasons.
Yes — you can combine your visit with:
Yes — the museum shop offers books, replica bronze vessels, oracle-bone script memorabilia, postcards, and cultural-creative items themed on Shang civilization. These make meaningful souvenirs.
After your museum visit, you can:
