The Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou is a must-visit for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Key things to do include:

The Liangzhu Museum, formerly the Liangzhu Culture Museum, was named after Jiang Zemin and opened in 1994. It is located in Meilizhou Park, Liangzhu Town, Yuhang District. It is an archaeological and cultural museum specializing in Liangzhu culture.
The architectural design of the Liangzhu Museum was created by British designer David Chipperfield. It has a rugged and majestic appearance, with gray-white walls without any decoration, appearing simple and smooth, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding Meilizhou Park with its leisurely stream and green lawns.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
The Liangzhu Museum is dedicated to the Liangzhu culture, one of the most important ancient cultures in China, dating back over 5,000 years. It provides insights into the region’s early agricultural society, sophisticated craftsmanship, and religious practices. The museum also houses relics from the ancient Liangzhu city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019.
The Liangzhu Museum is located in the northeastern part of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. You can reach the museum by taking a taxi, or for public transport, buses are available from central Hangzhou. The nearest metro station is around a 15-minute walk from the museum.
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 the museum is less crowded.
The entrance fee for the Liangzhu Museum is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket counter, and in some cases, tickets can be reserved online in advance through the museum's official website.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or for special exhibitions. Tickets can typically be reserved 1-2 days in advance.
To fully explore the Liangzhu Museum and its exhibits, plan for about 2-3 hours. This will allow time for a detailed look at the exhibitions, the outdoor archaeological sites, and the museum's educational resources.
The must-see highlights of the museum include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English. It's a great option for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
Photography is allowed in most parts of the museum, with the best spots being near the jade artifacts and the large-scale outdoor archaeological site. The architectural elements of the museum also provide unique photo opportunities.
Start with the main exhibition halls to learn about the history of the Liangzhu culture. Then, head to the outdoor archaeological areas to see the actual sites where artifacts were discovered. If available, don't miss any special exhibits or multimedia presentations.
The Liangzhu Museum typically does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours or exhibitions may be scheduled during certain times of the year. It's best to check the museum's schedule for any special events.
The museum is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and public holidays tend to be more crowded, so it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours for a more comfortable experience.
The museum has basic facilities including toilets, a small café, and a gift shop selling Liangzhu culture-themed souvenirs. There are also rest areas where visitors can relax.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. There are ramps and elevators in place to ensure accessibility to all areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the museum. Cash payments are also accepted, but mobile payment methods are more convenient.
Inside the museum, there is a small café offering light snacks and drinks. For more dining options, there are local restaurants and cafes located just outside the museum or within a short drive.
While the museum café may offer some vegetarian options, for more diverse vegetarian, vegan, and halal choices, it is better to head to nearby areas or restaurants in central Hangzhou.
There are a few hotels near the museum, including budget options and mid-range hotels. For more luxury options, you may need to travel a bit further into central Hangzhou.
Nearby attractions include:
Yes, the museum's gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, including replicas of Liangzhu artifacts, jade items, and books on the history and archaeology of the Liangzhu culture.
The best transportation options to continue your trip are taxis or buses, both of which are readily available at the museum. For those staying in central Hangzhou, the metro or taxis are convenient for further exploration.