Zhengzhou / Shangdu Ruins Museum

The most well-known Shang Dynasty actually established its capital in present-day Anyang. However, Tang of Shang initially established his capital in Zhengzhou, and the excavations at the Shang capital site solidified Zhengzhou's position as the center of the Shang Dynasty.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Shang Dynasty, and ancient artifacts have returned to their homeland. The four large square ding vessels have returned to the Zhengzhou Museum, and they are definitely worth seeing. Each ding weighs about 80 kilograms; I really don't know how they were made—it's amazing!

The Shang Dynasty stored these bronze artifacts in hoards, which effectively preserved the relics, allowing us to glimpse the existence of the Shang capital.

The guide told me that they are currently working hard to excavate the Xia Dynasty site, attempting to corroborate China's 5,000-year history (although other countries only recognize about 3,000 years).

My favorite exhibit at the Shang Capital Site Museum is the mural at the entrance, which fully records the major events in Tang of Shang's life, from the birth of the Shang Dynasty by the Black Bird to his self-sacrifice for rain.

There are genuine oracle bone inscriptions inside! It was the first time I'd ever seen characters carved on bones; it was truly remarkable.

📍Cost: Free
📍Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Oct 29, 2025