Why go
The same tomb produced lacquerware, bronzes and the legendary sword of King Goujian — a blade that still gleams, its pattern intact, after 2,500 years in the ground. Tests confirmed it remains sharp enough to cut.
The museum, rebuilt in the shape of a great ding vessel, sits beside East Lake and is one of the great provincial museums of China — a strong reason to build Wuhan into your itinerary.
- The bianzhong: 65 bronze bells, still tuned and played in performance
- The world's largest ancient bronze musical instrument
- The sword of Goujian — 2,500 years old and still sharp enough to cut
- Daily bell concerts make the collection sing
The highlights
The bianzhong sits in its own hall, and a short live performance (check daily times at the ticket desk) demonstrates its astonishing range — the bells can play two distinct tones each and cover five octaves. The Goujian sword is displayed under careful lighting, its blade pattern and preserved edge almost unbelievable. The lacquer coffins and bronzes round out a superb collection.
Plan your visit
Wuhan is a major rail hub — a natural stop between Beijing and Guangzhou, and the gateway to the Yangtze's Three Gorges cruise. The museum sits beside East Lake, which deserves a stroll or boat ride. Combine with Yellow Crane Tower for a classic Wuhan day, then finish with a bowl of hot dry noodles (re gan mian), the city's signature breakfast.
Getting there
- Metro Line 8 to Liyuan, then walk; the museum sits beside East Lake
- Masterpiece
- Marquis Yi's 65 bronze bells
- Legend
- Sword of King Goujian
- Setting
- Wuhan, beside East Lake
