Hubei Provincial Museum
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Music Lovers · Families
1953
Founded
65
Chime Bells in Set
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, China — the Hubei Provincial Museum was founded in 1953 and sits on the shore of East Lake in Wuhan. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Admission: ✓ Free standard admission. Book timed-entry tickets ahead in peak season. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Hubei Provincial Museum
The Hubei Provincial Museum was founded in 1953 and sits on the shore of East Lake in Wuhan. Its modern complex has been progressively rebuilt and expanded, and it ranks among the most important provincial museums in China.
The museum's signature treasure is the bianzhong — a set of 65 bronze chime bells cast for Marquis Yi of Zeng in 433 BCE, discovered in 1978 in a tomb at Suizhou. Replicas are played in daily concerts; the original 2,400-year-old set is preserved as a national treasure.
Other highlights include the sword of King Goujian of Yue — a legendary blade still sharp after 2,500 years — and exceptional lacquerware from the Zeng state tombs.
Admission is free with reservation. The museum is a natural pairing with an East Lake boat ride or a visit to the nearby Wuhan University cherry blossoms in spring.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Hubei Provincial Museum without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng
📍 Treasure Gallery, dedicated hall
Sixty-five bronze bells covering five octaves and twelve tones — the largest and most complete ancient chime set ever found.
- 2
Sword of King Goujian
📍 Chu Culture Gallery
A legendary blade inscribed with eight characters in bird-worm seal script, attributed to King Goujian of Yue.
- 3
Lacquer Drum Stand with Phoenix Design
📍 Lacquerware Gallery
An extraordinary lacquered wooden drum stand shaped as birds and snakes, preserved in remarkable condition from the Marquis Yi's tomb.
- 4
Blue-and-White Prunus Vase
📍 Ceramics Gallery
A rare Yuan blue-and-white meiping vase with prunus blossom design, among the finest ceramics in the Hubei collection.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Hubei Provincial Museum — and why they matter.
Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng
Zeng bronze casters · 433 BCE
📍 Treasure Gallery, dedicated hall
Sixty-five bronze bells covering five octaves and twelve tones — the largest and most complete ancient chime set ever found. Daily replica performances demonstrate their musical range.
Sword of King Goujian
Spring and Autumn Period · c. 5th century BCE
📍 Chu Culture Gallery
A legendary blade inscribed with eight characters in bird-worm seal script, attributed to King Goujian of Yue. Still sharp after 2,500 years in the tomb.
Lacquer Drum Stand with Phoenix Design
Zeng artisans · 433 BCE
📍 Lacquerware Gallery
An extraordinary lacquered wooden drum stand shaped as birds and snakes, preserved in remarkable condition from the Marquis Yi's tomb.
Blue-and-White Prunus Vase
Yuan Dynasty · Jingdezhen
📍 Ceramics Gallery
A rare Yuan blue-and-white meiping vase with prunus blossom design, among the finest ceramics in the Hubei collection.
Collections & highlights
- • Bianzhong chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng
- • Sword of King Goujian of Yue
- • Zeng-state lacquerware
- • Chu culture bronzes and jades
- • East Lake setting
Frequently asked questions
Are the chime bells still played?
Replicas are played in daily concerts; the original 2,400-year-old set is preserved as a treasure.
Is the museum near East Lake?
Yes, the museum sits on East Lake's shore — perfect to combine with a lakeside walk.
How long should I spend at Hubei Provincial Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Hubei Provincial Museum best known for?
The Hubei Provincial Museum was founded in 1953 and moved to its current location near East Lake in 1960. Its modern complex has been progressively rebuilt and expanded since. Key highlights include Bianzhong chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, Sword of King Goujian of Yue, Zeng-state lacquerware.
How do I get tickets for Hubei Provincial Museum?
✓ Free standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: http://www.hbww.org/Default.aspx
How long is the bell performance?
Concerts typically last 20–30 minutes and feature ancient Chinese melodies reconstructed from inscriptions on the bells themselves.
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