Hubei Provincial Museum
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. Allow 2–3 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Hubei Provincial Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | Free standard admission |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Arrive for the chime bell performance (check daily schedule — usually mid-morning and afternoon). |
| Getting there | Metro: No direct metro — taxi or bus from Wuhan metro stations to East Lake area |
| Address | 160 Donghu Rd, Wuchang, Wuhan, China |
| Official website | hbww.org |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Hubei Provincial Museum known for?
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.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Music Lovers · Families
How long do you need at Hubei Provincial Museum?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Hubei Provincial Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 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.
What are the must-see works at Hubei Provincial Museum?
4 highlights that define the collection: Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, Sword of King Goujian, Lacquer Drum Stand with Phoenix Design and more.
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 and 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
Tips for visiting Hubei Provincial Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Arrive for the chime bell performance (check daily schedule — usually mid-morning and afternoon).
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Very busy during Golden Week and summer holidays; weekday mornings are manageable.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free with advance reservation via the official website or WeChat.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Museum café; East Lake restaurants and tea houses nearby.
- 5.
Accessibility
Accessible main galleries; some older wings have steps.
How do you get to Hubei Provincial Museum?
- metro No direct metro — taxi or bus from Wuhan metro stations to East Lake area
- bus Multiple bus lines stop on Donghu Road near the museum entrance
- walk Pleasant lakeside walk from Wuhan University's east gate (20 minutes)
Address: 160 Donghu Rd, Wuchang, Wuhan, China
Hubei Provincial Museum: 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 of Hubei Provincial Museum. Our 4-stop route — Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, Sword of King Goujian, Lacquer Drum Stand with Phoenix Design and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the 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. Book a free timed ticket on the official website to guarantee entry at busy times. 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.
Is Hubei Provincial Museum open on Mondays?
No — Hubei Provincial Museum is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are Hubei Provincial Museum's opening hours?
Hubei Provincial Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Hubei Provincial Museum free to visit?
Yes — free standard admission.