Baoji Bronzeware Museum

Baoji Bronzeware Museum

Overview

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum (宝鸡青铜器博物院) is located on the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains and the southern bank of the Wei River, within the National 4A-level scenic area of Zhonghua Shigu Park (中华石鼓园). It is a state-level first-class museum dedicated to the collection, research, and exhibition of bronzeware from the Zhou and Qin Dynasties. The museum, under the Baoji City Bureau of Cultural Relics, occupies an area of 34,800 square meters, with an exhibition space of 15,000 square meters. It houses over 487,000 pieces (sets) of cultural relics.

The museum’s predecessor was the Baoji Historical Relic Exhibition Room, established in 1956 in the Jin Tai Guan (金台观) area of Baoji. It was renamed Baoji Museum in 1958, moved to South Park Road in 1998, and became the Baoji Bronzeware Museum. In September 2010, the museum relocated to Zhonghua Shigu Park, where it was renamed Baoji Bronzeware Museum and opened to the public for free. The new building is designed based on scenes of bronzeware excavation, and the collection includes over 12,000 pieces, including 120 first-class artifacts such as the He Zun (何尊), Zhe Gong (折觥), Li Wang Hu Gui (厉王胡簋), Qiang Pan (墙盘), and Qin Gong Bo (秦公镈), all of which are banned from being exported. In March 2022, the museum was selected for the first batch of national science popularization education bases for 2021-2025.

Basic Information

Chinese Name: 宝鸡青铜器博物院 (Baoji Bronzeware Museum)
English Name: Baoji Bronzeware Museum
Area: 34,800 m²
Category: History Museum
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Zhonghua Shigu Park (中华石鼓园), Binhennan Road, Baoji City
Completion Date: September 2010
Collections Highlights: He Zun (何尊), Zhe Gong (折觥), Li Wang Hu Gui (厉王胡簋), Qiang Pan (墙盘), Qin Gong Bo (秦公镈)
Total Collections: 487,726 pieces (sets)
Annual Visitors: 385,500 people
Official Website: http://www.bjqtm.com/dwgk/gyby/
Current Curator: Ning Yaying (宁亚莹)

History and Development

1956: The Baoji Historical Relic Exhibition Room was established in the Jin Tai Guan (金台观) area of Baoji City, which later became the precursor of the Baoji Bronzeware Museum.
1958: The Baoji Historical Relic Exhibition Room was renamed Baoji Museum. The museum’s total building area was over 2,250 square meters, with 598 square meters for exhibitions, 910 square meters for ancient architecture, and a collection of over 11,000 pieces (sets), including 5,740 bronze artifacts, most of which were from the Western Zhou Dynasty. Among the collection were 45 first-class items.
1990: The Baoji Bronzeware Museum began construction in the Weibin District on South Park Road, and it opened to the public on September 8, 1998.
2006: The Baoji Municipal Party Committee and the city government decided to build the Baoji Bronzeware Museum at the site of the “Chinese First Artifact” — Shigu Mountain (石鼓山), the birthplace of the Shigu (Stone Drum) artifacts.
2010: The new museum building was completed on September 28 and was officially renamed Baoji Bronzeware Museum.
2015: The museum updated the external signage to read “China Bronzeware Museum” (中国青铜器博物馆). However, the museum emphasized that the name was not officially changed, only the sign was updated to expand publicity.
2017: On May 18, the museum was awarded the title of a national first-class museum during a ceremony at the Capital Museum.
2019: The museum initiated the establishment of the “Guarding Chinese Characters” alliance.
2022: The museum was selected as one of the first batch of national science popularization education bases for 2021-2025.

Museum Layout and Design

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum is located within the Shigu Mountain Scenic Area in Baoji City. The project is situated with Shigu Mountain to the west, the Yinxiang River (茵香河) to the east, and it faces south toward the 301 National Highway. The terrain rises from west to east. The total land area is approximately 50,800 square meters, with the core area covering 14,154 square meters. The building itself has a total area of 34,788 square meters and is designed in the shape of a “platform five tripods” (平台五鼎), symbolizing the profound meaning of the Western Zhou Dynasty’s system of bronze vessels.

Architectural Design

The museum’s main building consists of five floors, and its architectural style uses elements such as high platform gates (高台门阙) and bronze images of the earth (青铜后土) to represent Baoji’s long history and the revered position of its culture in ancient Chinese civilization. The building design is symmetric yet dynamic, with a spatial layout that combines modern exhibition space needs. The museum includes exhibition halls, an academic report hall, a visitor reception center, storage for cultural relics, and office spaces.

Museum Collections and Exhibits

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum is known for its extensive collection of bronzeware, with the collection including more than 12,000 pieces of significant historical artifacts. The first-class relics in its collection include the He Zun (何尊), Zhe Gong (折觥), Li Wang Hu Gui (厉王胡簋), Qiang Pan (墙盘), and Qin Gong Bo (秦公镈), which are important cultural relics that cannot be exported due to their significance in Chinese history.

The museum provides a deep insight into the bronzeware culture of the Zhou and Qin dynasties, with many of its items reflecting the complex social, political, and religious systems of ancient China. Visitors can explore the historical and artistic value of these objects, which have been meticulously preserved for centuries.

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum continues to serve as a major institution for the preservation and study of China’s rich bronzeware heritage, making it a key destination for those interested in ancient Chinese culture and history.

Exhibitions

Basic Exhibition

The main exhibition of the Baoji Bronzeware Museum (宝鸡青铜器博物院) is titled “The Light of Zhou and Qin Civilizations” (周秦文明之光). This exhibition is divided into several parts: the rise of the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周) in Baoji (宝鸡) and the rise of the Qin State (秦国) from Baoji, “Golden Treasures of Prosperity – New Archaeological Discoveries of the 21st Century” (盛世吉金–中国21世纪考古新发现特别展), and “The Special Exhibition of the Western Zhou Dynasty Caches from Dongjia Village, Qishan” (岐山董家村西周窖藏专题展). It showcases more than 600 pieces (or sets) of bronzeware, jadeware, pottery, and goldware unearthed from the Baoji area, vividly displaying significant historical events such as the rise of the Zhou clan, Duke Mu of Qin’s dominance, and the establishment of the feudal states during the Zhou Dynasty. This exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the Zhou and Qin Dynasties, highlighting their enormous contribution to Chinese civilization over 5,000 years.

Hometown of Bronzes

Key Highlight: Restoration of the Yangjia Village Cache (杨家村窖藏复原)

Exhibit Quantity: 260 Pieces

Exhibit Area: 606 Square Meters

Exhibit Content: This exhibition focuses on the rich collection of bronzeware unearthed from various cache sites in Baoji, particularly the Yangjia Village bronze cache from Meixian County. A large-scale topographical model of Baoji and a map of major bronzeware discovery sites during the Shang and Zhou periods are displayed in the first exhibition hall. Historically, Baoji has yielded numerous bronzeware artifacts, with thousands of pieces, including items discovered before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, seized by the police, and those unearthed through archaeological excavations. After the founding of the new China, with increasing attention to the protection of cultural relics, and with advances in archaeological technology, the bronzeware that had been buried for thousands of years in the region was safely preserved and made available for public display.

Among the various caches, the Yangjia Village bronzeware cache unearthed in the winter of 2003 stands out. This cache contained 27 large ritual bronzeware pieces, such as cauldrons, bowls, pitchers, and wine vessels, all inscribed with texts, including a 372-character inscription on a bronze plate. This discovery has drawn significant attention, particularly as Yangjia Village has been a source of bronzeware since 1955. The restoration of these bronzes is the core focus of this exhibit. The exhibit further includes four sub-galleries: “Exhibits from Yangjia Village,” “Other Important Bronzes from Baoji,” “The Hometown of Bronzes,” and “The Origins of the Zhou Dynasty.”

The Land of Zhou Rites

Key Highlight: Li Wang Hu Gui, Wall Plate, He Zun (厉王胡簋、墙盘、何尊)

Exhibit Quantity: 688 Pieces

Exhibit Area: 947 Square Meters

Exhibit Content: This section explores the splendid era under the rites system of the Zhou Dynasty (周礼). The exhibition includes significant bronzeware like Li Wang Hu Gui (厉王胡簋), which provides insight into the origins of the nation’s ethnic sentiment, and the Wall Plate (墙盘), along with related artifacts that highlight the cultural and military achievements of the Six Kings of the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周), including King Wen, King Wu, King Cheng, King Kang, King Zhao, and King Mu. The centerpiece of this section is the He Zun (何尊), a national treasure featuring an inscription that famously marks the phrase “Establishing Luoyang, the capital of China” (营建洛邑，宅兹中国). This artifact traces the origins of the term “China” (中国).

During the Western Zhou period, the Gui (簋) was one of the primary ceremonial vessels, used alongside the Ding (鼎) in sacrificial and feasting ceremonies. The number and arrangement of these vessels signified the social status and rank of individuals. The exhibition reconstructs the scenes of Zhou kings hosting banquets for feudal lords, allowing visitors to visually experience the strict hierarchical systems and ceremonial rules of the Zhou Dynasty.

Through a detailed presentation of these artifacts, the museum illustrates the prosperous era established by the rites of the Zhou Dynasty and the role of bronzeware in expressing the rituals and social structures of this ancient civilization.

The Road of the Empire (帝国之路)

Core Highlight: Qin Gong Bell (秦公镈)

Number of Exhibits: 360 pieces

Exhibition Area: 947 square meters

Exhibition Content: This exhibition presents significant historical moments such as Feizi’s horse breeding, Emperor Qin’s coronation, and more.

The third exhibition hall focuses on the decline of the Zhou Dynasty and its migration eastward, as well as the rise of the Qin Empire. It follows the historical narrative from the twilight of the Western Zhou period and showcases pivotal moments such as Feizi’s horse breeding, Duke Xiang founding his state, Duke Wen’s eastward hunting, Duke Wu founding counties, Duke Xuan carving inscriptions, Duke Mu’s rise to power, and Emperor Qin’s coronation. These milestones illustrate the rise and fall of different nations and the shifting power dynamics between two ethnic groups.

Though the historical transitions from Zhou to Qin are presented with the aid of modern technologies like sound, light, and electronics, the exquisite and mysterious bronzeware also plays a key role. The Qin Gong Bell, a large percussion instrument, takes center stage in this hall. It was used to lead orchestras and had significant ceremonial importance during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, especially in royal banquets and rituals.

In 1978, during excavation work in Taigongmiao Village, Yangjiagou Township, Baoji, a bronzeware cache was discovered. Among the findings were five Qin Gong Bells and three Qin Gong Bells. These bells, distinct in shape and large in size, are elaborately decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs, showcasing intricate and lively patterns with a fresh and natural aesthetic.

The Light of Wisdom

Core Highlight: Zhe Gong (折觥)

Number of Exhibits: 160 pieces

Exhibition Area: 606 square meters

Exhibition Content: This section recreates a Western Zhou bronze workshop, illustrating the complete process of bronze casting from model-making to final molding.

The fourth exhibition hall spans 606 square meters and features 160 artifacts. The exhibits are displayed through various means, including static displays of artifacts with explanatory texts, interactive digital desktops, wide-format multimedia systems, and a hands-on workshop experience. These elements vividly present the entire process of bronze casting from mold-making to the finished product. The key highlight of this exhibition is the Zhe Gong, a type of ritual bronze vessel, showcasing the unique artistry of bronze shapes and decorations, emphasizing the artistic features of the bronze culture.

Special Exhibitions

The Language of Pottery Tells the Spring and Autumn (陶语诉春秋)

This exhibition, divided into six thematic sections—“The First Sound of Civilization,” “The Book of Heaven Without Words,” “Life in Pottery,” “The Grandeur of the Tang Dynasty,” “Frozen Trends,” and “Earthenware”—displays nearly 400 pieces of pottery and ceramics, all unearthed from Baoji. These artifacts span from the Neolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. The exhibition includes early Chinese pottery, such as the first tiles from the Longshan period, China’s earliest stringed puppets, and the drinking rituals of the Zhou Dynasty. Visitors can also explore the local culture of the Song Dynasty in the Guanzhong region.

Mirror and Fashion (对镜贴花黄)

Bronze mirrors are an important category in the museum’s collection, reflecting ancient material culture through various historical periods. This exhibition uniquely combines ancient bronze mirrors with fashion, creating an innovative format. The background is white, and the items are accompanied by graphic descriptions, resembling the pages of a slowly unfolding fashion magazine. Through this exhibition, visitors can explore Baoji’s ancient mirrors while also learning about ancient Chinese society’s material culture and fashion through decorative items, everyday objects, and other artifacts from various periods.

Temporary Exhibitions

Achievements in the Fight Against Cultural Relic Crimes in Baoji (《宝鸡市打击文物犯罪成果展》)

This exhibition is divided into five sections: “Collecting China,” “Thieves of the Nation,” “Tightening the Net,” “Operation Skyhawk,” and “A Long Road Ahead.” It showcases over 280 pieces of seized artifacts in various forms and typical cases, displaying Baoji’s recent efforts and achievements in fighting cultural relic crimes and protecting the country’s valuable cultural heritage.

Exhibition Duration: June 6, 2012 – December 6, 2012

Guardians of the Homeland: Achievements in Protecting Cultural Relics in Shigu Mountain, Baoji (《守望家园——宝鸡石鼓山群众保护文物成果展》)

This exhibition displays nearly 800 bronze artifacts, including the precious Western Zhou bronze ritual vessels and rare Western Zhou armor, which are making their first public appearance.

Exhibition Duration: October 1, 2013 – February 1, 2014

The Friendship Between Qin and Jin: A Special Exhibition of Zhou Dynasty Artifacts Unearthed in Shanxi (《秦晋之好—山西出土周代文物精品展》)

This exhibition features 106 pieces of precious artifacts, including bird-shaped vessels, alliance inscriptions from Houma, and jade ceremonial weapons. These artifacts, displayed alongside photographs of objects unearthed in Shaanxi, highlight inter-museum exchanges and cooperation.

Exhibition Duration: April 28, 2015 – June 25, 2015

Historical Figures of the Republic of China: Hainan Stone Inscriptions Exhibition (《民国政要——海南石刻遗墨展》)

This exhibition displays stone inscriptions of 45 historical figures from the late Qing and Republican periods, including Sun Yat-sen, Yu Youren, Li Zongren, Feng Yuxiang, and Cai Tingkai. These inscriptions reflect the diverse calligraphic styles of these individuals, including regular script, running script, cursive script, seal script, and Wei style.

Exhibition Duration: October 1, 2015 – November 30, 2015

Important Collections

Dynasty: Early Western Zhou (西周早期)

Excavation Site: Yuguo Tombs, Baoji (宝鸡鱼国墓地)
Historical Value: The inner wall of this vessel is inscribed with two lines of five characters: “夨伯作旅鼎” (“The Duke of E made this tripod”). The character “夨” (E) indicates that it might be a relic of the ancient E State. After King Wu of Zhou (周武王) overthrew the Shang Dynasty, in order to consolidate the Western Zhou regime, he granted feudal territories to various vassals. Among the vassal states established in Baoji were the Yu State (鱼国), San State (散国), E State (夨国), Wei State (微国), Jing State (井国), and Guo State (虢国). The E State was located in what is now the northern part of Baoji, in the areas of Longxian (陇县) and Qianyang (千阳).

Dynasty: Late Western Zhou (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Qishan County Museum (岐山县博物馆)
Historical Value: The Li (鬲), a common cooking vessel, resembles a pot used for cooking congee. Most of its forms are tripod-shaped, which increases both the volume and the heat exposure. “Guo” (虢) was a feudal state, which in the Western Zhou period was divided into Western Guo (西虢), located around today’s Baoji’s Guo Town (虢镇), and Eastern Guo (东虢) in the area of Sanmenxia (三门峡), Henan.

Dynasty: Early Western Zhou (西周早期)

Excavation Site: Liuji Village, Zhuangbai, Fufeng County, Baoji (宝鸡市扶风县庄白刘家村)
Historical Value: The Yu (盂) was an ancient vessel used for holding water or food. This object dates to the early Western Zhou period and was severely damaged upon excavation, with only the base remaining. If complete, it would have been a very large vessel.

Dynasty: Early Western Zhou (西周早期)

Excavation Site: Zhi Gou Village, Southeast Town, Longxian, Baoji (宝鸡市陇县东南镇纸沟村)
Historical Value: The Gui (簋) was an ancient vessel used to hold grains such as millet, rice, and barley. This piece is a splendid example of early Western Zhou craftsmanship, featuring intricate designs. The handles are adorned with bas-relief animal heads, and both the belly and the base are decorated with a phoenix motif, a symbol that was highly popular during the Western Zhou period. According to legend, the phoenix gathered on the peak of Qi Mountain (岐山) in the first year of King Wen of Zhou’s reign, crowing loudly, which foretold the rise of the Zhou Dynasty. The phrase “The rise of Zhou, the phoenix sings on Qi Mountain” comes from this legend.

Dynasty: Late Western Zhou (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Yun Tang Caches, Fufeng County, Baoji (宝鸡市扶风县云塘窖藏)
Historical Value: Discovered in 1976, this spoon, used for scooping wine, was cast with a straight handle, and the inscription identifies it as a Jue (爵), a vessel type used in ceremonial settings.

Dynasty: Mid Western Zhou (西周中期)

Excavation Site: Zhuangbai Village, Fufeng County, Baoji (宝鸡市扶风县庄白村一号窖藏)
Specifications: Height 35.7 cm, Diameter 22.8 cm
Historical Value: The Gui (簋) is a vessel used for holding cooked grains like millet, rice, and barley, and was an important ceremonial object during the Shang and Zhou periods. It was typically used in ritual ceremonies and feasts, often paired with a Ding (鼎) in even-numbered sets to signify the status and identity of the owner. A total of 8 pieces were unearthed, each consisting of a vessel body and a base, with simple and elegant design elements.

Dynasty: Late Western Zhou (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Yangjia Village Caches, Mei County, Baoji (眉县杨家村窖藏)
Historical Value: The Pan (盘) is a vessel for holding water, usually paired with a Yi (匜) for ceremonial handwashing. This object is beautifully crafted, with a belly and ring foot decorated with intricate patterns, and a beast’s head holding a ring at the base. The exterior of the pan is covered with green copper rust. It is the most historically significant object discovered in the Yangjia Village cache, and its inscription of 21 lines and 372 characters records the contributions of the Shan family over 8 generations, from assisting King Wen to King Xuan of Zhou in military campaigns, governance, and administration of forests and waters.

Western Zhou Period – Late (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Yangjiacun Caves, Mei County (眉县杨家村窖藏)

Dimensions: Height 48 cm, Length 52 cm, Weight 12 kg

Historical Value: The He (盉) is an ancient vessel used for mixing wine and water, adjusting the strength of the wine with water. This piece is uniquely shaped and intricately designed. According to the inscription, it was made by the eighth generation of the Shan family for the sacrificial rites of their great ancestor, Grandfather Shan. The vessel’s body is oval and flat, with dragon motifs on both sides. The lid is topped with a phoenix bird with its head raised and wings spread, as though ready to take flight, creating a lively and lifelike image. Where the lid meets the body, there is a tiger climbing upwards with its head tilted, exuding the kingly dignity of the animal. The He‘s handle is shaped like a dragon’s head, appearing as though it is flying through the air, calling winds and rain. The spout is like a long, dancing dragon, ready to pour out the fine wine. The entire vessel is supported by four dragon heads, combining the strength of the dragon, the beauty of the phoenix, and the majesty of the tiger to create a harmonious and auspicious image of “dragons soaring, tigers leaping, and the phoenix heralding prosperity.” The motifs of dragons and phoenixes, strength and grace, movement and stillness, complement and resonate with each other, creating a perfect harmony.

Western Zhou Period – Late (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Yangjiacun Caves, Mei County (眉县杨家村窖藏)

Historical Value: The Gui (簋) vessels, 43 in total, share similar shapes and decorations with the Gui vessels found in the 42nd year of King Xuan of Zhou’s reign. The ninth and tenth pieces are smaller and have their inscriptions divided into two parts. The remaining eight vessels have full inscriptions on the inner walls, recording events of the 43rd year of King Xuan’s reign (785 BC). The inscriptions describe how Shan, for his contributions in managing the forests and providing the royal court with products, was honored by the Zhou dynasty with the title of “Official of History” (a position akin to a minister overseeing political affairs). The inscription includes details of the day, month, and lunar calendar, providing invaluable material for studying the Western Zhou dynasty’s calendar.

Western Zhou Period – Late (西周晚期)

Excavation Site: Yangjiacun Caves, Mei County (眉县杨家村窖藏)

Historical Value: This vessel is part of a group of two Ding (鼎) vessels made in the 42nd year of King Xuan’s reign (786 BC). Ding vessels, which appeared during the Xia dynasty and continued through the Western Zhou period and beyond, were used for sacrifices and feasts. The inscriptions on the Ding vessels recount how Shan was summoned to the central court and honored in a formal ceremony by the king. This Ding was specifically made for such events.

Western Zhou Period – Early (西周早期)

Excavation Site: Jiachun Town, Baoji City (宝鸡市贾村镇)

Historical Value: The He Zun (何尊) is a bronze wine vessel from the early Western Zhou period, standing 38.5 cm tall and weighing 14.6 kg. The vessel has an elegant, rectangular shape with a wide mouth and four carved decorations along the sides. The upper body features banana leaf patterns and snake motifs, while the lower part and base of the vessel are adorned with taotie (饕餮) patterns, symbolizing gluttony. The vessel’s surface is richly decorated with high-relief and ground patterns. The inscription records a speech by King Cheng of Zhou during his fifth year of rule, marking the founding of the new capital city of Luoyi, a key historical event that also contains the earliest recorded mention of the term “China” (宅兹中国), which literally means “I will live in the central region of the world.” This marks a significant historical and cultural development.

Western Zhou Period (西周)

Excavation Site: Zhuangzi Village, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province (陕西省扶风县庄自村)

Historical Value: The Gong (觥) is a type of vessel used for ritual and drinking purposes during the Shang and Western Zhou periods. This particular Gong has a distinctive rectangular shape with a lid featuring a beast’s head, reflecting the advanced artistic and metallurgical skills of the time. The lid and vessel are richly adorned with animal face motifs, flying dragon patterns, and decorative ribs, all contributing to the vessel’s grandeur.

Western Zhou Period (西周)

Excavation Site: Zhuangzi Village, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province (陕西扶风齐村)

Historical Value: The Gui Wang (簋王) is the largest of its kind from the Western Zhou period, symbolizing “Heaven is round, and the earth is square.” The vessel stands 59 cm tall, weighs 60 kg, and is made from bronze. It is engraved with 124 characters detailing a ritual conducted by King Li of Zhou during the 12th year of his reign. The Gui provides important information on the Western Zhou dynasty’s rituals, sacrifice systems, and the technological advancements of bronze casting during the period.

Western Zhou Period – Mid (西周中期)

Excavation Site: Zhuangbai Village, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province (陕西省扶风县庄白大队)

Historical Value: The Qiang Pan (史墙盘) is a commemorative copper plate made by the Wei family of the Western Zhou period, measuring 16.2 cm tall and 47.3 cm in diameter. The pan’s decorations include phoenix bird patterns and curling cloud motifs, along with a detailed inscription recording historical events and the Wei family’s lineage. This pan is one of the longest inscriptions ever found on a bronze object in the history of Chinese archaeology, documenting the policies of the Zhou dynasty towards the people of the Shang dynasty and offering insights into early Chinese script and governance.

Spring and Autumn Period (春秋时期)

Excavation Site: Zhuangbai Village, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province (陕西省扶风县庄白大队)

Historical Value: The Qin Gong Bo (秦公镈) is a monumental bronze ceremonial bell used by the Qin state during the Spring and Autumn period. The bell stands 75.1 cm tall and weighs 62.5 kg. The inscriptions on the bell record the genealogy of four generations of Qin rulers, particularly focusing on the accomplishments of Duke Xiang of Qin. The Bo is significant not only for its artistic and cultural value but also for providing critical information about early Qin history, bronze metallurgy, and the music culture of the period.

Western Zhou Period – Fish-shaped Zun (鲤鱼尊)

Discovery: This Fish Zun (鲤鱼尊) is the earliest-known 3D fish-shaped bronze vessel in China, dating back more than 2,800 years to the Western Zhou period. Used for holding wine, the vessel has a hollow body and a spout located at the fish’s back. The lid can be opened to pour out the wine, showcasing both practical and symbolic uses of the vessel.

Dimensions: Height 48.5 cm, Weight 12 kg

Collection: Baoji Bronzes Museum (宝鸡青铜器博物院)

These ancient bronzeware objects from the Western Zhou dynasty offer rich insights into the culture, politics, and technological advancements of early Chinese civilization. The intricate designs, detailed inscriptions, and symbolic imagery on the bronzes reflect both the ceremonial importance of these objects and the sophisticated craftsmanship of the time.

Academic Research

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum (宝鸡青铜器博物院) currently employs a staff of 38 people, including 16 Communist Party members, 14 administrative staff, and 24 professionals and technicians. The museum has published several academic works such as: “陶语诉春秋” (Taoist Language Speaks of the Spring and Autumn Period), “杨家村西周遗址” (Yangjia Village Western Zhou Ruins), “周秦文明论丛” (The Discourses on the Zhou and Qin Civilizations), “守望家园—陕西宝鸡群众文物保护成果” (Watching Over Our Homeland – Achievements in the Protection of Cultural Relics in Baoji, Shaanxi), “圣都美石—陕西宝鸡出土先秦玉器精品展” (Sacred City’s Beautiful Stones – A Fine Collection of Pre-Qin Jade Artifacts Unearthed in Baoji, Shaanxi), “国宝” (National Treasures), “凤鸣岐山—周原青铜艺术” (Phoenix’s Call at Qishan – The Bronzes of Zhouyuan), “出土文物与汉学文化” (Unearthed Cultural Relics and Sinology), and “青铜铸文明” (Bronze Casting Civilization).

Since August 2012, the museum has been publishing “宝鸡青铜器博物院院讯” (Baoji Bronzeware Museum Bulletin), featuring important updates on the museum’s work, academic research achievements, and research developments.

Cultural Activities

On November 9, 2023, the museum hosted an event titled “Prevention First, Life Above All” – How Much Do You Know About Museum Fire Safety? (预防为主生命至上——博物馆消防安全知识知多少？).

On November 22, 2024, the museum will launch “Baoji Micro-Classroom | Poetry Talks About Solar Terms: Minor Snow – Cold air heralds the snow, the ground cold but snow has not yet arrived” (宝博微课堂 | 诗词话节气：小雪 —— 气寒而将雪矣，地寒未甚而雪未大也).

Organizational Structure

Key Personnel

宁亚莹 (Ning Yaying) – Party Secretary, Director of the Museum, responsible for the overall operation of the museum.
李岐 (Li Qi) – Deputy Party Secretary, Deputy Director, responsible for party affairs, discipline inspection, exhibitions, security, and logistics. Oversees the Office, Exhibition Research Department, Security Department, and Logistics Management Department.
翟慧萍 (Zhai Huiping) – Deputy Director, responsible for cultural relics management, education, and cultural industry. Oversees the Cultural Relics Protection and Management Department, Education and Promotion Department, and Cultural Industry Department.

Honors and Awards

In March 2022, the Baoji Bronzeware Museum was included in the first batch of the 2021-2025 National Popular Science Education Base recognition list (2021-2025年全国科普教育基地第一批认定名单).

Significant Events

On July 12, 2023, the Baoji Bronzeware Museum announced that it would be extending its hours from July 14 to August 26, with the museum open in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. During this period, services such as the Visitor Service Center and the Cultural Creative Shop will remain open.

Visitor Information

Basic Information

The Baoji Bronzeware Museum is open to the public for free. To ensure the safety of cultural relics and the quality of visits, the museum follows a policy where free tickets are issued with a maximum daily limit of 3,000 tickets. The tickets are distributed as follows: 2,000 tickets before 2:00 PM and 1,000 tickets before 4:00 PM. Tickets are distributed on the day of each opening between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Closed on Mondays (except on national holidays).

Visitor Routes

The museum is located in the scenic Zhonghua Shigu Park (中华石鼓园) along the Binhe Avenue in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, which is a 20-minute drive from the city center and Baoji Railway Station. It is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (咸阳机场).

The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with bus routes 8, 10, 17, 28, 51, and 61 passing by.

Important Notes for Visitors

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult or a group to enter the museum.
Visitors who are inappropriately dressed, drunk, or suffering from mental disorders will not be admitted.
Pets, flammable or explosive materials, controlled weapons, and other legally restricted items are prohibited in the museum.
Items carried by visitors may be stored for free at the museum’s small-item storage area. Drinks, food, and other non-essential items are not allowed inside the exhibition halls.
All visitors must pass through the security checkpoint and have their bags inspected by the baggage scanner before entering.
Visitors should maintain hygiene by not spitting or littering.
Smoking, using cell phones, cameras, or flash photography is prohibited inside the exhibition halls.
Touching exhibits, making noise, running, or engaging in any unrelated activities is not allowed in the halls.
Visitors should care for the exhibits, exhibition facilities, and public services, including the flowers, trees, and green spaces. Any damages will be subject to compensation or legal responsibility.