The Museum of Yin Ruins in Anyang

The Museum of Yin Ruins in Anyang

Yinxu Museum is the Silhouette of the Shang Dynasty, which is the only professional and systematic underground museum in China, with nearly 600 relics and heritages of great historic and appreciated value finds relating to the Shang Dynasty continuing to be found in the region.

Type: Attraction, Museum
Chinese Name: 殷墟博物馆
Opening Hours: 8:00--18:30 (April to September);8:00--17:30 (October to March)
Admission Ticket: 90RMB
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
Location: Anyang City, Henan Province(Anyang City, Henan Province)

The Museum of Yin Ruins

Yinxu Museum is the Silhouette of the Shang Dynasty, located in Anyang, Central China’s Henan province. Yinxu Museum is the only professional and systematic underground museum in China. With nearly 600 relics and heritages of great historic and appreciated value finds relating to the Shang Dynasty continuing to be found in the region. The Ruins of Yin were listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 2006.

The Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆), also known as the Institute of Yin Ruins (殷墟研究院), is located at the northwest intersection of Shachang Road (纱厂路) and Fangzhi Road (纺织路) in Yindu District (殷都区), Anyang City (安阳市), Henan Province (河南省).

Situated on the western bank of the Huan River (洹河), the museum lies in the narrow strip of land between the Yin Ruins Palace and Temple Site (殷墟宫殿宗庙遗址) and the Huan River (洹河).

The Yin Ruins (殷墟) is the first documented ancient capital site in Chinese history that has been verified through archaeological excavations and oracle bone inscriptions. Established in 2005, the original museum featured an exhibition hall covering 1,500 square meters. The museum was constructed as a single underground level building, standing 8 meters high, with 1 meter above ground and 7 meters below. The total land area covered 5,000 square meters, with an exhibition space of 1,800 square meters. Its design resembles the ancient oracle bone script character “洹” (Huan), symbolizing the river’s role in nurturing Shang civilization.

With the continuous expansion of archaeological discoveries at Yin Ruins, the original museum could no longer meet the requirements for artifact preservation and exhibition. Therefore, in November 2020, construction of a new museum began. In February 2024, the new Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆新馆) officially opened to the public.

Features of the New Museum

The new Yin Ruins Museum consists of three above-ground floors and houses eight exhibition halls. It is the first national-level thematic museum providing a panoramic showcase of Shang civilization, and it is a key project of the Yellow River National Cultural Park (黄河国家文化公园).

The museum displays nearly 4,000 sets of artifacts, including bronze ware, pottery, jade objects, and oracle bones.

As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Yin Ruins archaeological protection area spans 29.47 square kilometers. The completion of the new museum not only comprehensively summarizes and presents the existing archaeological research on Yin Ruins but also marks a new milestone in its preservation and utilization in the modern era.

On June 24, 2024, the Yin Ruins Museum was honored with the title of “Annual Museum of Cultural and Technological Innovation”.

General Information

Chinese Name: Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆), also known as Yin Ruins Park (殷墟博物苑)
English Name: Yin Ruins Museum
Location: Northwest of the intersection of Shachang Road (纱厂路) and Fangzhi Road (纺织路), Yindu District (殷都区), Anyang City (安阳市), Henan Province (河南省)
Category: State-Owned Museum under the Cultural Heritage System
Tourist Rating: AAAAA (China’s highest scenic rating)
Opening Hours:
- Summer: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Winter: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Sales End: One hour before closing
Ticket Price: 80 RMB
Museum Director: Chen Xingcan (陈星灿)

History and Development of the Yin Ruins Museum

Background and Historical Significance

Around 3,300 years ago, King Pan Geng (盘庚) of the Shang Dynasty relocated the capital to Yin (殷). The Shang dynasty ruled from this capital for eight generations and 12 kings, maintaining Yin as the political, economic, military, and cultural center for 255 years.

However, after King Wu of Zhou (周武王) led a campaign to overthrow the Shang Dynasty, the Yin capital fell into decline and gradually turned into ruins—hence the name “Yin Ruins (殷墟)”.

The Yin Ruins hold the distinction of being the first recorded ancient Chinese capital that has been confirmed through both oracle bone inscriptions and archaeological excavations. It represents the later capital of the Shang Dynasty.

Since the early 20th century, archaeologists have made numerous groundbreaking discoveries at Yin Ruins, including:

The earliest systematic oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文) in China
The earliest chariot and horse burial pits (车马坑遗迹) in China
The tomb of China’s earliest recorded female general, Lady Fu Hao (妇好墓葬)
The world’s largest and heaviest unearthed bronze vessel, the Houmuwu Ding (后母戊鼎), formerly known as the Simuwu Ding (司母戊鼎)

With these discoveries, Yin Ruins became a site that embodies the three core elements of ancient Chinese civilization: urban development, writing systems, and bronze culture.

To date, approximately 150,000 oracle bone inscriptions, along with a vast collection of bronze ware, jade, pottery, and bone artifacts, have been unearthed at Yin Ruins. This makes it one of the most significant sites in human civilization and a key landmark in Chinese history.

Construction and Development

The predecessor of the Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) was the Yin Ruins Museum Park (殷墟博物苑), which began construction on June 25, 1987. The first phase was completed on September 5 of the same year and was officially opened to the public on September 10. In April 2005, during the application process for Yin Ruins to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Yin Ruins Royal Tombs Site Management Office (殷墟王陵遗址管理处) was established. In 2006, the museum park was renamed the Anyang Yin Ruins Palace and Ancestral Temple Site Management Office (安阳市殷墟宫殿宗庙遗址管理处).

On March 16, 2005, the Museum of Yin Ruins officially broke ground. Later that year, on September 25, an opening ceremony was held. Nearly 600 artifacts, including oracle bones, bronze wares, and jade artifacts excavated from Yin Ruins, were displayed for the first time to the general public in four exhibition halls: the Capital Hall (都邑厅), the Bronze Hall (青铜器厅), the Jade and Oracle Bone Hall (玉器和甲骨文厅), and a Temporary Exhibition Hall (临时展厅). Prior to this, these valuable artifacts had never been publicly exhibited.

Since 2019, local authorities have been actively advancing the reform of Yin Ruins institutions. The Yin Ruins Management Committee (殷墟管委会) was established to replace the previous management office and assume responsibility for the protection and management of the site. The municipal Cultural and Tourism Group (市文旅集团) took over the operation of the Yin Ruins Scenic Area, while the management office was renamed the Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) and the Yin Ruins Research Institute (殷墟研究院).

In November 2020, construction of a new museum building began. On February 26, 2024, the new Museum of Yin Ruins officially opened. The museum features eight exhibition halls and consists of three floors above ground, making it the first national-level museum dedicated to providing a panoramic view of Shang Dynasty civilization. It is also one of the key projects of the Yellow River National Cultural Park (黄河国家文化公园). The museum showcases nearly 4,000 sets of artifacts, including bronzes, pottery, jade, and oracle bones. More than three-quarters of these precious artifacts are being exhibited for the first time.

Starting from March 18, 2024, the museum introduced nighttime opening hours from 17:30 to 20:30 daily.

By August 2024, according to the latest statistics, the museum welcomed its one-millionth visitor on August 25 at 10:35 AM.

On February 26, 2025, the Museum of Yin Ruins in Anyang celebrated its first anniversary. Since its opening, the museum has received a total of 1.8 million visitors, further solidifying its role as the premier institution for showcasing Shang Dynasty civilization.

Architectural Layout

Museum of Yin Ruins

Built in 2005, the Museum of Yin Ruins has an exhibition space of 1,500 square meters. It is a semi-underground structure, standing 8 meters tall—1 meter above ground and 7 meters below ground. The entire site covers 5,000 square meters, with a total display area of 1,800 square meters, which includes exhibition halls, artifact storage rooms, research rooms, and an auditorium. When viewed from above, the museum resembles the ancient oracle bone character “Huan” (洹), symbolizing its connection to the Huan River (洹河) and its crucial role in nurturing Shang Dynasty civilization.

New Museum of Yin Ruins

The newly constructed Museum of Yin Ruins features a structure shaped like an ancient bronze cauldron (鼎) and stands in the middle of a water body. Above its grand, ancient bronze-colored entrance, the oracle bone inscriptions for “Great City Shang” (大邑商) are prominently displayed. The museum’s exterior is clad in a bronze panel curtain wall, resembling a Shang Dynasty bronze vessel emerging from history.

The design of the new museum was led by He Jingtang (何镜堂), an academician and chief architect at the Architectural Design and Research Institute of South China University of Technology (华南理工大学建筑设计研究院).

Architectural Features

Museum of Yin Ruins

Due to the vast scope of the Yin Ruins archaeological site, the Museum of Yin Ruins was strategically located at the center of the site on the west bank of the Huan River. To minimize disruption to the ruins, the museum was designed to blend into the environment by being partially underground, with the surface covered in vegetation. This approach ensures harmony between the museum and the natural landscape, preserving the original appearance of the Yin Ruins.

New Museum of Yin Ruins

The design team drew inspiration from the Shang Dynasty’s most significant ritual vessel, the “Ding” (鼎). Abstracting and transforming the elements of the bronze square cauldron, they created a structure with a simple yet powerful quadrangular form. The decorative patterns on the museum’s exterior are derived from the motifs found on excavated Shang Dynasty bronze artifacts.

The architectural concept of the new museum is rooted in the “Shang Hymns” from the Book of Songs (《诗经·商颂》). It is designed with four core elements: Green Field Terraces (绿野草台), Ding Standing on the Earth (鼎立大地), Layered Depth (层叠深邃), and Bronze Enclosure (青铜装裹). Emphasizing green, low-carbon, and sustainable development, the new museum embodies both the cultural essence of Yin Ruins and its archaeological significance, creating a “model of Chinese civilization and a sacred hall of history.”

Main Exhibitions

Exploring Shang Civilization

Located on the first floor, this exhibition follows the theme of exploration, tracing the entire journey of Shang civilization from its origins at Yin Ruins (殷墟). The main focus is on significant archaeological discoveries and cultural interactions between Yin Ruins and contemporary archaeological cultures. Additionally, the exhibition highlights the role of Yin Ruins in the development of Chinese archaeological theories and methodologies, as well as its influence on the training of archaeologists in China.

The Great Shang Civilization

Situated on the second floor, this exhibition showcases how the Shang civilization established a centralized system in China, forming the foundation of a unified multi-ethnic state. The Shang kings and their clan-based organizational structures laid the groundwork for China’s early “family-state” model.

Bronze artifacts in this exhibition reflect the Shang dynasty’s ritual systems, social hierarchy, and the highest achievements in ancient Chinese bronze craftsmanship, making them an outstanding representation of global bronze civilization.

The oracle bone inscriptions, dating back over 3,000 years, pushed the written history of China back by approximately 1,000 years. This writing system has remained continuous, becoming a key vehicle for passing down Chinese civilization and preserving the collective memory of the Chinese people.

The Shang civilization achieved remarkable advancements, influencing later civilizations with its rich cultural content. It played a crucial role in shaping Chinese civilization and East Asian civilization, forming an essential part of world history.

The Global Shang Civilization

Located on the third floor, this exhibition highlights the global significance of the Shang civilization. Artifacts such as bronze ware, jade, oracle bones, and white pottery from the Shang dynasty have been dispersed across dozens of countries, including the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. These relics are preserved, studied, and exhibited by over 60 international institutions, spreading knowledge of Shang civilization worldwide.

Foreign scholars have dedicated themselves to protecting Shang relics and exploring their deeper meanings, producing numerous insightful studies. When compared with Mesopotamian civilization, the Nile civilization, the Indus Valley civilization, and Mycenaean civilization, the Shang civilization stands out with its distinct Eastern characteristics. Surviving for millennia, it has remained resilient and influential, embodying both inclusivity and innovation. As the foundation of modern East Asian civilization, the Shang civilization is also a testament to the diversity of human history.

The New Yin Ruins Museum

The new Yin Ruins Museum is centered around the theme of “The Great Shang Civilization,” featuring three core exhibitions, four thematic exhibitions, and one immersive digital exhibition. The museum houses nearly 4,000 artifacts, including bronze ware, pottery, jade, and oracle bones. Over 75% of these relics are being publicly displayed for the first time.

First Floor – Exploring Shang Civilization: Focuses on Yin Ruins as the origin of Chinese civilization, outlining the development of Shang civilization and highlighting the unique Chinese characteristics of archaeology.
Second Floor – The Great Shang Civilization: Provides a panoramic display of Shang dynasty achievements in politics, military, agriculture, craftsmanship, writing, and urban planning.
Third Floor – The Global Shang Civilization: Explores the global significance of Shang civilization from an international perspective.

Special Exhibitions

Yin Ruins Chariot and Horse Remains Exhibition

Location: First Floor

Titled “Rumbling Chariots and Whinnying Horses,” this exhibition presents a matrix-style display of 23 excavated chariot pits, showcasing the elaborate and highly mobile chariots of the Shang dynasty. These are the earliest known chariot specimens in China.

Shang chariots were not only royal transportation tools but also played significant roles in postal relay systems, hunting, and military warfare. Chariots were often buried near large tombs, sometimes with both horses and human attendants. In the early Shang period, chariot-related burial practices symbolized wealth and status, while in later periods, chariot burials became exclusive to high-ranking nobles.

The Oracle Bone Special Exhibition at Huayuan Village East Site

Location: Third Floor

This exhibition focuses on oracle bones used for divination during the reign of King Wu Ding (武丁). It presents a “prince’s diary” from over 3,000 years ago, bringing historical figures to life.

The title “Who Are You?” (子何人哉) is derived from The Book of Songs (诗经), reflecting an inquiry into identity. In October 1991, archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, excavated a rectangular storage pit known as “Huadong H3” (花东H3) in the Huayuan Village East Site. They unearthed 1,583 turtle shells and animal bones, 689 of which bore over 2,250 oracle bone inscriptions from King Wu Ding’s reign. These inscriptions serve as a historical record of Shang royal life and governance.

Yachang’s Tomb Special Exhibition

Location: Third Floor

Yachang (亚长) was a legendary military leader of the Shang dynasty, regarded as a war deity. His tomb contained a wealth of artifacts, including ritual vessels (goblets, jue, and ding), jade ornaments (bi and cong), weapons (axes, knives, spears, and halberds), chariot accessories, and everyday items (chisels, saws, and hairpins). These items provide a vivid portrayal of a Shang general’s life.

Yachang’s tomb is the third well-preserved high-ranking noble burial discovered at Yin Ruins, following the tombs of Lady Fu Hao (妇好) and Ya Zhi (亚址). The exhibition vividly depicts Yachang’s military exploits, from leading troops into battle to his eventual demise on the battlefield. Oil paintings illustrate his journey to the Shang capital and his heroic return, wrapped in horsehide.

The New Museum’s Thematic Exhibitions

The new Yin Ruins Museum features four major thematic exhibitions:

Yin Ruins Chariot and Horse Remains Exhibition (殷墟车马遗迹展) – Showcasing 23 Shang-era chariots for the first time.
“The Royal Domain and the Four Directions” (王畿与四方) – Featuring Shang artifacts from multiple provinces, including Shandong, Anhui, Hunan, Sichuan, Hebei, and Hubei.
“Where Did the Generals Come From? – Yachang’s Tomb Special Exhibition” (长从何来——殷墟花园庄东地亚长墓专题展) – Unraveling the tragic story of the Shang military hero Yachang.
“Who Are You? – Oracle Bone Special Exhibition at Huayuan Village East Site” (子何人哉——殷墟花园庄东地甲骨特展) – Decoding the hidden messages in Shang oracle bones.

These exhibitions provide an immersive experience, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the grandeur and legacy of the Shang civilization.

Representative Artifacts

1. Rectangular Bronze Ding (司母辛鼎)

This artifact dates back to the Shang Dynasty (商代) and was unearthed in 1976 from the Tomb of Lady Fu Hao (妇好墓) at the Yin Ruins in Anyang (安阳殷墟), Henan Province (河南省).

Total Height: 80.1 cm
Mouth Dimensions: 64 cm (length) × 48 cm (width)
Weight: 128 kg

The ding (鼎) has a rectangular mouth with short, squared lips. Two vertical ears are positioned on the shorter sides of the rim. The vessel’s body is relatively straight, slightly contracting towards the base, with a flat bottom. It stands on four hollow cylindrical legs with a depth of 28 cm.

The decorations on the ding include:

Taotie (兽面纹) motifs on all four sides and corners below the rim
Boss patterns (乳丁纹) on the waist and base
A prominent taotie face on the upper legs with downward-facing mouths and eye-shaped carvings

Inside the ding, a clear inscription with three Chinese characters—“司母辛” (Si Mu Xin)—is engraved. “Xin” (辛) refers to the posthumous title of Lady Fu Hao (妇好), the wife of King Wu Ding (武丁) of the Shang Dynasty. The phrase “Mu Xin” (母辛) indicates that her descendants addressed her with respect.

2. Oracle Bone Inscription No. 2172 (小屯南地2172号甲骨)

This oracle bone, a relic from the Shang Dynasty (商代), was discovered in 1973 in the oracle bone pit at Xiaotun South Site (小屯南地) in Anyang (安阳). It is designated as No. 2172.

The oracle bone is a broken fragment with 93 individual characters clearly engraved on its surface.
The inscriptions are uniformly sized, deeply carved, and meticulously arranged.

The oracle bone divination text (卜辞) records a series of Shang King’s inquiries about hunting and potential disasters on specific days, including Wuzi (戊子), Xinmao (辛卯), Yiwei (乙未), Wuxu (戊戌), Xinchou (辛丑), Renyin (壬寅), Wushen (戊申), Jiwei (己未), Xinyou (辛酉), and Yichou (乙丑).

3. “Ma Wei” Zun Vessel (马危折肩尊)

This zun (尊), a bronze ritual vessel from the Shang Dynasty, was excavated in 2004 from Tomb M303 at the Dasi Kong Site (大司空遗址) within the Yin Ruins (殷墟).

Mouth Diameter: 32.5 cm
Base Diameter: 20.9 cm
Height: 36.1 cm
Weight: 10.5 kg

The name “Ma Wei” (马危) comes from the inscriptions found on many of the bronzeware pieces in the tomb.

Design Features:

The vessel has a flared mouth, long neck, and broad shoulders.
The shoulders are decorated with three sets of exquisitely crafted ox heads.
The belly section features corresponding taotie motifs below each ox head.
Inside the belly of the zun, another bronze zhi (觯) vessel was discovered.

A unique aspect of this excavation was the discovery of well-preserved branches and leaves of the South Snake Vine (南蛇藤), which covered the mouth of the vessel. The leaves retained their light brown color and clear vein structure, which is extremely rare in Yin Ruins archaeological finds.

4. Bronze Gu and Jue Vessels

Currently housed at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社会科学院考古研究所), a total of nine sets of bronze gu (觚) and jue (爵) vessels were unearthed from the tomb of Ya Chang (亚长墓).

These vessels are classified into two sizes:

Large-size sets: 4 sets
Small-size sets: 5 sets

Some of these vessels bear inscriptions such as “Ya Chang” (亚长) or simply “Chang” (长).

Inscriptions on gu vessels are mainly found on the inner wall of the foot ring (圈足内壁).
Inscriptions on jue vessels are located beneath the handle (鋬下).

5. Bronze Owl-Shaped You Vessel (铜鸮卣)

This you (卣) is an intricate bronze ritual wine vessel featuring a dual-owl (鸮) design.

The entire vessel is composed of two back-to-back owl figures forming a single unit.
The lid is round and slightly convex, sculpted into an owl’s head with a hipped-roof-shaped knob (庑殿式钮) on top.
The body represents the owls’ torsos, with a rounded belly and hoof-shaped feet.
The surface decorations include taotie motifs in the shape of owl faces.

This artifact showcases the superb craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of the Shang Dynasty’s bronze casting techniques.

6. “Ya Chang” Square Zun Vessel (亚长铜方尊)

This square zun (方尊), also associated with Ya Chang (亚长), is a bronze ritual wine vessel with an imposing structure.

Mouth Shape: Nearly square
Neck: Constricted
Base: Flat bottom with a slightly flaring high foot ring

Decorative Elements:

Neck: Features symmetrical banana leaf patterns (蕉叶纹) divided by raised ridges (扉棱).
Shoulders:
- Central area has a relief carving of a beast head.
- Each of the four corners is adorned with a bird-shaped mythical beast relief sculpture.
Belly Section: Decorated with cicada motifs (蝉纹) and taotie motifs (饕餮纹).
Foot Ring: Also bears taotie motifs.

An inscription of “Ya Chang” (亚长) is carved on the outer side of the neck.

Excavation Findings:

Traces of bamboo strips (竹篾痕迹) were found inside the vessel’s sediment, suggesting that it was originally stored in a bamboo basket.

The Museum of Yin Ruins in Anyang (安阳殷墟博物馆) houses a vast collection of significant Shang Dynasty artifacts. These relics provide crucial insights into the advanced metallurgy, artistic expression, and cultural practices of ancient China’s earliest recorded civilization. The bronze vessels, oracle bones, and ritual artifacts from Lady Fu Hao’s tomb (妇好墓) and the Ya Chang tomb (亚长墓) serve as invaluable historical records of the Shang royal court and religious traditions.

Current Leadership

Director of Yin Ruins Museum

Chen Xingcan (陈星灿)

Party Secretary and Executive Deputy Director

Zhao Qingrong (赵清荣)

Executive Deputy Director of Yin Ruins Museum

Yue Zhanwei (岳占伟)

Deputy Directors and Party Committee Members

Wang Yin’an (王银安)
Guo Weibing (郭卫兵)
Xu Hejian (徐河建)
Zhang Zhipeng (张志鹏)

Major Events

1899

Wang Yirong (王懿荣) discovered oracle bone inscriptions.

October 13, 1928

The first scientific archaeological excavation at Yin Ruins (殷墟) was conducted.

1931

Liang Siyong (梁思永) discovered the “Hougang Three-Layer Stratigraphy” (后冈三叠层), establishing the chronological sequence of Yangshao Culture (仰韶文化), Longshan Culture (龙山文化), and the Shang Dynasty (商代) culture.

1936

Discovery of Pit YH127 (YH127坑), which yielded over 17,000 inscribed oracle bones.

Honors and Awards

On June 24, 2024, the Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆) was awarded the title of “Annual Cultural and Technological Innovation Museum” (年度文化科技创新博物馆).

Heritage Protection

The Yin Ruins in Anyang (安阳殷墟) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, covering a total protected area of 29.47 square kilometers.
The Palace and Ancestral Temple Ruins (宫殿宗庙遗址) and the Royal Tombs Ruins (王陵遗址) are partially open to the public, with an open area of approximately 400,000 square meters.
Yin Ruins has been successively designated as:
- A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位)
- A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site (世界文化遗产)
- A National Archaeological Site Park (国家考古遗址公园)
- A National Patriotic Education Base (全国爱国主义教育基地)
- A National 5A Tourist Attraction (国家5A级旅游景区)
- A Chinese Overseas Cultural Exchange Base (中国华侨国际文化交流基地)

Important Visits

On October 28, 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) visited the Yin Ruins site (殷墟遗址), located on both sides of the Huan River (洹河) in the northwest suburbs of Anyang City (安阳市).
At the Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆), Xi Jinping carefully examined unearthed cultural relics, including bronze ware, jade artifacts, and oracle bone inscriptions.
Later, he visited the Chariot and Horse Pit Exhibition Hall (车马坑展厅) to observe the physical specimens of Shang Dynasty (商代) animal-drawn vehicles and road remains.
During the visit, Xi Jinping remarked, “I have long yearned to visit Yin Ruins. This visit aims to deepen my understanding of Chinese civilization and draw lessons from the past for better construction of modern Chinese civilization.”

Cultural Activities

July 13, 2023

To celebrate the 17th anniversary of Yin Ruins’ inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site and to promote Shang Dynasty culture (殷商文明) and Chinese traditional culture, the Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆) launched the thematic event series “Exploring Shang Culture, Continuing Chinese Civilization” (探究殷商文化赓续中华文明).
In the Yin Ruins Archaeological Cultural Tourism Town (殷墟考古文旅小镇), Niu Shishan (牛世山), a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (中国社会科学院考古研究所), and the head of the Yin Ruins Royal Tombs and Surrounding Sites Project (安阳殷墟商王陵及周边遗存项目), gave a lecture titled “Entering the Yin Ruins Archaeological Site, Experiencing the Glorious Shang Civilization” (走进殷墟考古现场感受辉煌商文明).

January 13, 2024

A Spring Festival Fashion Show (新春时装展演) was held at the South Square of the New Yin Ruins Museum (殷墟博物馆新馆南广场) in Anyang, Henan Province (河南安阳).
The show presented a cultural and visual feast by blending history with modern fashion.
The event used the new Yin Ruins Museum as its stage and integrated Shang Dynasty elements into contemporary fashion, bringing history and time together in a unique artistic expression.

Significance and Value

Historical Value

The discovery of Yin Ruins (殷墟) and oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文) confirmed the existence of the Shang Dynasty (商朝), which had previously only been mentioned in legends. This pushed back the recorded history of China by approximately 1,000 years. Yin Ruins serve as a cornerstone for exploring Shang culture (商文化), Xia culture (夏文化), and tracing the origins of Chinese civilization.

Through continuous efforts by archaeologists, numerous important discoveries have been made, further advancing the research and understanding of Yin Ruins to new heights.

Spiritual Value

Museums are institutions with a long history and unique cultural resources, offering irreplaceable educational advantages. The Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) embodies the development process and philosophy of socialism with Chinese characteristics, promoting equality and public knowledge-sharing.

Beyond preserving China’s profound historical and cultural heritage, the museum reflects China’s progress toward becoming a prosperous, democratic, civilized, and harmonious socialist nation. Remembering history is the best way to pass it on, and young people must heed President Xi Jinping’s (习近平) call to safeguard the “roots” and “soul” of Chinese civilization.

The ancient oracle bone inscriptions (甲骨文) are a priceless cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. In the presence of these weathered texts, visitors can deeply feel the grandeur of the Shang Dynasty (商代王朝) and experience a profound emotional impact.

Cultural Value

Cultural heritage is not merely about the past—it should help people understand history through museums. History is the best textbook and a powerful reminder.

Written cultural heritage serves as proof of past human civilization and guides young people to respect artifacts and history. More importantly, it encourages them to study and reflect on history, drawing wisdom from the ancients while embracing the modern spirit of inquiry, creativity, and perseverance in solving historical mysteries.

Tourism Value

The Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) is China’s first capital site verified through historical records, oracle bone inscriptions, and archaeological excavations.

Visitors can explore the splendid bronze civilization of the late Shang Dynasty (商代晚期) while enjoying tourism, leisure, and cultural experiences. As a true “Yin Ruins Culture” (殷墟文化) museum, it attracts scholars worldwide interested in the evolution of written history.

In the long run, the museum not only contributes to the development of local tourism but also enhances research on Shang culture (殷商文化), leading to unprecedented progress.

Tourism Information

Location

The Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) is located at the northwest intersection of Shachang Road (纱厂路) and Fangzhi Road (纺织路) in Yindu District (殷都区), Anyang City (安阳市), Henan Province (河南省).

Tickets

Ticket Price: 80 RMB
The new museum building of Yin Ruins requires advance reservation for tickets.
According to the Henan Provincial Tourism Regulations and relevant national laws, certain groups are eligible for free or discounted admission:
- Half-price (discounted admission): Teachers, minors under 18, and full-time university and college students.
- Free admission (with valid identification):
  - Active-duty military personnel
  - Police officers
  - Firefighters and rescue personnel
  - Disabled veterans
  - Children under 1.4 meters in height
  - Senior citizens over 60 years old
  - People with disabilities

Opening Hours

October to June
- Open year-round (except for temporary closures).
- Ticket sales stop at 16:30, and the museum closes at 17:30.
- Opening hours: 08:30–17:30
July to September
- Open year-round (except for temporary closures).
- Ticket sales stop at 16:30, and the museum closes at 17:30.
- Opening hours: 08:30–17:30

The Museum of Yin Ruins (殷墟博物馆) provides a profound historical, cultural, and educational experience, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and scholars worldwide.

How to Get to The Museum of Yin Ruins?

Travel with China Dragon Tours (top recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to The Museum of Yin Ruins with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on travel.

Bus Route 11 (11路): Yin Ruins (殷墟) – Shachang (纱厂, Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Town) – High-Speed Rail Station (高铁站)
- First and last bus: 06:00–20:00
- Get off at Shachang (Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Town) Station and walk 600 meters west to the museum.
Bus Route 14 (14路): Yin Ruins (殷墟) – Shachang (纱厂, Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Town) – Anyang Institute of Technology (安阳工学院)
- First and last bus: 06:30–20:00
- Get off at Shachang (Archaeological and Cultural Tourism Town) Station and walk 600 meters west to the museum.

Independent Travel

The public transportation in the city is developed, and there are many bus lines directly leading to the tourist attractions.

Useful Travel Tips

Attention

Anyang City is an area where ethnic minorities live in a mixed and scattered way. There are 42 ethnic groups in Anyang City. Tourists need to respect the customs and habits of local ethnic groups.