Yin Xu (Yin Ruins) in Anyang City

Yin Xu is the first Royal Cemetery in Chinese history that can be examined by documents and confirmed by Archaeology and oracle bone inscriptions.

Type: World Cultural Heritage, Royal Cemetery

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn

Chinese Name: 安阳殷墟

Recommended Visiting Time: 2 Hours

Open Hours: 8:00 ~ 18:30 (April ~ September) 8:00 ~ 17:00 (October ~ March)

Admission Fee: 90RMB

Address:  Xiaotun village, Anyang City, Henan Province(河南安阳市小屯村)

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Why is Yin Xu So Special

There are a large number of bronzes, stone tools, bone wares, jade wares and other cultural relics with precious historical value in Yin Ruins. The most famous one is the 875 kg Simuwu square tripod, which is the largest and heaviest bronzes ever found in the world. When you come to Anyang, you must go to Yin Ruins to witness the history and culture of Shang Dynasty.

Yin Xu (殷墟), also known as the Yin Ruins, is the archaeological site of the late Shang Dynasty (商朝) capital, located on the banks of the Huan River (洹河) in the northwest suburbs of Anyang City, Henan Province. Centered around the Xiaotun Village (小屯村), the site covers approximately 30 square kilometers. During the late Shang Dynasty, the city was known as Beimong (北蒙), later renamed Yin (殷). In the 14th century BCE, King Pan Geng (盘庚) moved the capital here, and the city remained the Shang capital for 273 years, with 12 kings from 8 generations. After the Zhou Dynasty overthrew the Shang, the last king, King Zhou (纣), was defeated. His son, Wu Geng (武庚), was briefly appointed ruler but was killed after a rebellion, and the people of Yin were forced to migrate. Over time, the site became a ruin, earning its name as Yin Xu.

Yin Xu is known as the first historically documented capital, verified by archaeology and oracle bones, and is considered the starting point for the ancient capitals of China. It is an important symbol of Chinese civilization, preserving the country’s traditional culture through generations.

Main Attractions

The Yin Xu site includes a variety of significant remnants, such as:

• City Wall Foundations: The layout and foundations of the ancient city walls are key elements of the ruins.
• Da Hui Gou (大灰沟): An area containing remnants of roads and other structures.
• Rammed Earth Foundations: The remains of buildings constructed with rammed earth.
• Pit and Semi-pit Residences: Excavated dwellings showing how the ancient population lived.
• Sacrificial Remains: Evidence of ritual practices.
• Industrial Workshops: Workshops for metalworking and pottery.
• Royal Tombs and Family Burial Sites: The area containing the royal cemetery and family tombs.
• Chariot Pits: Areas where chariots were buried, important for understanding Shang Dynasty military and ceremonial practices.

Historical Significance

Yin Xu is recognized for its crucial role in early Chinese history. It is the first city verified through both literary records and archaeological findings, including the discovery of oracle bones. In 1961, it was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. It was added to the World Heritage List in July 2006, and it continues to be one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding Chinese ancient civilization.

Key Discoveries and Events

• Discovery of Oracle Bones (1899): In the late Qing Dynasty, the discovery of oracle bones in Xiaotun Village (小屯村) marked the beginning of significant archaeological work in the area. This discovery was one of China’s four major archaeological breakthroughs of the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Early Excavations (1928): Central Academy of History and Language commissioned Dong Zuobin (董作宾) to conduct early excavations, uncovering palace foundations and royal tombs.
• Post-Revolutionary Excavations (1950s–1960s): After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, archaeological excavations resumed and continued to uncover key elements of the ancient city. Among the most notable finds were large pits of oracle bones and bronze artifacts.

Cultural Insights and Discoveries

Yin Xu is not just an archaeological site, but a deep well of history. Here are some notable discoveries:

• Oracle Bone Inscriptions: The oracle bones found here are among the earliest forms of writing in China, providing valuable insights into the Shang Dynasty’s religious beliefs and daily life.
• Royal Tombs: The royal tombs at Yin Xu include well-preserved burial chambers with intricate jade and bronze items, shedding light on the wealth and power of the Shang elite.
• Bronze Artifacts: The site has produced many bronze tools and ceremonial objects, marking Yin Xu as an important center for metalworking.

Features of the Ruins

Yin Xu (殷墟), also known as the Yin Ruins, consists of several important sites, including the Yin Xu Royal Tomb Site (殷墟王陵遗址), the Yin Xu Palace and Ancestral Temple Site (殷墟宫殿宗庙遗址), and the Huanbei Market Site (洹北商城遗址), among others. The site can be divided into several areas: the palace area, the royal tomb area, common burial sites, industrial workshops, civilian residential areas, and slave residential areas. The geographic coordinates of the site are 114°18′50″E and 36°07′36″N, with an elevation of approximately 80 meters. The core protected area of the heritage site covers 414 hectares, and the buffer zone spans 720 hectares. Yin Xu is recognized as the first documented capital in Chinese history, supported by archaeological evidence and oracle inscriptions, placing Anyang (安阳) as the foremost ancient capital of China.

On December 26, 2024, the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China released a significant update on the progress of major projects in the “Archaeological China” program. This included findings from the Yin Xu site in Anyang (安阳). Excavations revealed a detailed grid of roads forming the backbone of a major city network along the northern bank of the Huanhe River (洹河), which included several roads and drainage ditches. Among the discoveries was a major longitudinal road (L3) with clear vehicle tracks, providing the longest known thoroughfare at the site, measuring 1.6 kilometers long, with wheel ruts spaced 1.2 meters apart. The width of the road ditches ranged from 15 to 30 meters, making them the widest yet found.

Excavations also uncovered two large tombs in the royal tomb area’s western Weigou (西围沟), along with early Western Zhou (西周) settlements covering over 80,000 square meters. The largest sacrificial pits in the site contained human, animal, and even elephant remains.

Major Attractions

Yin Xu Palace and Ancestral Temple (殷墟宫殿宗庙)

The Yin Xu Palace and Ancestral Temple Site is located northeast of Xiaotun Village (小屯村) in Anyang (安阳), stretching about 1 kilometer in length from north to south and 0.65 kilometers in width. The total area is approximately 0.65 square kilometers. Over nearly 90 years of excavation, more than 80 large architectural foundations from the late Shang Dynasty (商代) have been discovered. These foundations are mainly for courtyard-style buildings. In 1937, the Institute of History and Linguistics of the Central Research Institute of the Nationalist Government excavated 54 palace foundation sites in the northern and northeastern parts of Xiaotun Village (小屯村). The excavated sites were grouped into three areas: Group A (甲组), Group B (乙组), and Group C (丙组). Group A was located in the northern part of the palace area, referred to as the “rear palace,” while Group B in the central area was the “front palace.”

The palace site is a large and systematically planned structure, conforming to the “front palace, rear chamber” architectural layout. The buildings were constructed on compacted earth platforms with various shapes, including square, rectangular, and “concave” designs. Some pillars found were made of copper. Notably, there were instances where “foundation sacrifices” (奠基) were performed, where human captives or slaves were buried beneath the building’s foundation.

Yin Xu Royal Tombs (殷墟王陵)

The Yin Xu Royal Tombs are located to the north of Huojiacun (侯家庄) and Wuguan Village (武官村), on a highland to the north of the Huanhe River (洹河). The area spans approximately 450 meters from east to west and 250 meters from north to south. Thirteen large and medium-sized tombs have been discovered here, along with more than 2,500 sacrificial pits. The site has yielded over 1,400 sacrificial pits. The royal tombs are divided into eastern and western zones. The western zone contains eight large tombs, while the eastern zone is primarily composed of sacrificial pits, with one large tomb and four medium-sized tombs.

The tombs are arranged in a structured and orderly manner, with no overlapping tombs. The tombs are designed with large, small, or rectangular entrances and varying burial shapes, with some tombs having multiple passages. The sacrificial pits, associated with the practice of human and animal sacrifices, are clustered primarily in the eastern zone.

Huanbei Market (洹北商城)

Huanbei Market (洹北商城) is located in the northern outskirts of Anyang (安阳), on the northern bank of the Huanhe River (洹河). This market site has been confirmed to overlap with the traditional Yin Xu (殷墟) ruins. The city layout is square, with walls made of rammed earth. The site covers an area of approximately 4.7 square kilometers, with a north-northeast orientation of 13 degrees. The palace area of the site has revealed multiple rammed earth foundation sites, with the largest foundation covering an area of 16,000 square meters, the largest known Shang Dynasty (商代) single building foundation discovered in China.

The discovery of Huanbei Market has altered the understanding of Yin Xu, indicating that the site may have been part of an earlier Shang Dynasty city, which existed in conjunction with the more commonly known Yin Xu. Scholars suggest that this market site and Xiaotun (小屯) represent two different phases of the same capital city.

Xiongnu Tombs (匈奴墓葬)

In May 2017, archaeologists uncovered 18 tombs from the Xiongnu (匈奴) people during an excavation at the Yin Xu (殷墟) site. These tombs are laid out in an orderly manner and share the same burial design. The artifacts found suggest these tombs date from the late Han Dynasty (东汉末) to the Wei and Jin periods (魏晋), around 1,800 years ago, making them later than the Yin Xu tombs.

Main Attractions of Yin Xu

Si Muwu Ding

The Shang Dynasty is the second Dynasty in the Bronze Age of China. The bronze culture of Yin Ruins has distinct Chinese characteristics, which is unique in the world bronze civilization and reflects a unique Oriental color. Among them, the Simuwu Ding unearthed from the mausoleum site is the most famous, with a height of 133 cm, a mouth length of 79.2 cm and a weight of 875 kg. It is the largest bronze ware found in the world, representing the highest level of ancient Chinese bronze culture.

Oracle bone inscriptions, known as the earliest systematic writing form in China, are one of the four ancient characters in the world. At present, there are about 150000 pieces of oracle bones and more than 4500 words in Yinxu. According to the 1500 words that Oracle has recognized, Oracle has possessed the basic form of modern Chinese character structure, which lays the foundation for the emergence and development of Chinese calligraphy art.

Architectural Features of Yin Xu

The architecture of the Shang Dynasty, represented by the palace temple and the mausoleum, embodies the pattern, art, method and technology of the palace construction in the Yin and Shang Dynasties, and represents the advanced level of the early palace construction in ancient China. The Huanbei Shang city in Yin Ruins, with its high walls, majestic palaces and strict “central axis” layout, has become the feature of Chinese cities in the past thousands of years.

Where is Yin Xu (Yin Ruins)

Yinxu is located around Xiaotun village, Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province, with geographical coordinates of 114 ° 18 ′ 50 ″ e, 36 ° 07 ′ 36 ″ n, length and width of about 6 kilometers, total area of about 36 square kilometers, and core area of heritage area of 414 hectares.

Cultural Relics

The Yin Xu (Yin Ruins) is a significant archaeological site located in Anyang City, Henan Province, China. Over the past 90 years of scientific excavation, a wide variety of relics have been discovered, including over 150,000 oracle bones, tens of thousands of pottery items, around 1,500 bronze ritual vessels, about 3,500 bronze weapons, over 2,600 jade artifacts, more than 6,500 stone tools, and over 30,000 bone tools. These items provide a glimpse into the advanced culture and civilization of the Shang Dynasty.

Oracle Bones

Oracle bones are inscriptions carved on turtle shells or animal bones, used for recording divination activities. Also known as divination characters, oracle inscriptions, or Yin Xu scripts, these writings date back to the late 19th century when farmers in Xiaotun Village (小屯村) in Anyang found oracle bones while plowing the fields. Initially mistaken for traditional Chinese medicine “dragon bones,” their significance was realized in 1899 by Wang Yirong (王懿荣), the Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy. He recognized their value as ancient script used in divination during the Shang Dynasty.

After further research by scholars like Wang Xiang (王襄) and Luo Zhenyu (罗振玉), the mysteries of the oracle bones were unraveled, leading to the discovery of Yin Xu. More than 150,000 oracle bones have been unearthed, with about 4,500 unique characters identified. Each oracle bone character is typically composed of short and long lines, forming square or rectangular shapes. The structure of the script reflects the development of Chinese writing, marking it as the precursor of modern Chinese characters. The oracle script, alongside Sumerian cuneiform and the Phoenician alphabet, is considered one of the three great ancient writing systems of humanity.

Notably, oracle bones contain the earliest known records of solar and lunar eclipses, the earliest medical records, and a complete decimal number system.

Bronze Vessels

The bronze culture of the Shang Dynasty, as represented by the artifacts discovered at Yin Xu, stands out for its focus on bronze ritual vessels. These items, meticulously crafted with delicate designs, are considered invaluable artistic treasures. The skill in bronze casting during the Shang period was unparalleled worldwide, showcasing the advanced metallurgical techniques of the time. The Shang people had already mastered the alloying of copper, lead, and tin, using these metals to create bronze products for various purposes.

Bronze weapons were the main tools used by the Shang Dynasty military for expanding and consolidating their empire. Additionally, bronze vessels were symbols of the ruling class’s power, wealth, and status. Numerous bronze funerary items were unearthed from royal tombs at Yin Xu, where the arrangement and quantity of the items indicated the social standing of the deceased.

Houmu Wu Ding (后母戊鼎)

Discovered in 1939 in the Royal Tomb Area, the Houmu Wu Ding is a colossal bronze vessel that stands 1.33 meters tall, 1.10 meters in length, and 0.78 meters in width, weighing a staggering 875 kilograms. It is the largest bronze artifact ever unearthed and is a national treasure of China. The casting of such a large piece was extremely challenging, requiring the collaboration of over 130 craftsmen and specialized labor for tasks such as melting copper, molding, and disassembling the molds.

Initially used as a pot for boiling meat, this vessel gradually evolved into a symbol of power and authority as Chinese civilization advanced. The composition of copper, tin, and lead in the bronze is nearly identical to that used in modern bronze casting, demonstrating the high level of metallurgy achieved by the Shang Dynasty.

Fu Hao Tomb (妇好墓)

The tomb of Fu Hao, wife of King Wu Ding, is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries at Yin Xu. Located 7.5 meters deep, the tomb contained 1,928 burial items, including over 400 bronze artifacts, more than 750 jade items, over 560 bone tools, as well as stone tools, ivory products, pottery, shells, and more. Notably, many of the bronze items bear the inscription “Fu Hao,” confirming the identity of the tomb’s owner.

In addition to the exquisite artifacts, the tomb contained human and animal remains as burial offerings, providing insight into the customs and practices of the time. Sixteen human bones and six dog bones were found, reflecting the practice of human and animal sacrifice. The human remains included four male individuals, two females, and two children. The rest of the remains were dismembered, making it impossible to determine their gender.

Seals

In 1998, a beast-faced seal was unearthed at the water conservancy bureau site in the southeastern part of Yin Xu. This seal, along with others found in subsequent years—such as a text-inscribed seal discovered in 2009 in the Wang Yu Kou Village (王裕口村) and another with a Kui Long pattern discovered in 2010 in Liu Jia Zhuang (刘家庄)—offers valuable insights into the administrative and ceremonial functions during the Shang Dynasty.

Cultural Value of Yin Xu

The excavation of Yin Xu (殷墟) in Anyang City has become a landmark in Chinese archaeology, marking the fusion of traditional Chinese epigraphy with Western field archaeology. This discovery has firmly established China’s position in the international archaeological community.

1. Pioneering Research in Chinese Archaeology
   
   The excavation of Yin Xu is seen as a product of combining traditional Chinese epigraphy with Western field archaeology, and it marks the beginning of modern archaeology in China.

2. Palace and Royal Tomb Excavations
   
   The discovery of large numbers of bronze artifacts, jade pieces, and other precious relics from the palatial and royal tomb areas of Yin Xu has garnered the attention of both domestic and international scholars, establishing China’s archaeological prominence globally.

3. Stratigraphic Dating and Cultural Chronology
   
   In 1931, the renowned scholar Liang Siyong (梁思永) discovered the “Three-Layer Stratum” at the Hougang (后冈) site in Anyang. This discovery was the first to establish the relative chronological relationship between the Yangshao Culture, Longshan Culture, and Shang Culture through stratigraphy, laying the foundation for the development of stratigraphic archaeology in China.

4. Training Ground for Chinese Archaeologists
   
   Yin Xu has been an essential site for training China’s first generation of elite archaeologists, including figures such as Li Ji (李济), Dong Zuobin (董作宾), Shi Zhangru (石璋如), Gao Qujun (高去寻), Liang Siyong (梁思永), Guo Baojun (郭宝钧), Yin Da (尹达), Xia Nai (夏鼐), and Hu Houxuan (胡厚宣).

5. A Response to the Doubts about Ancient History
   
   The excavation of Yin Xu has served as a significant response to the doubts about ancient Chinese history that were prevalent in the early 20th century. With the confirmation of the Shang Dynasty through archaeology, the academic world was able to further explore the existence of the Xia Dynasty mentioned in historical records.

Oracle Bone Script Illuminates Chinese Civilization

The discovery of oracle bone script (甲骨文) is a shining light that has illuminated the history of Chinese civilization. According to Xu Guangde (徐广德), a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, oracle bone script is not only a symbol of civilization but also serves as evidence for the historical accuracy of various ancient Chinese texts, including the Records of the Grand Historian (史记). It has pushed the recorded history of Chinese civilization forward by nearly 500 years.

Among the world’s four major ancient writing systems, the Chinese script, represented by the oracle bone script from Yin Xu, is the only one that has continued to evolve over thousands of years, creating a profound and rich history of Chinese civilization.

Bronze Artifacts: A World of Craftsmanship

Yin Xu’s bronze industry, which flourished during the Shang Dynasty, is among the most advanced of its time. Although the area around Anyang lacks high-grade copper and tin-lead ore, scholars speculate that ancient craftsmen likely processed raw ores elsewhere before transporting them to Yin Xu for further refining. The raw copper was likely sourced from regions such as Jiangxi and Anhui, while the tin and lead came from areas in Jiangxi.

The Shang Dynasty’s stone tools and jade artifacts, unearthed from Yin Xu, reflect the advanced craftsmanship and artistic imagination of the Bronze Age in China. The jade artifacts were primarily made from Hetian jade from Xinjiang and Xiu jade from Liaoning, suggesting that as early as 3,000 years ago, there was already a “Gold and Stone Route” linking Xinjiang to the central plains, predating the Silk Road by over 1,200 years.

Architectural Discoveries at Yin Xu

The discovery of the Huanbei (洹北) city and its surrounding architecture, including the central axis area with rammed earth structures, is a groundbreaking archaeological achievement. This site fills the gap between the early Shang culture represented by the Erlitou (二里岗) site in Zhengzhou and the later Shang culture exemplified by Yin Xu. This has helped refine the chronological framework of the Shang Dynasty.

More than 110 palace and temple buildings have been discovered at Yin Xu, and their layout and design reflect the early planning of Chinese palaces, following the principle of “front hall and back quarters, left ancestors and right shrines.”

The Yin Calendar and Its Legacy

During the Yin Xu period, the natural sciences and technology reached remarkable levels. Oracle bone inscriptions show that the Shang people were capable of recording solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, and other celestial phenomena with remarkable accuracy, displaying early knowledge of supernovae. Their calendar system, which combined lunar and solar cycles, divided the year into 12 months and included a leap month to align with the solar year. This system is still used today in the Chinese lunar calendar.

In terms of mathematics, the Shang people had already developed concepts for individual, tens, hundreds, thousands, and even ten-thousand, and used a decimal system.

In medicine, by the late Shang period, they had identified over ten different diseases and used treatments such as herbs, acupuncture, and massage, reaching a relatively high level of medical knowledge.

Archaeological excavations also show that the handicrafts of the Yin Xu period were highly advanced, with large-scale production in fields such as bronze casting, jade carving, pottery making, bone crafting, chariot manufacturing, and textiles. This period also saw the development of white pottery and early porcelain, which hold an important place in Chinese ceramic history.

The Shang dynasty chariots unearthed at Yin Xu were equipped with numerous bronze components, with a double-yoke, double-wheel design that reflects exquisite mechanical and bronze casting technology.

The technological achievements of the Yin Xu period made significant contributions to the development of human science and technology.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Discovery of Oracle Bone Script

In the fall of 1899, Wang Yirong (王懿荣), an official in the Qing Dynasty and the supervisor of the Imperial Academy, accidentally discovered inscriptions resembling characters on what were sold as “dragon bones” (tortoise shells and animal bones). With his profound knowledge of philology, he deduced that these were ancient characters, previously lost to history. Wang instructed his servants to purchase all such “medicinal materials” from local shops for further research. In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Beijing, and Wang Yirong tragically committed suicide. However, the news about the ancient inscriptions spread widely, sparking the interest of many scholars, including Luo Zhenyu (罗振玉), a renowned scholar of Chinese epigraphy. Luo, passionate about epigraphy studies, sent his family to the area where the “dragon bones” originated, in Zhangde Prefecture (now Anyang City, 安阳市), to locate the excavation site. Misleading merchants claimed that the bones came from areas such as Neihuang and Tangyin, making the search difficult. Eventually, Luo discovered that the oracle bones were being unearthed in Xiaotun Village (小屯村) near Anyang. This revelation marked the discovery of the oracle bone origin.

Fu Hao (妇好)

Fu Hao (妇好), the wife of King Wu Ding (武丁) of the Shang Dynasty, was a distinguished woman, skilled in both the arts and martial affairs, and deeply favored by her husband. She played a vital role in state affairs and helped secure the stability of the Shang dynasty. According to oracle bone inscriptions, Fu Hao led military campaigns, commanding up to 13,000 soldiers, including many men under her command. On one occasion, she successfully ambushed and defeated the Ba people by setting a trap and coordinating with a frontal attack. Fu Hao not only led military expeditions but also performed significant court rituals, holding a prominent position in the royal court. After years of warfare, she succumbed to illness before her husband, Wu Ding. Grieving deeply, Wu Ding made an exception to bury her in the palace complex and built a grand tomb to commemorate her.

Yin Xu Museum (殷墟博物馆)

The Yin Xu Museum (殷墟博物馆) is the only museum in China that systematically and professionally showcases Shang Dynasty artifacts, with its exhibitions primarily focused on the archaeological discoveries at the Yin Xu site. The museum is designed to meet scientific, environmental, and safety standards, in line with heritage site protection requirements. Architecturally, the museum’s layout resembles the character “洹” (Huan), which signifies the Yin Ruins’ close connection with the Huan River (洹河), symbolizing the river’s crucial role in nurturing the Shang civilization. The museum displays a collection of artifacts unearthed by the Institute of Archaeology at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, offering visitors a high level of academic insight. Along the museum’s pathways, outdoor exhibits of palace foundations and sacrificial pits provide a glimpse of the layout of the Shang Dynasty’s palace and temple ruins.

Domestic Recognition

• Guo Moruo (郭沫若): “Central plains culture originated in Yin, and this site is better than reading ancient books. The Huan River in Anyang is not a mere name; three thousand years ago, it was the imperial capital. The discovery of the Yin Ruins marks the beginning of modern historical studies.”
• Chen Yunhe (陈运和): “The discovery of oracle bones and bronze artifacts is a great joy for Xiaotun Village (小屯村) in Anyang.”
• Xia Nai (夏鼐): “The Yin Ruins are not only rich in cultural artifacts but also of immense academic value. The treasures hidden here are far from exhausted. The Yin Ruins culture of the Shang Dynasty is truly a brilliant civilization, with urban planning, writing, and bronze ware as its key elements. Moreover, it is a distinctive Chinese civilization. The uniqueness of Chinese culture is reflected in the jade carving, chariot designs, white pottery, and early porcelain found here, along with oracle bone divination. The art of the Yin Ruins stands out in its own style.”
• Jiang Zemin (江泽民): “This place has deep academic value and great potential for development.”
• Xi Jinping (习近平): “I have long yearned to visit the Yin Ruins.”

International Recognition

In 2006, at the 30th World Heritage Committee meeting in Lithuania, the World Heritage Committee recognized the Yin Ruins as possessing “outstanding universal value” and made the following evaluations:

• II: The Yin Ruins, as the capital of the Shang Dynasty, showcase the peak of ancient Chinese bronze culture, including the development of the writing system.
• III: The cultural relics of the Yin Ruins provide extraordinary evidence of late Shang Dynasty cultural traditions, including remarkable scientific inventions and technological achievements, such as an astronomical calendar based on the observations of solar and lunar phases, and the earliest known Chinese written characters inscribed on oracle bones.
• IV: The palace and temple ruins at the Yin Ruins, along with the royal tombs, represent outstanding examples of ancient Chinese architecture, laying the foundations for the development of the palace system and burial customs in ancient China.
• VI: The archaeological findings at the Yin Ruins provide material evidence for the study of the Chinese language, ancient beliefs, social systems, and several significant historical events.

Cultural Heritage Protection

Yin Xu (殷墟) was listed as one of the first batch of National Key Cultural Heritage Sites by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on March 4, 1961.

After the publication of the Cultural Relics Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China in 1982, the governments of Henan Province (河南省) and Anyang City (安阳市) enacted management regulations related to the protection of Yin Xu, establishing a legal framework for its preservation. These regulations also delineated the scope of protection and construction control zones for the site.

In 1987, the Anyang Municipal Government acquired nearly 80,000 square meters of farmland in the northeast of Xiaotun (小屯) Village, part of the Yin Xu Palace area. Effective protection measures were put in place, and a site museum, the Yin Xu Museum (殷墟博物苑), was built to showcase the layout and architecture of the Shang Dynasty royal palaces. This museum has since become an integrated cultural attraction combining archaeology, landscaping, ancient architecture, and tourism.

In 2001, with the help of efforts to secure World Heritage status, the Anyang Municipal Government acquired nearly 1,000 acres of land covering the Yin Xu Palace and royal tomb sites, placing it under direct government control. This development effectively prevented the expansion of nearby settlements like Xiaotun and Huayuan Village (花园庄) into the protected palace area. Substantial investments were made to relocate residents from key protection areas to outside the zone. Wang Yuxin (王宇信), President of the Chinese Shang and Yin Studies Association, highly praised these efforts, calling them “the greatest achievement of Anyang’s heritage protection.”

In 2006, the government of Anyang City invested over 1.5 billion yuan to improve the surrounding environment of Yin Xu, explore new methods for displaying the site, and construct the Yin Xu Museum. The museum now houses a significant collection of movable artifacts excavated from Yin Xu, preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Shang Dynasty.

On July 13, 2006, during the 30th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Lithuania, Yin Xu was added to the World Heritage List after meeting the selection criteria for Outstanding Universal Value under categories (ii), (iii), (iv), and (vi), officially becoming a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

In 2010, Yin Xu was designated as one of the first 12 national archaeological site parks.

In October 2018, a conference was held in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the scientific excavation of Yin Xu, accompanied by the Yin Xu Development and Archaeological Forum.

In 2020, the China World Cultural Heritage Annual Conference awarded Yin Xu the “4-Star Rating for Heritage Protection and Management.”

In October 2021, Yin Xu was included in the “14th Five-Year Plan” for large archaeological sites by the National Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Honorary Titles

In 1997, Yin Xu was selected as one of the first 100 national Patriotic Education Demonstration Bases.

In 2000, Yin Xu was recognized by the archaeological community as one of the “Top 100 Archaeological Discoveries of the 20th Century in China.”

On March 19, 2011, Yin Xu passed a national-level assessment, becoming a 5A-rated national tourist attraction.

In October 2018, Yin Xu was added to the list of “National Research and Practice Education Bases for Primary and Secondary School Students.”

In August 2021, the Chinese Overseas Chinese Federation confirmed Yin Xu as one of the ninth batch of Chinese Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Bases.

In September 2021, Yin Xu was selected as one of the “Top 100 Archaeological Discoveries of 100 Years in Henan.”

In October 2021, Yin Xu was named one of the “Top 100 Archaeological Discoveries of 100 Years” nationwide.

In June 2022, Yin Xu was included in the first batch of “White List” companies in Henan Province’s cultural and tourism industry.

On December 24, 2022, new archaeological findings at the Xin Dian (辛店), Taojia Ying (陶家营), and Shaojia Peng (邵家棚) settlements surrounding Yin Xu were recognized as part of the “Top 10 Domestic and International Archaeological News of 2022” by CCTV.

In December 2022, the Anyang Yin Xu Scenic Area was ranked among the “Top 100 Scenic Area Brands in the 2022 AAAAA Level” in China.

In December 2022, the ongoing advancements in Yin Xu archaeology and oracle bone studies were listed as part of the “Top 10 Domestic Archaeological News of 2022.”

In February 2023, the visits of General Secretary Xi Jinping to Anyang Yin Xu and the achievements in Yin Xu archaeology and oracle bone research were selected as part of the “Top 10 Archaeological News of 2022 in Henan.”

On March 28, 2023, the “Shang Dynasty Royal Tombs and Surrounding Remains at Yin Xu” were included in the “Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2022” in China.

In February 2024, Yin Xu was ranked among the “Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2023” in Henan Province.

On September 27, 2024, the management company of Anyang Yin Xu Scenic Area received the “National Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress.”

Tourism Information

Location

Yin Xu is located in Xiaotun Village (小屯村) in the Yindu District (殷都区) of Anyang City (安阳市), Henan Province (河南省).

Yin Xu Details

Address: No. 1, Yin Xu Road, Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province, China.

Discount Policies

From February 16 to March 31, 2022, as part of the “Yujian Spring · Huiyou Old Home” campaign, first-entry tickets to Yin Xu were offered for free to visitors.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Yin Xu (殷墟) is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable for exploring the site.

2. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover. The site includes both indoor and outdoor areas, so check the weather before you go.

3. Guides: Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your visit. They will provide in-depth historical context and details about the various sections of the site.

4. Facilities: The site has basic amenities like restrooms, and there are small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. It is recommended to bring water and snacks for longer visits.

5. Preservation: Be respectful of the ancient ruins and avoid touching or disturbing the artifacts. Many areas are delicate and are in the process of ongoing excavation and preservation.

How to Get There

Travel with China Dragon Tours(Top Recommended)

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

Visitors can reach Yin Xu by the following means:

1. By Car: Take the An Yang exit off the Jingzhu Expressway (京珠高速) and follow Renmin Avenue (人民大道) until you turn right at the Fifth People’s Hospital. Continue until you arrive at the site.

2. By Bus: Take Bus Line 1 or Line 15 to the Yin Xu stop, then walk 5 minutes to the site. Bus Line 18 also terminates at Yin Xu.

3. By Train: Arrive at Anyang Railway Station (安阳站), take Bus Line 1 from the Cultural Palace (文化宫) to the Yin Xu stop, and walk 5 minutes to the site.

Independent Travel

Self Driving
Take the exit of Anyang of Beijing Hong Kong Macao expressway, west along people’s road to the Fifth People’s Hospital, turn right (about 8 kilometers and 20 minutes’ drive);

Get off Anyang west station along Anlin expressway, turn left from Wenming avenue to Huaxiang Road to the East, turn right to Angang avenue to the East, and turn left to Yinxu road.

Public Transport
Take No. 1 or 18 bus to Yinxu station and walk north for about 8 minutes.