The Anhui Provincial Museum (安徽博物院) is the only comprehensive provincial museum in Anhui Province, China, integrating natural history, cultural history, and education. Covering an area of 62,000 square meters, with an exhibition space of 16,000 square meters, the museum features six floors above ground and a partially underground level, reaching a height of 37.7 meters. It houses over 218,000 cultural relics across 15 exhibition halls.
The new museum showcases the highlights of Anhui’s historical and cultural heritage. Its architectural design embodies the distinctive Hui style, characterized by the concept of “Four Rivers Returning to the Hall and Five Directions Connecting.” The exterior is clad in bronze-textured materials, reflecting the weight of cultural history, while the interior features warm wooden linings. The atrium is highlighted by a crystal-clear glass curtain wall, giving it a modern feel.
Exhibitions include a foundational display titled “The History of Anhui Civilization” and four themed exhibitions: “Ancient Architecture of Huizhou,” “Four Treasures of the Study in Anhui,” “Xin’an Painting School,” and “Treasures of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers.”
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Anhui Provincial Museum
- Vlog about Anhui Provincial Museum
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0551-63736658 0086-0551-63736655 |
Location and Transportation
The new site of the Anhui Provincial Museum is located at 87 Huaining Road, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 105, 113, 129, or M405 and get off at Provincial Museum South Gate Stop (省博物院南门站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Provincial Museum (省博物馆) on line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit A, walk about 500 meters to reach the entrance.
Exhibitions in Anhui Provincial Museum
The History of Anhui Civilization
This exhibition traces the development of Anhui through five major periods: Prehistoric Anhui; Anhui during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou Dynasties; Anhui in the Han, Wei, and Jin Dynasties; Anhui in the Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties; and Anhui during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Each section highlights significant cultural and historical milestones that have shaped the region.
Treasures of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers
This exhibition showcases exquisite ancient craftsmanship from the Jianghuai region, including gold and silverware, jade artifacts, lacquerware, iron paintings, and bamboo, wood, and ivory items. The display features dozens of meticulously crafted relics that reflect the aesthetic tastes and cultural trends of their respective eras.
Ancient Architecture of Huizhou
Through architectural components, models, and photographs, this exhibition provides a panoramic view of the stunning beauty of Huizhou architecture. It includes a fully restored traditional residence from Huizhou, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the charm of ancient Huizhou buildings.
Four Treasures of the Study in Anhui
Anhui is renowned as the birthplace of Xuan paper, Hui ink, Xuan brushes, and She inkstones, collectively known as the “Four Treasures.” This exhibition displays these four essential writing materials, along with various auxiliary tools such as brush pots, ink slabs, paperweights, water containers, ink droppers, brush rests, and seals. An interactive area allows visitors to experience traditional crafts like paper-making and ink-making, enhancing their appreciation of these scholarly treasures.
Xin’an Painting School
Emerging during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the Xin’an Painting School is centered around the Xin’an River basin, primarily focusing on landscapes from Huangshan and Huizhou. The leaders of this movement, mostly survivors of the Ming Dynasty, emphasized integrity and chose painting over official careers, expressing their resilience through simple yet profound brushwork. This exhibition features representative works from various periods of the Xin’an Painting School, offering insight into the artistic style of the region during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the essence of traditional Chinese painting.
