Hengyang Museum (衡阳博物馆), initially established as the Wang Chuanshan Memorial Hall located in Yueping Park, has a rich history dating back to its founding in June 1973. In 1992, the museum was relocated to its current site at No. 28 Minghan Road, south of Xihu Park. Since its opening, the museum has provided free access to the public since October 2008. It houses a vast collection of over 20,000 cultural relics, including 66 first-level artifacts (including national treasures), 182 second-level artifacts, and 2,045 third-level artifacts, making it a significant repository of historical and cultural heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Collections and Exhibitions
- Other Notable Attractions in Hengyang
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 12.00; 13.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0734-8291204 |
Location and Transportation
Hengyang Museum is located at No. 28 Minghan Road, Shigu District, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 105, 106, 128, 129, 143, or 162, get off at Guhan Avenue stop (古汉大道站), and walk about 200 meters to the north.
Collections and Exhibitions
Bronze Ware Exhibition
One of the museum’s highlights is the Bronze Ware Exhibition, featuring more than 100 relics dating from the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Ming and Qing dynasties. This exhibition showcases various types of artifacts, including ritual vessels, weapons, measuring instruments, and daily life implements used by ancient people. Notable pieces include the national treasure of an animal-patterned bronze pitcher, a Yue-style tripod, and a Chu-style bronze sword, each exemplifying the sophisticated craftsmanship of ancient Chinese civilization.
Ceramics and Arts Exhibition
The Ceramics and Arts Exhibition presents over 300 relics from the Neolithic period to the late Qing and early Republic of China eras. This exhibition includes practical ceramic items used in daily life, decorative pieces, and burial artifacts. Visitors can admire works from various famous kilns, such as the Ge kiln, Longquan kiln, Cizhou kiln, Jian kiln, Changsha kiln, Hengyang kiln, and Hengshan kiln. The ceramics are characterized by various production techniques, including wheel-throwing, stacking, appliqué, engraving, and diverse glazing methods. The museum also features stone tools, lacquerware, bone utensils, bamboo carvings, and various metal artifacts.
Special Exhibition on Archaeological Ceramics in Hunan
Another prominent feature is the Special Exhibition on Archaeological Ceramics in Hunan, organized by the Hunan Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau and the Hengyang Cultural Tourism and Broadcasting Sports Bureau. In collaboration with the Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Changsha Museum, and Hengyang Museum, the exhibition is divided into five sections: “Transforming Mud into Vessels,” “Between Ceramics,” “Red Flames and Light Flowers,” “Kilns Full of Hunan,” and “Path to Rebirth.”
