Shiyan Museum (十堰博物馆), also known as the Hubei South-to-North Water Diversion Museum (湖北南水北调博物馆), encompasses an area of 2,333 square meters and houses a rich collection of 33,061 artifacts. The museum showcases a diverse range of artifacts, including fossils from the ancient past, stone tools, jade artifacts, bronze items, ceramics, gold and silver objects, bone tools, paintings, coins, and sculptures, spanning over ten categories. Among its precious treasures are artifacts such as hand axes from the Old Stone Age, the first jade sword of the Spring and Autumn Period, and Han Dynasty pottery pots.
From an aerial perspective, Shiyan Museum resembles the “eye” that penetrates the history of Shiyan, symbolizing both the yin-yang fish of Wudang Tai Chi and incorporating the shape of the Dongfeng Motor Corporation’s logo (a pillar industry in Shiyan).
The museum’s exhibitions are organized into five main thematic halls: “Entering the Era of Dinosaurs,” “Ancient Human Habitats,” “Immortal Mountains and Elegant Pavilions – Wudang Mountain,” “Shiyan and Water,” and “Automobiles and Shiyan.” Additionally, there is an exhibition showcasing artifacts unearthed from the Hubei reservoir area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Through these exhibits, Shiyan Museum provides a multidimensional exploration of Shiyan’s vibrant and colorful prehistoric culture, ancient human culture, hydroelectric culture, automobile culture, and the cultural significance of Wudang Mountain.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Exhibitions in Shiyan Museum
- Vlog about Shiyan Museum
- Other Attractions in Shiyan
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 12.00; 14.00 – 17.00 Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0719-8489398 |
Location and Transportation
Shiyan Museum is situated at 91 Beijing North Road, Shiyan City, Hubei Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 15, 16, 18, 28, 31, 85, 86, 87, or 99 and get off at Municipal Museum Stop (市博物馆站).
Exhibitions in Shiyan Museum
Entering the Era of Dinosaurs
The exhibit “Entering the Era of Dinosaurs” at Shiyan Museum transports visitors back to a time when the northwest of Hubei was a habitat for dinosaurs. Shiyan is home to rare dinosaur fossils like those of Monolophosaurus and Bactrosaurus, as well as a fossilized dinosaur egg cluster from Qinglongshan in Yun County. Covering an area of 650 square meters, the exhibition serves as a platform to disseminate scientific knowledge about the dinosaur world. It explores topics such as dinosaur habitats, reproduction, species diversity, behavior, and the mysteries surrounding their extinction.
The exhibit creates an immersive sub-tropical jungle landscape with various life-sized dinosaur models in different poses – standing, lying, running, or leaping. Through this captivating display, visitors gain insights into the intriguing world of dinosaurs, making it an educational and visually stunning experience.
Ancient Human Habitats
The “Ancient Human Habitats” exhibition, spanning 680 square meters, focuses on the archaeological discoveries related to ancient human fossils, associated animal fossils, and stone artifacts found in Shiyan. This exhibit aims to educate visitors on the origin, evolution, and development of human civilization. On display are 32 ancient human fossils, 45 fossils of prehistoric animals, and over 100 artifacts, including stone tools, pottery, and jade items.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is a display case featuring two national treasure-level fossils excavated in Shiyan – the skulls of Yunxian Man No.1 and No.2. This provides visitors with a comprehensive and multi-dimensional view of the skulls, emphasizing the significance and value of the archaeological findings, particularly the “Yunxian Man,” in the history of human evolution in China and the world.
Wudang Mountain
The exhibition “Wudang Mountain” offers a macroscopic view of Wudang Mountain’s history, architectural culture, and Taoist culture. Covering an area of 780 square meters, this exhibit uses a combination of texts, architectural components, images, a sand table, and miniature models to introduce the historical evolution and cultural significance of Wudang Mountain – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
On display are seven bronze statues from the Ming Dynasty, one stone statue from the Ming Dynasty, a set of seven Taoist musical instruments, and 20 ancient architectural components. The exhibition emphasizes showcasing the most representative elements, including the Xungui Archway, Guizhuo Stele, Yizhu Twelve Beams, Dragon Head Incense Burner, and the Golden Palace, providing visitors with a unique insight into the cultural charm of Wudang Mountain.
Shiyan and Water
Covering an area of 680 square meters, the “Shiyan and Water” exhibition hall delves into the historical significance of water in the region. It showcases artifacts from the Spring and Autumn Period, including bronze items and cultural relics reflecting local customs. Additionally, the exhibition features images of flood disasters related to Shiyan’s water conservancy projects, a miniature wall of the Danjiangkou Dam, migrant reliefs, traditional items like horse lanterns, shovels, shoulder poles, baskets, shoulder pads, single-wheel carts, battle flags, and documents.
A major highlight of this exhibition is the section dedicated to the theme of “Clear Water Heading North.” A massive electronic map depicting the water diversion project of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion lines the floor. As visitors follow the delivery route of the project, electronic screens corresponding to each city display scenic views, aiding in a better understanding of the significant impact of the South-to-North Water Diversion project.
Automobiles and Shiyan
Encompassing 800 square meters, the “Automobiles and Shiyan” exhibition showcases the profound connection between Shiyan and the automotive industry. On display is the first-generation 25Y military vehicle from the Second Automobile Manufacturing Plant, along with 45 automobile models, over 20 automotive components, and more than 30 precious documents. The exhibition utilizes high-tech, interactive, and large-scale display methods, recounting the miraculous achievements of the Second Automobile Manufacturing Plant, which, in the 1960s, under the directive of “Prepare for War, Prepare for Famine for the People” and “Prioritize the Construction of the Third Front,” settled in Shiyan. The plant created legends of transporting hundred-ton machinery using bamboo baskets, baskets, and shoulder poles, contributing to the illustrious history of Shiyan as a prominent automotive city.
Cultural Relics from the Hubei Reservoir Area
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project, a colossal water conservancy project spanning regions and basins, is the second such project in China following the Three Gorges Dam. Shiyan, situated at the core water source area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, has seen numerous precious ancient cultural sites, tombs, and buildings at risk of submersion due to the rising waters of the Danjiangkou Reservoir. From 2005 to 2009, the Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau conducted salvage archaeological work in the submerged areas of Shiyan, unearthing a plethora of invaluable artifacts and making significant discoveries.
The exhibition covers an area of 710 square meters and features carefully selected artifacts from the reservoir area, totaling 221 items. The exhibition is divided into three parts: “Stone Age – The Dawn of Civilization,” “Xia, Shang, Zhou – Formation of Civilization,” and “Qin and Han Dynasties onwards – Development of Civilization.” The artifacts provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural evolution of the region, offering visitors a unique perspective on the profound impact of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project on the cultural heritage of Shiyan.
