Henan Museum

Sitting at the heart of the Central Plains where Chinese civilisation took form, this Zhengzhou museum holds oracle bones, ritual bronzes and jades from the Shang and earlier dynasties. Its pyramid-inspired main hall houses treasures such as a bronze wine vessel set and early cast-metal instruments. A small ensemble regularly performs on replicas of ancient chimes and bells to demonstrate antique music. The collection reflects Henan's dense concentration of early capitals and archaeological sites.