Wuhan Photo Gallery - Museums

The Hubei Provincial Museum is a treasure trove, with a large collection that has English descriptions. The best part is free admission although you still have to line up to get that free ticket.

The tour begins with an appreciation of porcelain relics.

This is a re-creation of the Qingshan Kiln, which was discovered in 1987 and was Hubei province's first Song Dynasty (960-1279) porcelain kiln. Large quantities of greenish white porcelain were found.

This vase dates from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and was found in the tomb of Prince Yingjing.

Various tools were also on display.

The warriors and the wealthy had a large assortment of clothing decor, including gem-encrusted belt buckles.

These bronzes were unearthed in Panlongcheng. The one on the left, in particular, was a sacrificial vessel that held wine.

One of my favourite parts of the museum is this huge ensemble of bronze bells from the Warring States period over 2000 years ago.

The other museum worth visiting is Wuhan Museum, although part of the collection overlaps the provincial museum.

A gold and jade belt buckle from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

This white jade pot is shaped like two phoenixes and dates from a particular part of the Qing Dynasty (1736-1795).

This amber dish from the same era is shaped like a fallen leaf.

Also from the same era, this is actually a jade make-up container!

This cup shaped like a plum blossom is a bit older, from the Ming Dynasty.

This Qing Dynasty perfurmer is made of jade.

Qing Dynasty woodcarving wall decoration

This ivory brush holder dates from the Qing Dynasty.

Qing Dynasty carved lacquer box

A bamboo brush holder made in 1828.

This is a 12-piece set of porcelain snuff bottles from the Qing Dynasty.

These enamel dishes with phoenix designs are more recent - from the Republic of China era (1912-1949).

This is a delicate glazed porcelain snuff bottle from a particular era of the Qing (1796-1820).

It is a jade eggplant. It is also a snuff bottle.

These pottery animals depict the zodiac and date from the Sui Dynasty (581-618).

The museum has quite a varied collection from antiquity to modern. There is a gallery of money. One note that caught me was this specimen from Zimbabwe. I knew they had an inflation problem, which raises the question what this note can actually buy.

Wuhan plays an important role in China's modern history. The rebellion against the imperial Qing began here with the Wuchang Uprising in 1911.

This old map shows Hankou (top), Hangyang (bottom left), and Wuchang across the Yangtze River on the right.

Hankou was divided into various concession zones for foreigners, who built in accordance with their local architectural styles. I found a few of these on the streets the next day.

Wuchang Uprising medal