Yinxu Museum, Anyang

Yinxu Museum, Anyang

(安阳殷墟景区 ān yáng yīn xū jǐng qū)

The Yinxu site in Anyang occupies about 36 square kilometers and only 15 percent of it has been excavated. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]

Yinxu Museum, or the Ruins of Yin, is one of China's oldest archaeological sites. Located in Anyang, Central China's Henan province, it is named after the ancient city of Yin, the last capital of the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th century BC), China's first recorded dynasty, which was in Anyang. The Ruins of Yin is famous for the discovery of oracle bones and script.

With a history of 3,300 years, the oracle bones were discovered by accident in the late 19th century. It is considered the earliest-known form of Chinese writing. The oracle-bone script consists of about 3,000 characters, only two-thirds of which have been deciphered, and most of them are pictographs.

Officially starting in 1928, the excavation lasted 10 years until the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45) broke out. The 10 year excavation contributed to tens of thousands of antiques, including pottery, bronzeware, stone tools, bone tools, corner teeth and 24,918 pieces of oracle bones, all of which have made great contributions to Chinese archaeology.

The Ruins of Yin were listed as a World Cultural Heritage in 2006.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ideal Sightseeing Season: Suitable for all seasons

Opening Hours: 8:00--18:30 (April to September)

8:00--17:30 (October to March)

Ticket Price:70 yuan ($10.19)

Free Tickets:

①Children below 1.2 meters;

②Those aged 70 or abovewith valid certificate.

Half Price:

①The elderly between the ages of 60 and 69;

②Full-time students with registered student ID card.

Address: No 1 Yinxu Road, Anyang city, Henan province

Website: http://www.ayyx.com/(Chinese)

http://www.ayyx.com/2015old/en/index.asp(English)

Note:

1. The museum provides visitors with four interpretation services: Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean. Those who need interpretation services must make an appointment two days in advance.

2. A parking lot is available at the museum with a 5 yuan charge.

Yinxu Museum is the place where the oracle bones with inscriptions were found. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]