About Hunan Provincial Museum
Hunan Provincial Museum is one of China's most important museums, home to the extraordinary finds from the Mawangdui tombs — including the remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old mummy of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui), wife of the Marquis of Dai. Discovered in 1972, Lady Dai is one of the world's best-preserved ancient remains, with skin still elastic and internal organs intact.
The museum showcases over 180,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to modern history, with particular strength in the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs, Chu culture, and Hunan's revolutionary history. The Mawangdui exhibits include silk paintings, textiles, lacquerware, and manuscripts that reveal the sophistication of Han Dynasty civilization. The museum is free to visit but requires advance reservation due to popularity.
What Not to Miss
Lady Dai (Xin Zhui) — the 2,000-year-old mummy in remarkable condition.
The Mawangdui silk paintings — exquisite Han Dynasty artwork on silk.
The lacquerware and textiles — revealing Han Dynasty craftsmanship.
