Hunan Provincial Museum (湖南省博物馆)

The Hunan Provincial Museum (湖南省博物馆, Húnán Shěng Bówùguǎn) is home to one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in Chinese history — the Mawangdui Han Dynasty tombs.

What to See

Lady Dai's Mummy — A perfectly preserved mummy from 163 BC — skin still elastic, joints still flexible, blood still present. The preservation is supernatural.

The Silk Paintings — Two 2,000-year-old silk paintings showing the journey of the soul to the afterlife. The detail and color are extraordinary.

Lacquerware — Incredibly preserved lacquer dishes, cups, and boxes from 2,000 years ago. The colors are as bright as new.

The Tomb Art — Jade, silk, and bamboo artifacts from the tombs of the Marquis of Dai and his family.

Practical Tips

• Free admission but booking required
• Closed on Mondays
• The mummy is the highlight — but be prepared, it's quite graphic
• Allow at least 2 hours
• The museum is in the city center — walkable from most hotels