Hubei Provincial Museum

Why it's worth it

The museum of two impossible artefacts: the 433 BC chime bells of Marquis Yi — 65 bronze bells that still play concerts — and the Sword of Goujian, 2,500 years old and still sharp, excavated from a soaked tomb with its blade untarnished.

Don't miss

• The bianzhong chime bells at their daily mini-concert (check times at the desk)
• The Sword of Goujian — a short blade with turquoise inlay, alone in its case, worth the detour itself
• The painted lacquered deer and tiger-drums of Chu culture, all curves and attitude

Getting there

Buses 402, 411 and 709 stop at the museum gate; Metro Line 4 to Dongting plus a 15-minute walk also works.

Tips

• Free but reserve ahead with passport; the bell concerts need a same-day ticket at the door
• 2-3 hours minimum; the Chu gallery and the bells are the two anchors
• Closed Mondays; morning entry beats the school groups