Luoyang Han-Wei Ancient City Site Museum opens, showcasing legacy of old Chinese capital

The Han-Wei Luoyang Ancient City Site Museum, situated in the historic city of Luoyang in Henan Province, has begun trial operations. As one of China’s most significant archaeological undertakings, the museum has nearly completed its preparations. This is reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

It is dedicated to showcasing the city’s development from the Western Zhou Dynasty through to the Tang Dynasty, with a focus on its prominence as a capital during the Han-Wei period. The site is recognised as China’s largest ancient capital location and is considered the most extensive pre-modern urban complex ever uncovered globally.

The museum highlights the sophisticated urban planning of early Chinese capitals, particularly the influential “central-axis” layout. According to archaeologists, this planning model had a profound impact on later Chinese capital designs and offers insights into the advanced cultural thinking of the ancient Central Plains. 

Over 1,300 artefacts will be featured, many being exhibited for the first time. Key items include a bronze mirror from the Eastern Han period depicting the story of Wang Zhaojun and a painted brick symbolising transcendental beliefs during the Western Han Dynasty. Other notable relics include a sculpted Buddha head from the Northern Wei Dynasty, discovered at the Yongning Temple site, which exemplifies the artistic mastery of the time.