Collection China Travel 2026.08.25

The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng

A journey to read the 3,500-year-old Shang Dynasty city from the bronzes in the museum to the palace foundation, city walls, and noble tombs.

#Traveling in China #Wuhan Travel #Wuhan Tourism #Wuhan Dining

Today, the center of Wuhan stretches across both banks of the Yangtze River, but to find the city's origins, one must head north to Panlongcheng. Around 3,500 years ago, during the Shang Dynasty, city walls, palaces, cemeteries, and workshops were established among the hills between the lakes, and the excavated bronzes and jades reveal how the Huanghe River and Yangtze River basins were connected. After viewing artifacts in the museum, walking through the actual foundations and excavation areas allows visitors to comprehend the size and waterways of the ancient city.

This guide is structured to observe the separate exhibition halls, palace sites, cemeteries, and city wall points within a single heritage park. The excavation sites may be closed seasonally for research and preservation or only viewable from a distance, and it’s important not to enter the soil layers or marked stakes. Start by familiarizing yourself with the museum models, then follow the outdoor explanatory signs, and on rainy days, increase the indoor exhibition focus instead of the low wetland areas.

Panlongcheng Relic Museum

Panlongcheng Site Museum

The Panlongcheng Site Museum is an exhibition hall that helps visitors understand the hierarchy, production, and exchanges of Panlongcheng through Shang Dynasty bronze, jade, pottery artifacts, and city models compared to surrounding sites. Search for 1 Panlong Avenue, Economic Development Zone, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei, but if there are multiple entrances, cross-reference with the Chinese name 盘龙城遗址博物院. Check for real-name reservations, Monday closures, and outdoor site openings. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s best to examine specific items only found in the Panlongcheng Site Museum and the actual movement conditions to the next location. Rather than just taking photos, try to describe in one sentence what distinguishes it from other sites.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城经济开发区盘龙大道1号 방문 확인 실명 예약·월요일 휴관과 야외 유적 개방을 확인한다.

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Panlongcheng National Archaeological Park

Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park

Following the space of the Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park slowly connects the city walls, palace, and cemetery areas via walkways, allowing visitors to experience the overall scale of the ancient city. Begin by locating the entrance and public areas around Panlong Avenue, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei. Afterward, check the entry points, viewing paths, and any closures after rain. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s advisable to specifically examine items only found in the Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park and the actual movement conditions to the next site. By linking proper nouns from the explanatory signs with the features observed, you can avoid vague introductions of the sites.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙大道 방문 확인 출입구·관람 노선과 우천 뒤 폐쇄 구간을 확인한다.

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Palace Area No. 1 Base

Palace Area No. 1

The primary theme to observe at Palace Area No. 1 is the large building foundations where the ceremonial and living spaces are distinguished, providing insight into the layout of the early palace. The site is located in the Palace Area of Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei. The schedule should reflect the condition 'observe only from the protective decking outside the foundation'. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s beneficial to note the specific items only identifiable in Palace Area No. 1 and the actual movement conditions to the next site. If weather conditions or opening ranges change, do not hesitate to switch to nearby indoor or public transport routes.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园宫殿区 방문 확인 기단 보호선 밖 해설 데크에서만 관찰한다.

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Palace Area No. 2 Base

Palace Area No. 2

At Palace Area No. 2, compare the building remnants placed adjacent to No. 1 to consider the orientation and functional differentiation of the central architectural group. Verify the address of the Palace Area No. 2 at Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei and the Chinese name 宫殿区二号宫殿基址 to avoid confusion with similarly named locations. Additionally, compare the site numbers with the restoration descriptions and refrain from entering the soil layers. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s advisable to focus on identifying specific items only found in Palace Area No. 2 and the actual movement conditions to the next location. By adhering to site rules while confirming the travel difficulty and rest spots, useful information can be provided for first-time visitors.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园宫殿区 방문 확인 현장 번호와 복원 설명을 대조하고 흙층에 들어가지 않는다.

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Panlongcheng South City Wall Ruins

Panlongcheng Southern City Wall Site

The core of the Panlongcheng Southern City Wall Site is to read the defense, flooding, and urban boundaries through the outdoor remnants of the ancient fortress's construction layers. The site to visit is the Southern City Wall of Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei. Before visiting, check the water level and the condition of the trails, and do not climb onto the remains. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s useful to explore the specific items only found at the Panlongcheng Southern City Wall Site and the actual movement conditions to the next location. Keeping track of the actual entry time, wait times, and the duration to the next destination can serve as materials for future visits.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园南城垣 방문 확인 수위와 탐방로 상태를 확인하고 유구 위에 오르지 않는다.

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Yangjawan Excavation Area

Yangjawan Excavation Site

The reason for visiting the Yangjawan Excavation Site is to understand the living conditions and excavation processes of the northern Panlongcheng area through tomb and residence remains and layer investigations. Save both 杨家湾考古发掘区 and Yangjawan at Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei in your navigation. Before departing, maintain control lines if excavations are ongoing and seek permission before photographing any researchers. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s advisable to look for specific items only found in the Yangjawan Excavation Site and the actual movement conditions to the next location. After visiting, noting the most impressive finds and the actual time spent will make planning your next route easier.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园杨家湾 방문 확인 실제 발굴 중이면 통제선을 지키고 연구자를 촬영하기 전 허락을 구한다.

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Lijiazui Noble Cemetery

Lijiazui Noble Tombs

Upon arriving at the Lijiazui Noble Tombs marked on the map, this site allows observation of the hierarchy and rituals of Panlongcheng society through the large bronzes and jades found in the noble burial area. Searching for 李家嘴贵族墓地 will lead to the site at Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei. On the day of your visit, view the artifacts in the museum and focus on the positions and terrain on-site. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s beneficial to look for specific items only found at the Lijiazui Noble Tombs and the actual movement conditions to the next location. Connecting the proper nouns on the explanatory signs with the observed characteristics will help avoid vague introductions of the site.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园李家嘴 방문 확인 출토품은 박물관에서 보고 현장에서는 위치·지형을 중심으로 관찰한다.

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Wangjiazui Cemetery

Wangjiazui Tombs

Wangjiazui Tombs represent a region of ongoing excavations rather than a brief official visit, showcasing research on Shang funerary practices and north-south cultural exchanges. Search for 王家嘴 at Panlongcheng National Archaeological Heritage Park, Huangpi District, Wuhan, Hubei but verify the entrance with the Chinese name 王家嘴墓地 if there are multiple entries. Since the scope of public access changes, prioritize guidance from the museum on the day of your visit. When comparing to other items from 'The Beginning of Wuhan Was Not by the Yangtze River, but in Panlongcheng', it’s advisable to identify specific items only found at the Wangjiazui Tombs and the actual movement conditions to the next location. If the weather or access range changes, don’t hesitate to switch to nearby indoor or public transport routes.

주소 湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园王家嘴 방문 확인 공개 범위가 변하므로 박물원 당일 안내를 우선한다.

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Connecting the eight points reveals that Panlongcheng was not just a site where a few bronzes were excavated but an organized early city for politics, rituals, production, and burial. The high palace foundations and city walls, the grave goods from various cemeteries, and the Yangjawan excavation site explain hierarchies and spatial arrangements. By examining the water-surrounded terrain, one can also understand this area as a hub managing southern resources and transportation more concretely.

Since the outdoor remains are not as distinct as restored structures, it’s advisable to compare the museum floor plan with the site numbers. By detailing the names of the artifacts, excavation locations, and presumed uses, you can avoid exaggerated descriptions of ancient history. In the expansive park, prepare for water, hats, and insect protection while confirming the last entry time and shuttle availability. It is essential to avoid taking soil or fragments and not to disturb researchers during excavation.

한눈에 보기 8개

Panlongcheng Relic Museum

湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城经济开发区盘龙大道1号 · 실명 예약·월요일 휴관과 야외 유적 개방을 확인한다.

Panlongcheng National Archaeological Park

湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙大道 · 출입구·관람 노선과 우천 뒤 폐쇄 구간을 확인한다.

Palace Area No. 1 Base

湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园宫殿区 · 기단 보호선 밖 해설 데크에서만 관찰한다.

Palace Area No. 2 Base

湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园宫殿区 · 현장 번호와 복원 설명을 대조하고 흙층에 들어가지 않는다.

Panlongcheng South City Wall Ruins

湖北省武汉市黄陂区盘龙城国家考古遗址公园南城垣 · 수위와 탐방로 상태를 확인하고 유구 위에 오르지 않는다.

Yangjawan Excavation Area