China Huizhou Culture Museum

Introducing China Huizhou Culture Museum
China Huizhou Culture Museum is the second largest museum in Anhui Province. China Huizhou Culture Museum was originated from Huangshan City Museum. Established in 2008, the museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the historical Huizhou prefecture (comprising six counties in Anhui Province and centered around modern-day Huangshan City).

The museum boasts a vast collection celebrating Huizhou culture, comprising over 100,000 items. From exquisite ceramics and renowned inksticks to intricate carvings in wood, stone, and bamboo, the collection offers a comprehensive look at the region’s artistic heritage. More importantly, a significant archive of nearly 50,000 ancient books and 30,000 contract documents provides invaluable insights into Huizhou’s socio-economic history, revealing details about trade, social structures, and daily life, drawing researchers and visitors from around the globe.

China Huizhou Culture Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zhōng Guó Huī Zhōu Wén Huà Bó Wù Guǎn 中国徽州文化博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Huizhou Culture and History
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 50 Yingbin Avenue, Tunxi District, Huangshan, Anhui Province

What to Expect at the China Huizhou Culture Museum
To understand Huizhou culture, the China Huizhou Culture Museum is essential. Explore Huizhou’s distinctive architecture, discover how neo-Confucianism shaped the region’s social fabric and intellectual pursuits, and trace the history of the influential Huizhou merchant group. From scholarly works to exquisite artistry, the museum offers a captivating journey through the heart of this unique culture.

Exhibition of Huizhou Merchant Group
This exhibition delves into the captivating world of the Huizhou merchant group, a dominant force in Chinese commerce during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Originating from the rugged terrain of Huizhou in Anhui province, these merchants forged vast trade networks that stretched across China and even into Southeast Asia. Their influence spanned several key industries, including tea, salt, silk, and finance, driven by sharp business acumen, tight-knit community bonds, and a strong adherence to Confucian principles. The Huizhou merchants’ success not only fueled the economic prosperity of their home region but also left an enduring legacy manifested in impressive architectural achievements, thriving cultural institutions, and significant philanthropic contributions. Their sophisticated system of credit and trade played a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of late imperial China, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Exhibition of Huizhou Art
Huizhou art encompasses a distinct and elegant aesthetic reflecting the prefecture’s rich cultural heritage and scholarly traditions. It is characterized by a harmonious blend of various art forms, including the “Four Treasures of the Study” – specifically, exquisite She inkstones (歙砚), renowned Hui ink (徽墨), expressive Xin’an paintings and calligraphy (新安书画), and extensive Huizhou literature (徽州文献). These elements, often found in collections like the “Wenfu Ink” (文府墨), an early example of Hui ink excavated from a Song Dynasty (960-1279) tomb, exemplify the refined craftsmanship and artistic achievements of Huizhou culture.

Exhibition of Huizhou Architecture
This exhibition explores Hui-style architecture, a regional style characteristic of Huizhou Prefecture and its surrounding areas during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Using brick, wood, and stone as primary building materials, these structures are designed in harmony with the natural landscape, with an emphasis on meticulous layout and ornamentation. This results in a distinctive architectural appearance featuring whitewashed walls, dark-tiled roofs, sweeping eaves, and iconic horse-head gables. Interior decoration, exemplified by intricate wood, brick, and stone carvings, reflects superb craftsmanship and Confucian values, a reflection of the Huizhou merchants’ principle of balancing commerce with Confucian ideals. These architectural forms include residential homes, ancestral halls, memorial archways, and gardens. They represent the unique cultural identity of the Huizhou region and constitute a significant part of China’s traditional architectural heritage.

How to Get to China Huizhou Culture Museum
• By Bus: Take bus 219 to Tushuguan (The City Library) Station.

Additional Travel Advice on China Huizhou Culture Museum
• The museum is closed on Mondays except Chinese public holidays.
• Food and colored drinks are not allowed in the museum.