Dongyang Museum

Dongyang Museum

Dongyang Museum is situated at the foot of Bijia Mountain in the scenic southern part of Dongyang City. It grandly opened on November 18, 2008, and officially began receiving visitors. The museum covers an area of 10 mu (approximately 0.67 hectares) with a building area of 6,700 square meters. Integrating collection, exhibition, research, and education, the museum houses over 28,000 cultural relics and is a comprehensive municipal (county-level) museum. The exhibitions highlight the "Dongyang Dragon of China" and reveal the most distinctive aspects of Dongyang's natural environment and human history, forming a distinctive display identity. The museum systematically introduces Dongyang’s long history and culture since the Neolithic Age.

In September 2018, after self-assessment and application by the museum, evaluation by provincial museum industry organizations, expert review organized by the National Museum Evaluation Committee, and filing with the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Chinese Museums Association approved Dongyang Museum as a third batch National Third-Class Museum.

The museum has an overall convex box-like structure with four floors, exhibition halls on the east and west sides, and a central atrium for natural lighting. Upon entering the museum square, the first things you see are the horizontal plaques reading "Dongyang Museum" and "Hometown of Dinosaurs in China." The exhibitions focus on the discovery and restoration of the "Dongyang Dragon of China," systematically introducing how dinosaurs lived in Dongyang, supplemented by related scientific knowledge. This presents the theme that "Dongyang is not only a paradise for dinosaurs but also a harmonious home for humans." On the second floor, the "Beyond the Red Earth – Dongyang Historical and Cultural Exhibition" in the Dongyang History and Culture Hall, subtitled "The Story of Dongyang: The Land of Education and Crafts," follows the basic characteristics of the local natural environment and historical development. With themes such as "Land of Song Mountains and Painting Waters," "A Land That Values Learning and Education," and "Home of Artisan Excellence," the exhibition explains Dongyang’s emphasis on education and craftsmanship, ultimately forming an entrepreneurial journey led by architectural woodcarving, with equal importance given to various crafts and a balance of agriculture and industry.

The "Dongyang Historical and Cultural Exhibition" features three main themes: "Land of Song Mountains and Painting Waters," "A Land That Values Learning and Education," and "Home of Artisan Excellence." It showcases artifacts unearthed from earthen mound tombs dating back to the Western Zhou and Spring and Autumn periods to illustrate Dongyang’s significance in ancient Yue territory. Blue porcelain products from the Geshan Kiln and Gefu Kiln, along with relics from the Nansi Pagoda, demonstrate Dongyang’s status as a prominent county in Wuzhou. The exhibition emphasizes the formation of a culture that values literature and education and the diligent study ethos, narrating the history of Dongyang as the "Land of Talent" and "Land of Education." It also highlights the historical roots of Dongyang as the "Land of Crafts" and "Land of Construction" through exquisite displays of Dongyang woodcarvings and bamboo weaving. The exhibition systematically introduces Dongyang’s history and culture by combining cultural relics with text and images, enhanced by reconstructed scenes.

Museum Collection

Dongyang Dragon Fossil A late Cretaceous dinosaur skeleton fossil belonging to a sauropod herbivorous titanosaurid, representing a new genus and species within this group. It is one of the finest dinosaur fossils found in East China.

Five Dynasties Wooden Buddhist Statue A wooden statue of a Luohan (arhat) with plump cheeks and a serene smile. Clad in a kasaya (monk’s robe), the figure stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal with hands pressed together in prayer, all housed within a niche. This is considered a masterpiece of ancient Dongyang wood carving.

Spring and Autumn Period Jade Zun A cylindrical zun (wine vessel) with an arched lid, featuring moveable embedded handles. The entire piece is exquisitely crafted, demonstrating top-tier craftsmanship from 2,500 years ago.

Tang Dynasty Wuzhou Kiln Celadon Bean-Shaped Vessel With a flared mouth, gently curved body tapering downward, and a flared foot ring. Both the interior and exterior are coated with yellowish-green celadon glaze. It is a fine example of locally produced Wuzhou Kiln celadon from Dongyang.

Address: No. 77, Chengnan East Road, Dongyang City, Zhejiang Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 33, 106, or 108 to the Museum stop, or take routes 2, 6, 10, 17, or 21 to the Chaoyang Road or Dongxian Road stops, then walk about 600 meters south.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Closed Days: Chinese New Year, Mondays

Postal Code: 322100

Further Reading:

· National Third-Class Museum of China