The bronze plate originating in the Shang Dynasty collected by Wenling Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

Wenling Museum, situated in Wenling, a county-level city in Taizhou, has recently been honored as one of the most beautiful public cultural venues in Zhejiang province in 2023. The honor was bestowed upon a total of 28 locations throughout the province.

With an investment of 183 million yuan ($25 million), the museum has a collection of over 1,500 cultural relics, among which is a bronze plate originating in the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century - 11th century BC).

The bronze plate, considered a national treasure, features an intricate relief design depicting a coiling dragon. The dragon's head stands out prominently, extending 10 centimeters above the plate's surface and creating a captivating illusion that is preparing to soar into the sky.

The museum is thoughtfully divided into distinct sections including the national treasure hall, historical hall, and temporary exhibition hall. Through these divisions, the museum aims to comprehensively showcase the essence of Wenling's diverse cultural heritage, encompassing stone culture, maritime culture, agriculture, and academic culture.