Where Wuxi's musical heritage began 2,500 years ago

Hongshan Site Museum in Xinwu district, Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Long before Wuxi earned international recognition as a UNESCO-designated "City of Music", the city's musical heritage was already taking shape more than 2,500 years ago. That remarkable legacy is preserved at the Hongshan Site Museum, where one of China's most significant collections of ancient musical instruments offers a window into the sophisticated soundscape of the ancient Yue State.

Excavated from the tombs of Yue nobles, the instruments form a complete ceremonial orchestra. The ensemble includes bronze bells, stone chimes, ceramic fou, bells and drums, capable of producing melody, rhythm, gliding tones and percussive effects.

The Hongshan discoveries represent the largest and most comprehensive collection of excavated ancient musical instruments ever found in China. In recognition of their exceptional historical significance, the Chinese Society for the History of Music awarded the Hongshan site the honorary title "The Capital of Jiangnan Etiquette and Music".

Inside the museum, visitors are greeted by neatly arranged sets of bronze bells displayed alongside elegant stone chimes. Though simple in appearance, these instruments reflect the advanced craftsmanship and musical knowledge of ancient Chinese civilization.

Bronze bells are displayed at the Hongshan Site Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Another highlight is the distinctive combination of bronze percussion instruments and dingning bells.

Chunyu, a bronze percussion instrument, stands behind a dingning bell. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Nearby, the celadon fou – a percussion instrument used to keep rhythm – stands out with its rounded form and deep, resonant tone. Its cultural influence extends into modern times: a spectacular performance at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games drew its creative inspiration directly from the celadon fou unearthed at the Hongshan site.

Together, these artifacts demonstrate that Wuxi's reputation as a city of music is rooted not only in its vibrant contemporary cultural scene, but also in a musical tradition that has resonated across more than 2,500 years of history.