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随州市

suí zhōu · Suizhou

The bells of Marquis Yi — the greatest bronze chime in the world

Why this place

Suizhou is where the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng was found in 1978, containing a set of 65 bronze bells that still play and cover five octaves — the most important musical find in Chinese archaeology, and a complete set of instruments in a single tomb.

What to see

  • The Leigudun tomb of Marquis Yi and its replica site; the originals are in Wuhan's Hubei Museum
  • The Suizhou Museum, with the tomb context and local bronzes
  • Dahong Mountain and the Yandi (Flame Emperor) temples, a pilgrimage area

What to eat

  • Hubei plain cooking with rice and river fish
  • Suizhou is known for its 'Suizhou' honey dates and its mushrooms

Best time

March–May and October–November

湖北省 · Hubei China Guide