The Shanghai Museum holds a number of national treasures, and make sure to check out China's provincial museums as well.
Zhao Mengfu, Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains, 1295
Zhao’s opened up artistic possibilities for the Four Yuan Masters, and literati painters in subsequent centuries.
Spotlight — the Garden of the Humble Administrator in Suzhou, China
A Chinese garden in which each perspective was carefully orchestrated to achieve beauty and a sense of pleasure for the visitor.
Power: spotlight — The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi
The emperor's terracotta army was intended to demonstrate his power in this life, and to extend it into the world of the dead.
Master of the (Fishing) Nets Garden
Every inch of this contemplative space was carefully crafted—there’s bamboo, patterned paving, and scholar’s rocks.
Oracle Bone, Shang Dynasty
The writing on these bones is 3000 years old, but scholars can decipher an incredible 40 percent of the characters.
Da Ke Ding
Not for everyday use, this ritual bronze vessel is significant in function and in heft. It weighs over 400 pounds!
Attributed to Zhou Fang, Ladies Wearing Flowers in Their Hair
“Beautiful women paintings” provide insight into ideals of beauty and other social customs at the Tang court.
Huang Gongwang, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains
Unroll this handscroll and experience a spectacular panorama of rounded mountains, lush trees, and flowing water.
The Forbidden City
Covering 178 acres, this gated complex was a “golden cage” for China’s emperors and courtiers. It is now a museum.
Funeral banner of Lady Dai (Xin Zhui)
Excavated from an ancient tomb, this opulent silk banner features the earliest known portrait in Chinese painting.