Kuahuqiao Site Museum

Kuahuqiao Site Museum
杭州市萧山跨湖桥遗址博物馆

Address: No 978 Xianghu Lu, Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am-5 pm (May 1-Sept 30, last entry at 4:30 pm) or 9 am-4:30 pm (Oct 1-April 30, last entry at 4 pm)
Closed Mondays (except for national holidays)
Admission: Free
Tel: +86-571-83869286

The Kuahuqiao Site Museum, located within the Xianghu Lake scenic area in Xiaoshan district – in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province – spans a total building area of around 6,800 square meters and offers a fascinating journey into the Kuahuqiao culture, one of China's most ancient cultures which dates back 8,300-7,200 years.

Central to the museum's collection is the "First Boat of China", an 8,000-year-old dugout canoe crafted from a single pine tree.

Unearthed during the 2002 excavation, the canoe stands as a testament to the early human ingenuity in boatbuilding and navigation. Surrounding artifacts – including paddles, wooden stakes and tools – further evince the advanced craftsmanship of the early Neolithic community.

The museum's thematic exhibition Braving the Tide highlights the original archaeological site and the cultural evolution of Kuahuqiao. Using multimedia displays, artistic installations and interactive exhibits, it provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Notable artifacts include a lacquered bow – the earliest known evidence of lacquer use – and pottery demonstrating advanced wheel-finishing techniques.

The Kuahuqiao culture extends far beyond the museum's namesake site, encompassing areas across Zhejiang province.

Archaeological finds from locations such as Jinhua's Pujiang county and Shaoxing's Shengzhou city reveal a culture that thrived along rivers and coastal plains, pioneering innovations in agriculture, craftsmanship and maritime activities.