Shanxi Museum's 3,000-year-old bronze musical instrument resonates through history

This long bronze musical instrument, known as nao bell, dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC). Its design is ingenious: loops along the long pipe allow it to be held or suspended, while square holes with movable bronze rings on the body create a crisp clashing sound when shaken or swung.

Imagine the scene — Shang people gathered for feasts or sacrificial rituals, singing and dancing to the lively rhythm of this instrument. A sound that once echoed 3,000 years ago still resonates through history today.

Unearthed in 1976 in Caojiahuan village, Lüliang city in Shanxi, this treasure now resides in the Shanxi Museum.