Art beat ... finger on the pulse

Beijing

Shang relics on display

Panlongcheng, now located in Wuhan, Hubei province, became a military stronghold in the 15th century BC, from which period the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) extended its territory to southern China. An exhibition at the National Museum of China displays relics (pictured above) from the time between the early Shang and Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The exhibits show that brilliant craftsmen made the bronze vessels and musical instruments.