Jin Shangjing History Museum (Acheng)

First capital of the Jin Dynasty, Shangjing Huining Prefecture (1115-1153), site of Jin Taizu Wanyan Aguda (Jin source culture), Bronze Seated Dragon (prototype of Jin imperial artifacts). Acheng District of Harbin is home to Shangjing Huining Prefecture, the Jin Dynasty's first capital; between 1115 and 1153 Wanyan Aguda proclaimed himself emperor here and founded the Jin, and from here the Jurchens marched out to destroy the Liao and attack the Song, rewriting China's 12th-century map. The palace foundations and city wall outlines of the Shangjing site remain discernible on the outskirts of Acheng, earning it the title "the first capital between the White Mountains and Black Waters." The Jin Shangjing History Museum systematically displays Jin source culture artifacts; the prototype of its star treasure, the Bronze Seated Dragon, was unearthed at a Jin imperial building site, and later Jin-era seated dragon decorations in Beijing and elsewhere all took it as their model. The CNY 30 ticket is inexpensive, but the museum and the site park are spread apart, so self-drive or shuttle bus is advisable; unmissable for travelers interested in Jurchen history and the ancient kingdoms of the Northeast.

Getting there: Shuttle bus to Acheng / self-drive