The Yin ruins, site of the late Shang dynasty's (from about 1,300--1,046 B.C.) capital city, have been placed under Chinese state protection and are also an important part of human historical and cultural heritage.

The late Shang dynasty, which moved its capital to Yin, held vast territory and fostered unprecedented developments in politics, the Chinese economy, military, science and culture. It initiated China's new era of history, and is widely considered representative of China's ancient civilization.

According to the General Protection Plan for Anyang Yin Ruins, as well as comments from experts from the State Bureau of Cultural Relics and the United Nations, Anyang is building the Yin Ruins Museum, located in the eastern part of the Yin Ruin's palace and ancestral temple.

The museum's construction covers 3,535 square meters, 2,354 square meters of which is set aside for exhibitions. All the buildings will be constructed underground, allowing vegetation to cover the earth's surface.

On March 16th, 2005, the Yin Ruins Museum successfully laid its foundation and began construction. At present, construction of the museum is progressing orderly. The intensive construction aims to complete the project and officially open the museum to the public this August when the experts from U.N. will evaluate the site.

(Chinanews.cn April 26, 2005)