Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Decoration Wall of Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum
Nanyue King Mausoleum Museum

Located on Jiefang Bei Road, Guangzhou, the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King is the oldest and largest Han tomb with the most funerary objects in Lingnan (South of the Nanling Mountain) Area. As one of the 80 famous museums in the world, it covers 14,000 square meters (150, 699.6 square feet) with 10 exhibition halls.

The owner of the tomb is the second king, Zhao Mei of Nanyue State of the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-24 A.D.). Hidden 20 meters (65.6 feet) underground, the tomb is made up of 750 huge stones with colorful murals. The over 1,000 pieces of cultural relics, bronze ware and terra cotta ware in particular, feature the Yue Culture of south China (Nanyue Culture). Represented also are traces of central Chinese culture, the Chu culture of south China, the Bashu culture of southwest China, the Hun culture from the northern grassland, and even foreign cultures.
 

The relics exhibited in the Western Han Nanyue King Tomb Museum
Jade burial suit

Highlighting the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King is a silk-jade garment made up of 2,291 pieces of jade. Though jade garments with pieces connected by gold, silver, or copper are not uncommon, this garment with jade pieces connected by silk is the only one of its kind in the world. Nor are historical records available to verify other jade garments connected by silk thread. In addition, the style of buttons down the front is unique among unearthed jade garments. This silk-sewn-jade garment shows the early development of jade garments as well as development of the Nanyue culture.

In addition, three sets of bronze serial bells, thirty-six bronze vessels, thirty-six bronze mirrors, and three gold seals give visitors a glimpse of the ancient Nanyue Culture. The oldest and largest folding screen used in China is also here, as are two of the world's oldest bronze patterns for textile stamping.

Foreign articles excavated in the mausoleum indicate that Guangzhou was an ancient Marine Silk Road starting point. For example, there are five African elephant trunks, a silver box featuring Western Asian silver wares, and bronze incense burners and frankincense from Southeast Asia.

 

How to get to the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

By Metro:
Take metro Line 2 to Yuexiu Park and then get out from Exit E. Turn right and walk about 2 minutes to get to the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King.

By Bus:
1. Take bus 5, 7, 180, 186, 211, 543, Guang  42 or Peak Express Line 7 and get off at Jiefang Beilukou Station. 
2. Take bus 24, 58, 58a, 87, 101, 105, 108, 109, 110, 113, 124, 182, 244, 256, 265, 273, 284, 519, 528, 555, 556, Peak Express Line 38, Peak Express Line 40 or Peak Express Line 44  to Yuexiu Gongyuan (Yuexiu Park) Station. 
Guangzhou Bus / Metro Search

Entrance Fee CNY 12
* There is a combo ticket for Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Guangzhou Museum, which costs CNY 32 per person.
* Visitors can get free entry to the museum on Wednesday of the third week in each month except in June. On the second Saturday of June (National Cultural Heritage Day), visitors can enter the museum for free.
Opening Hours 9:00 to 17:30 (Stop selling ticket at 16:45)
* The museum is closed on Feb. 28th and Aug. 31th.

 Nearby Attractions:
 Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
 Yuexiu Park
 Beijing Road
 Guangzhou Museum
 Guangxiao Temple
Further Reading: 12 Best Places to Visit in Guangzhou
- Last updated on Mar. 23, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Asked by Annekathrin from GERMANY | Dec. 17, 2015 10:33Reply
Who was the architect of Nanyue museum?
Answers (2)
Answered by Susanne from USA | Dec. 18, 2015 01:04
34Reply


The major designers are He Jingtang and Mo Bozhi.
Answered by Annekathrin from GERMANY | Dec. 22, 2015 07:26
11Reply


Dear SUSANNE, thank you so much for your useful reply!!! Sorry,sorry,sorry : I got the wrong buttom, because I lookes for the message in the iPad, and it was so small and my finger so thick...
Merry Chrismas! Annekathrin
Asked by Carol Chapman | Jan. 22, 2012 00:11Reply
Is the Museum open during the Chinese New Year (2012)?
Answers (1)
Answered by andrew | Jan. 26, 2012 00:46
10Reply


Yes, the museum is still open during the Spring Festival.
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