Exhibition Hall for Murals Treasures of Tang Dynasty
Located on the B1 level of the Shaanxi History Museum, the Murals Treasures of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) is China’s first specialized exhibition hall dedicated to Tang tomb murals and is the most distinctive and precious exhibition hall in the Shaanxi History Museum, earning the title of “Uffizi Gallery of China.” The museum houses over 600 exquisite murals from more than 20 Tang tombs, among which 97 are on display in this hall, including 18 national treasures. These murals showcase various aspects of daily life in royal families, illustrating their love for life and nature as well as the humanism of the Tang Dynasty.
Compared with artifacts, these murals are like snapshots frozen in time, vividly presenting the lives of people thousands of years ago to tourists, taking them back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty and allowing them to closely experience the lives and amusements of the nobility in the Tang Dynasty.
Pictures of Murals of Tang Dynasty
Compared with artifacts, these murals are like snapshots frozen in time, vividly presenting the lives of people thousands of years ago to tourists, taking them back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty and allowing them to closely experience the lives and amusements of the nobility in the Tang Dynasty.
Pictures of Murals of Tang DynastyTop 5 Mural Treasures Not to Be Missed
1. Mural of Polo Match
Dimensions: Height: 229 cm (90 inches); Width: 668 cm (263 inches)
In the Tang Dynasty, polo reigned as the “national sport,” captivating emperors, officials, and even court ladies, with palaces often featuring dedicated polo fields. This mural depicts a polo match in the mountains and forests, with riders on horseback swinging their mallets to compete for the polo ball. The artist’s meticulous focus on the players’ intense rivalry for the ball breathes life into the scene, recreating the thrilling tension of a Tang Dynasty polo game. Viewing it up close is akin to watching a live, panoramic broadcast on a split-screen, immersing spectators in the adrenaline of the moment.
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2. Tang Dynasty Officials Greeting Foreign Envoys Mural
Dimensions: Height: 185 cm (73 inches); Width: 242 cm (95 inches)
From: Tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai
The Tang Dynasty attached great importance to diplomacy. As the starting point of the Silk Road, Chang’an, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, was not only the world’s trading center at that time but also a place where various cultures exchanged and merged. This mural vividly reconstructs a diplomatic encounter, featuring six figures: three grave Tang officials on the left, deep in deliberation, and three foreign envoys on the right - experts deduce they hail from Europe, Korea, and a northeastern ethnic group, their expressions etched with tension and anticipation. From this mural, we can infer that these envoys have come for help and are now waiting for the result of the discussion among the three Tang officials.
3. Maids in Imperial Palace
Dimensions: Height: 187 cm (74 inches); Width: 384 cm (151 inches)
From: Tomb of Princess Yongtai
The Maids in Imperial Palace is the most beautiful portrayal of female figures among the Tang Dynasty tomb murals, depicting nine graceful and diverse-looking palace maids. These maids walk slowly, some looking around, some whispering to each other, vividly presenting the lively demeanor of young girls.
In the Tang Dynasty, women’s pursuit of beauty reached its peak. The women in this painting wear different styles of short jackets and long skirts and have various hairstyles. Each one has her own unique beauty. Notably, one of the maids is dressed in men’s clothing, indicating that “freedom of dress” was already realized in the Tang Dynasty.
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4. Hunting Procession Mural
Dimensions: Height: 209 cm (82 inches); Width: 890 cm (350 inches)
From: Tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai
Hunting was one of the favorite pastimes of the emperors and noble families in the Tang Dynasty. The emperors’ devotion to hunting made it an important subject in Tang Dynasty paintings. This mural depicts a grand hunting expedition, with over forty riders in formation: scouts leading the vanguard, the main force at the core, flag-bearers flanking the sides, and supply-laden camels bringing up the rear. Among the hunters, some are accompanied by hunting falcons, dogs, leopards, and lynxes, which are particularly eye-catching. These animals are also assistants in the hunting activities. The Hunting Procession Mural records the personnel configuration, material supply, and formation of a hunting expedition. Such a scale of hunting is even comparable to a small-scale military operation.
5. Mural of Watchtowers and A Procession of Honor Guards
Dimensions: Height: 296 - 420 cm (117 - 165 inches); Width: 928 - 976 cm (365 - 384 inches)
From: Tomb of Prince Yide
The Mural of Watchtowers and A Procession of Honor Guards is the largest and most impressive mural discovered from the Tang Dynasty. In ancient China, the watchtower was an indispensable architectural element in the imperial palace. In this mural, we can see “three watchtowers” - a majestic main watchtower flanked by two smaller ones, a layout reserved exclusively for the emperor, highlighting the noble status of Prince Yide during his lifetime. Under the towering city wall beside the watchtowers, there is a guard of honor consisting of over 200 people, divided into infantry, cavalry, and chariot units. They all look straight ahead as if welcoming the prince. Through this mural, we can know about the style, scale, and layout of the imperial architecture in the Tang Dynasty, as well as the social etiquette and cultural trends of the time.
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Tips and Notes
1. The Murals Treasures of the Tang Dynasty charges an entrance fee of CNY 270 per person. Visitors need to purchase the ticket for this hall on-site after reserving a ticket to the Shaanxi History Museum.
2. To protect these murals, photography is prohibited in this exhibition hall.
3. It is recommended to hire a professional English-speaking guide, which will enable you to better understand the stories behind the murals.
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- Last updated on Apr. 30, 2025 by Sherry Xia -