Location & Transport

The Museum Of The Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum Of The Nanyue King sits at No. 867 Jiefang North Road in Guangzhou’s Yuexiu District. It’s easy to reach by metro—take Line 2 to Jihan Tomb Station (the name literally means “Western Han Tomb”!), or hop on buses 2, 12, or 33. If you’re driving, there’s a small parking lot nearby, but weekdays can get crowded.

Cultural Treasures

This museum is built around the original tomb of Zhao Mo, the Nanyue King, who ruled over southern China in the 2nd century BCE. Unlike other museums, here you walk through the actual burial chamber where archaeologists found over 10,000 artifacts in 1983. One highlight is the “Silk and Jade Garment”—a delicate suit made of over 2,000 jade pieces threaded with silk. It’s China’s oldest complete jade garment and looks like someone painstakingly glued together tiny puzzle pieces!

Exhibition Highlights

The Museum Of The Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum Of The Nanyue King has two main areas: the tomb protection zone (where you see the burial site) and the exhibition building with 10 halls. Don’t miss:

  • “Seal of Emperor Wen”: A gold seal proving Zhao Mo’s loyalty to Han Emperor Wen.
  • “Treasures of the Main Chamber”: Daily items like bronze mirrors, lacquerware, and even chopsticks—all buried with him.
  • Ceramic Pillow Exhibit: Ancient pillows painted with cute designs (think dragons, mythical beasts, or poems).

Facilities for Visitors

  • Guided Tours: Rent an audio guide (~¥20) or join a free English tour at 10 AM daily.
  • Gift Shop: Buy jade-themed souvenirs or mini replicas of artifacts.
  • Photo Tips: You can snap photos outside the tomb, but flash is banned inside. The museum’s modern glass entrance makes a cool backdrop!
  • Rest Areas: Vending machines and benches are scattered throughout, but bring water if you plan to spend hours here.

What to Expect

Visiting the Museum Of The Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum Of The Nanyue King feels like stepping into a time capsule. The tomb itself is a bit cramped (it’s a 2,000-year-old space!), but the exhibits flow smoothly. Plan for 2–3 hours—longer if you love history. Families with kids might find the ceramic pillows and jade garment more engaging than ancient seals, but there’s free sketching paper available if they get bored.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Admission is cheap (around ¥15) and totally worth it for a peek into China’s royal past!