Location & How to Get There

The Western Han Nanyue Kingdom Herringbone-Roofed Multi-Chambered Tomb sits in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, at 988 Jiefang North Road. It’s easy to reach by metro—take Line 2 to Jiefangbei Station (Exit D) and walk 10 minutes. Buses 5, 7, or 33 also drop you nearby. If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot next to the Guangzhou Museum, which shares the same complex.

Natural Surroundings

While the tomb itself is indoors, its location near the Zhujiang River (Pearl River) adds a calm vibe. The area feels like a mix of old and new: skyscrapers tower behind, but the museum’s gardens have shady trees and benches for breaks.

Cultural Highlights

This tomb is a time capsule of the Nanyue Kingdom (203–111 BC), a short-lived but influential empire in South China. What makes it special? The herringbone-roof design! Imagine ancient engineers stacking tiles in a “V” shape to protect the tomb—it’s like early waterproof technology. Inside, the tomb has 12 chambers, including rooms for the dead, treasures, and even food offerings.

You’ll see replicas of gold necklaces, jade cups, and silk robes found here. These artifacts show how wealthy and connected the Nanyue people were—they traded with regions as far as Southeast Asia. The tomb’s layout also reflects ancient Chinese beliefs about afterlife, with separate spaces for different needs.

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Around 10 RMB (cheap!), buy online to skip lines.
  • Hours: Open daily 9 AM–5 PM (check latest hours online).
  • Guides: Rent an audio guide (~20 RMB) for deep insights, or join a free English tour at 11 AM.
  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, a cafe selling mooncakes, and a gift shop with mini replica artifacts.

What to Expect

Visiting the Western Han Nanyue Kingdom Herringbone-Roofed Multi-Chambered Tomb feels like stepping into a historical mystery. The dim lighting and earthy smell transport you back 2,000 years. Highlights include a glass-floored walkway over the tomb (don’t worry—it’s safe!) and interactive screens explaining burial customs.

It’s not a huge site, so plan 1–2 hours. Families with kids might find the treasure-hunting exhibits fun, while history buffs will love the detailed tomb structures. Pair it with a visit to the nearby Five Rams Statue (a Guangzhou icon) for a full cultural day.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. And don’t miss the short film in the museum lobby—it explains why this tomb rewrote history books about the Nanyue Kingdom!