Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, located on the Jiefang North Street, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou city, is the tomb for the second king of Nanyue Kingdom of Western Han dynasty-Zhaomo, who ruled from 137 BC to 122 BC. The tomb was discovered in 1983 by accident, after being excavated, the owner of this tomb was confirmed. It is regarded as the largest and oldest color-painted stone chamber with more than 10,000 pieces of relics, reflecting the political and economic development of Nanyue Kingdom before 2000 years ago, which is the historical heritage of the Lingnan area and one of the major archaeological discoveries in China. If you are Chinese history and culture fan, don’t miss it when you travel to Guangzhou.

What to see

The Treasure of the Tomb-Golden Seal

The Golden Seal is the first imperial seal excavated in China. Many imperial seals were described as a white jade seal with tiger decoration and graved imperial seal on the bottom in the ancient document, while this seal we discovered in Nanyue King Tombs is made by golden, curving as a dragon with the graved imperial seal. It’s a special imperial seal made by a craftsman of Nanyue Kingdom independently.

Besides, the golden seal decorated with turtle graved Taizi and Youfurenxi were discovered. While Taizi golden seal is the only one excavated in China and no one never seen it in Chinese history.

Well-preserved Color-painted Stone Tomb

The tomb covers around 100 square meters, making by 750 gigantic sandstone. The inside walls were painted beautiful colorful murals decorating with clouds which is the symbol of royal court. It is the earliest painted murals of Stone Tomb found in China. 

More than 10,000 pieces of precious relics

These precious relics are the most important relics to discover the history of the Nanyue Kingdom, ranging from politics, economy, culture, lifestyle, art, etc. They are displayed in the exhibition hall, such as silverware, copperware, musical instruments, weapons, ironware, jade, pottery, etc. The incredible silk-jade garment shouldn’t be missed. It was made by more than 2,300 pieces of superior jade, connecting by red silk threads and looking so gorgeous. Most of jade garments were connected by gold, silver or copper threads, but this one used exquisite and fragile silk thread! It’s the only silk-jade garment discovered in China and you can imagine how difficult to make and well-preserved until now. Besides, you’ll have a glimpse of Maritime Silk Road history by viewing exotic relics such as silver-box, large ivory etc. Apart from that, there are ceramic pillows that were filled with natural pearls which is the first one discovered in China. It is said that pearls have the function of being calm and beautiful, even keeping evil spirits away.