Unearthing the Nanyue Kingdom’s Lost Glory
The Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou (西汉南越王墓) is China’s best-preserved Han Dynasty royal mausoleum south of the Yangtze
Immerse yourself in the subterranean wonder of the Guangzhou Nanyue King’s Tomb Museum, where 2,000 years of Lingnan history come alive beneath the bustling streets of modern Guangzhou. This extraordinary archaeological site – discovered during hotel construction in 1983 – offers an unparalleled journey through China’s Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE).
A Tomb Frozen in Time
Descend 20 meters beneath Elephant Hill to explore the perfectly preserved 10.85m x 12.43m burial complex. The seven-chambered mausoleum reveals ancient funerary rituals through its:
Ornate front chamber for ceremonial gatherings
East/West wing rooms housing military regalia
Central coffin chamber with jade burial suit
Storage rooms containing imperial treasures
Cultural Crossroads Revealed
Marvel at the 1,000+ artifacts that rewrite regional history:
- Golden Seals of Power – Three inscribed seals validating royal authority
- Jade Beyond Imagination – 200+ nephrite pieces including the unique button-front burial shroud
- Silk Road Connections – A Persian silver box (China’s earliest imported container)
- Bronze Symphony – Three complete ceremonial bell sets for royal banquets
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the excavation documentary in 8 languages at the multimedia center – the footage of archaeologists breaking through the tomb’s seal stone is spine-tingling!
Practical Visitor Guide
📍 Location
867 Jiefang North Road, directly opposite Yuexiu Park’s main entrance
⏰ Opening Hours
Daily 09:00-17:30 (Last admission at 17:00)
Note: Closed on Mondays except public holidays
🎫 Admission
CNY 12 (approx. USD 1.70)
Free multilingual audio guide included
Discounts available for students/seniors
🚇 Getting There
Metro Line 2 → Yuexiu Park Station (Exit E) → 3-min walk
Pro Tip: Look for the museum’s distinctive red sandstone walls
Nearby Attractions
🌳 Yuexiu Park
Guangzhou’s largest urban green space (860,000 sqm)
Must-see: Five Rams Sculpture (city symbol) & 600-year-old Ming Dynasty city wall
🌺 Guangzhou Lanpu Garden
Hidden gem specializing in rare orchids
Features:
- Traditional Lingnan-style pavilions
- Authentic tea ceremony experiences
- Seasonal flower exhibitions
Liuhua Lake Park (流花湖公园)
15-min walk from museum
Features:
- White swan lake with pedal boats
- Mini-Europe architectural replicas
- Morning tai chi groups by the pavilions
🍽️ Dining Options Near the Museum (All within 5-min walk)
Quick Bites (Western Chains)
Located at China Hotel’s ground floor (3-min walk from museum):
☕ Starbucks – Standard international menu
🍕 Domino’s Pizza – Localized Western-style pizzas
🍔 Burger King – Halal-certified burgers in Guangzhou
Upscale Option
🍴 China Hotel Buffet (2F)
Award-winning Cantonese seafood spread
Afternoon tea with Lingnan dim sum specialties
Must-try: Live shrimp dumpling station
Hours:
Lunch 11:30-14:30 (CNY 198)
Dinner 17:30-21:30 (CNY 298)
📍 Adjacent to China Hotel (中国大酒店外侧)
- McDonald’s – Standalone building with 24-hour drive-thru
Hours: 11:30-14:30 / 17:30-21:30
Budget Tip
Yuexiu Park Metro Station has 7-Eleven
