Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Overview

The Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (西汉南越王博物馆) is built directly over the 2,100-year-old tomb of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom. Discovered in 1983 during construction work, the tomb yielded over 1,000 artefacts offering a window into southern China's pre-Han civilization.

Highlights

• Jade Burial Suit: A full-body suit composed of 2,291 hand-cut jade plaques, one of only a handful ever found in China.
• In-Situ Tomb: Visitors descend into the original underground burial chambers, eerily preserved beneath the modern city.
• Bronze & Gold Artefacts: Ritual vessels, weapons, and exquisite gold seals from the Nanyue court.

History

The Nanyue Kingdom (204–111 BC) was an independent state ruling what is now Guangdong, Guangxi, and northern Vietnam. The tomb's discovery in 1983 was one of the most significant archaeological finds in southern Chinese history.

Visitor Tips

• Audio Guide: Available in English; essential for understanding the tomb's layout and artefact significance.
• Closed: Mondays.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.