In the center of Guangzhou, on the slope of Xianggang Hill, lies one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Chinese history—the Mausoleum of King Wen (Wendi) of Nanyue. This is not just a tomb, but an entire underground palace of a forgotten kingdom that challenged the great Han Empire two thousand years ago. Visiting the museum at the excavation site is a journey back in time to an era when Guangzhou was the capital of an independent state.
Who Was King Wen and His Enigmatic Nanyue Kingdom?
King Wen (Wendi), whose personal name was Zhao Mo, was the second ruler of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, which existed from 203–111 BC.
Time and Context: He ascended the throne around 137 BC after the death of his grandfather, Zhao Tuo, the founder of the kingdom. This was the era of the early Western Han Dynasty in China. Nanyue occupied vast territories of the modern provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, partly Yunnan, and even northern Vietnam. It was a powerful, multi-ethnic state that emerged from the ruins of the Qin Empire and controlled key trade routes between central China, Southeast Asia, and maritime routes.
What He Is Known For: Zhao Mo is known for skillfully maneuvering between recognizing the supreme authority of the Han emperors and preserving the de facto independence of his kingdom. At his court, Han and local Yue cultures, technologies, and traditions intermingled. His reign is considered a period of prosperity and stability for Nanyue.
The main historical mystery associated with him is his sudden death and the secret of succession, which may have led to the kingdom`s swift downfall.
Why Is His Mausoleum Located in Guangzhou?
Guangzhou (then called Panyu) was the capital of the Nanyue Kingdom. Xianggang Hill, where the tomb is located, was outside the city walls at that time and served as the royal necropolis. The choice of location corresponded to the Chinese tradition of "feng shui": the tomb faces south, and is protected from behind by a "turtle mountain" (the hill), which was meant to ensure prosperity in the afterlife and for descendants.
Discovery of the Century: What Tourists Will See
The mausoleum was accidentally discovered in 1983 during construction work. Its intact state (it was not looted) became a world sensation. Today, the Museum of the Nanyue King`s Mausoleum operates on its site. The exhibition is divided into two key parts:
1. The Tomb Itself – The Underground Palace.
Tourists descend via a modern passageway directly to the entrance of the rock-cut burial chamber. It is a labyrinth of seven chambers carved into the stone at a depth of 20 meters.
Front Chamber and Chariots: Here lie the remains of real chariots, symbolizing the king`s ability to travel in the afterlife.
• Eastern and Western Storerooms: Filled with thousands of items—from bronze ritual vessels and bells to supplies of food and wine in huge jars.
• Main Burial Chamber: Here, King Wen himself was discovered. His body rested in a multi-layered jade burial suit, sewn from 2,291 pieces of green nephrite jade with gold thread—the museum`s greatest treasure. Next to him lay his personal seals made of gold and jade, confirming his identity and title.
• Chamber of the Concubines: Tragic evidence of an ancient custom—here, four concubines were buried, sacrificed to accompany their lord.
2. Exhibition Halls with Artifacts.
After viewing the tomb, visitors enter modern halls displaying priceless finds:
• The Gold Seal "Wendi": The most important proof of the tomb owner`s identity.
• Jade Artifacts: An unprecedented collection in quality and quantity (over 200 items)—from "bi" discs and pendants to jade cups and ritual objects, demonstrating the highest level of craftsmanship.
• Bronze and Iron Weapons: Testimony to the kingdom`s military power.
• Astronomical Artifacts: Gold plates with images believed to be related to astronomical observations.
• Imported Items: Persian silver boxes and glass beads from Asia—clear proof that Nanyue was part of an extensive trade network.
The Mausoleum of King Wen allows you not only to see ancient artifacts in a display case but to walk through the rooms where they lay untouched for 2,000 years. It is a unique opportunity to sense the scale of the ancient southern civilization that greatly shaped the cultural code of modern Guangzhou. This is an essential visit for anyone interested not only in Han history but also in the rich diversity of ancient China.
