Written by Veronica |
Most of China’s Tombs of Wei and Jin Dynasty are located in the Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province, and the Wei-Jin Tombs (AD 220-419) in Xincheng Town are among the best. It is hailed as “the world’s largest underground gallery”. Thousands of Wei-Jin Tombs are situated in the Gobi Desert of the Xincheng Town, and colorful contents of the murals vividly reveal the social conditions at that time. Wei-Jin Tombs are the most comprehensive, most abundant and most artistic precious historical and cultural heritage of Wei-Jin period in China.
Wei-Jin Tombs Facts
- Location: On the Gobi Desert in Xincheng Town, 20 kilometers northeast of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province
- Opening Time: 9:00-17:00
- Ticket Price: 31 yuan/person
- Suggested Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
History Background of Wei-Jin Tombs
The Wei and Jin Dynasties of China were an era of frequent natural disasters and wars. In the Central Plains of the frequent occurrence of civil unrest, the Hexi corridor has remained peaceful. As a result, a large number of fugitives and gentries moved into this area, forming the stability and prosperity of Hexi and Jiayuguan. The formation of Wei-Jin Tombs in Jiayuguan is also a true reflection of the social status of this period.
In the spring of 1972, local villagers discovered two ancient brick chamber tombs while repairing the water canal. And archaeologists then carried out large-scale excavation at the site. Thirteen tombs were excavated from 1972 to 1979. While, the identity of the owner of the Wei and Jin tombs at Jiayuguan is still an unsolved mystery.
From the perspective of burial goods and specifications of the tomb chamber, this is a cemetery where families gather and bury. Tomb No. 6 is the most representative one of these Wei-Jin Tombs. For now, only Tomb No. 6 is open to visitors, while Tomb No. 7 is open to researchers.
What to See in Wei-Jin Tombs
Architectural feature of Wei-Jin Tombs
The structure of Wei-Jin Tombs is divided into two-chamber and three-chamber tombs. The arched ramp passageway communicates with each other, and the tomb is built of stone bricks. The door of the tomb is generally carved with watered-silk, fire-water picture of gods, and other colorful patterns, reflecting the superb artistic level of craftsmen at that time.
Most of the murals in the Wei-Jin Tombs show the contents of ordinary people’s production and life, farming, dancing, hunting, and tomb owners’ pleasure life. These murals not only display the scenes of people’s social life in the Wei and Jin dynasties, but also reflect the information of clothing, politics, economy, folk customs, transportation, science and technology.
Tomb No. 6 of Wei-Jin Tombs
Tomb No. 6 is a couple’s tomb composed of front, middle and back three chambers, and is open to visitors all year round. The whole tomb is exquisitely built, and the floor is paved with various patterns of bricks. The murals in it are well preserved, and the black and red pigments are still very bright.
Tomb No. 6 tomb gate wall is 11 meters high, inlaid with brackets, thunder god, joist herecules, chicken head person and ox head person and other modeling bricks. There are also carvings of soldiers guarding the cemetery and Four Great Beasts of China: Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Linnet, and Black Tortoise.
How to Get to Wei-Jin Tombs
By Air: After arriving at Jiayuguan Airport, it is recommended to take a taxi at the airport or ask the hotel staff to book a chartered bus in advance for you, to Wei-Jin Tombs.
By Bus: You can take bus No. 4 or No. 6 to Jiayuguan Guancheng Scenic Area station. Then you can walk to Wei-Jin Tombs.
Attractions nearby Wei-Jin Tombs
- Jiayuguan Fort: This ancient fortification is the starting point of the Great Wall and is amust-see spot for anyone visiting Jiayuguan City.
- Overhanging Great Wall: Built on a cliff, this unique section of the Great Wall providesstunning views of the surrounding natural
- Qilian Mountains: People who love outdoor activitiescan enjoy hiking and trekking in the nearby Qilian Mountains and admire the gorgeous natural scenery.
Recommended Silk Road Tours with Gansu
- 15 Days Silk Road Tour: Xian-Gansu-Qinghai-Xinjiang-Yinchuan
- 10 Days China Silk Road Tour to Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai
- 8 Days China Silk Road Tour of Qinghai & Gansu
