Museum of Han Guangling King
The Museum of Han Guangling King, nestled in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, is a unique archaeological site museum dedicated to the tomb of Liu Fei, a prince of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE–8 CE). Discovered in 1979, the tomb complex is renowned for its intact underground "yellow-earth pit" structure and exquisite funerary artifacts, offering unparalleled insights into Han Dynasty royal burial customs and craftsmanship. Spanning 25,000 square meters, the museum combines archaeological preservation with immersive storytelling, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.
Historical Overview
1979: The tomb of Liu Fei, the first Guangling King, was accidentally unearthed during local construction, revealing a vast underground chamber filled with over 10,000 artifacts.
1980s–1990s: Archaeological excavations uncovered the tomb’s "wooden coffin chamber," jade burial suits, and bronze ritual vessels, cementing its significance in Han Dynasty studies.
2009: The museum underwent a major renovation, integrating modern exhibition technologies while preserving the tomb’s original layout.
2014: Designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, solidifying its status as a premier archaeological site.
2020s: Collaborations with universities and international institutions have led to new research on Han Dynasty metallurgy and textile techniques.
Structural Layout
The museum’s design mirrors the tomb’s underground structure, with galleries organized around the central burial chamber:
Main Exhibition Hall: Displays the tomb’s original wooden beams, stone walls, and drainage system, showcasing ancient engineering ingenuity.
Jade Burial Suit Gallery: Features fragments of the king’s jade suit, composed of 2,000+ jade plates linked with gold wire, a symbol of immortality in Han Dynasty beliefs.
Bronze Ware Gallery: Highlights ritual vessels, weapons, and musical instruments, including the "Bronze Chime Bells" with inscribed musical scores.
Lacquerware and Textiles Gallery: Preserves delicate lacquer boxes, silk banners, and embroidered shoes, reflecting Han Dynasty luxury craftsmanship.
Chariot and Horse Pits: Reconstructs the king’s funeral procession with life-sized clay replicas of horses and chariots, based on archaeological evidence.
Interactive Zone: Offers virtual reality tours of the tomb’s excavation and 3D-printed replicas of key artifacts for hands-on exploration.
Rooftop Garden: Overlooks the surrounding wetlands, echoing the tomb’s original location near the ancient Yangtze River.
Major Attractions
Central Burial Chamber: A glass-enclosed replica of the king’s coffin, surrounded by reconstructed funerary offerings.
Jade Animal Sculptures: A collection of jade pigs, tigers, and dragons, symbolizing wealth and protection in the afterlife.
Bronze Oil Lamps: Intricately designed lamps with adjustable wicks and smoke channels, showcasing Han Dynasty innovation.
Multimedia Theater: A 15-minute film narrating Liu Fei’s life and the tomb’s discovery, projected onto a 360-degree screen.
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Tour (1–2 Hours)
Main Exhibition Hall → Jade Burial Suit Gallery → Bronze Ware Gallery → Rooftop Garden.
Highlights: Jade suit, chime bells, and panoramic views.
In-Depth Exploration (3–4 Hours)
Main Exhibition Hall → Lacquerware and Textiles Gallery → Chariot and Horse Pits → Interactive Zone → Multimedia Theater.
Highlights: Silk banners, VR excavation tour, and historical film.
Family-Friendly Route (2–3 Hours)
Interactive Zone (30 mins) → Jade Animal Sculptures (20 mins) → Bronze Oil Lamps (15 mins) → Rooftop Garden (30 mins).
Highlights: 3D-printed artifacts, jade animal hunt, and nature walks.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the museum’s official website or WeChat mini-program (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Adults ¥30, students/seniors ¥15, free for children under 1.2m.
Guided Tours: ¥80 for a 1-hour English/Chinese tour (includes artifact highlights and historical context).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Yangzhou Railway Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride.
By Bus: Route 88 to "Guanglingwangmu" Stop.
By Car: Free parking available on-site.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
Quietest Days: Tuesdays–Thursdays (Mondays closed).
Essentials:
Download the museum’s AR app for augmented reality guides.
Wear comfortable shoes (the tomb site involves stairs).
Photography allowed (no flash); tripods prohibited.
Prohibited items: Large bags, food, and drinks.
