Written by Veronica |
Most of China’s Tombs of Wei and Jin DynastyĀ are located in the Hexi CorridorĀ in Gansu Province, and the Wei-Jin TombsĀ (AD 220-419) in Xincheng Town are among the best. It isĀ hailedĀ as “the world’s largest underground gallery”. Thousands of Wei-Jin TombsĀ are situatedĀ in the Gobi Desert of the XinchengĀ Town, and colorful contents of the murals vividly reveal the social conditionsĀ at that time. Wei-Jin TombsĀ are the most comprehensive, most abundant and most artistic precious historical and cultural heritage of Wei-Jin period in China.
Wei-Jin TombsĀ 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 gentriesĀ moved into this area, forming the stability and prosperity of Hexi and Jiayuguan. The formation of Wei-Jin Tombs inĀ Jiayuguan is also a true reflection of the social statusĀ of this period.
In the spring of 1972, local villagers discovered two ancient brick chamber tombs while repairing theĀ water canal.Ā And archaeologists then carried out large-scale excavation atĀ 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 specificationsĀ of the tomb chamber, this is a cemetery where families gather and bury.Ā Tomb No. 6 is the most representative one of these Wei-Jin Tombs. For now, only TombĀ No. 6 is open to visitors, while Tomb No. 7 is open to researchers.
What to See in Wei-Jin Tombs
Architectural featureĀ of Wei-Jin Tombs
The structure of Wei-Jin Tombs isĀ 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,Ā and other colorfulĀ patterns, reflecting the superb artistic level of craftsmenĀ at that time.
Most of the murals in the Wei-Jin Tombs show the contentsĀ of ordinary people’s production and life, farming, dancing, hunting,Ā and tomb owners’ pleasure life.Ā 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.
TombĀ No. 6Ā of Wei-Jin Tombs
Tomb No. 6 is a couple’s tomb composed of front, middle and back three chambers, andĀ is open to visitors all year round. The whole tomb is exquisitely built, and the floor is paved with various patterns of bricks.Ā 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.ā
Attractions nearby Wei-Jin Tombs
- Jiayuguan Fort: This ancient fortification is the starting point of the Great Wall and is amust-see spotĀ for anyone visiting JiayuguanĀ 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 admireĀ the gorgeousĀ natural scenery.
