Life of Guangzhou - Lianhua Hill & Nanyue Royal Tomb Museum

Lianhua Hill 莲花山

Located at the riverside of Shizi River, Pearl River Mouth, Panyu District, Lianhua Hill, the key scenic spot of Guangdong province, consists of 48 red hills and has a maximum elevation of 108 meters. People name the hill Lianhua (lotus) because a stone on top of Pofu Peak looks like Lianhua (lotus).

In ancient times, Lianhua Hill was a stone mine. After hundreds of years' exploitation, the unique scenery combining the natural beauty and man-made sites took shape. You can also find Lianhua Tower, built in 1612 during the Ming Dynasty and Lianhua Ancient City Relic built in 1664 here. Lianhu Tower, located on the Pearl River mouth is the navigation mark for ships passing by.

Nanyue Royal Tomb Museum 南越王墓

Guangzhou boasts a long history of 2213 years. The Nanyue Royal Tomb, dating back to about 2000 years ago, reveals the very outset and depth of the history.

In BC 204 a general of Qin Dynasty, Zhaotuo, founded the first kingdom in South China, Nanyue (South Yue) in Guangzhou out of Qin's sovereignty. The kingdom lasted for 93 years through five kings' rule across Qin and Han Dynasties. Zhao Mei, Zhaotuo's grandson and second king, was buried in this tomb after his death.

The site lies at the Xianggang Hill in north-western downtown. The original slope from hilltop leads you downwards through stone gate into the 20-meter-underground tomb in the hill, as if you were descending into the depth of history. The 100m2 complex is of huge scale and systematic layout, made up of some 750 gritstone pieces and divided into 7 chambers for different functions in front and rear parts. Rough colorful cloud painting is found on the walls and ceiling of front chamber while remains of bone ashes, clothes, arrow tips and life items are showed where they were in all chambers. Here you are subject to instant and vivid touch of a "living" world beneath of historic luxury.