The Museum of Nanyue Kindom Palace

Add.: No. 867, Xianggang San (South of China Hotel), Jiefang Bei Lu, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州解放北路867号象岗山)
Tel: 020-8666 0885, 8666 4920
ZIP: 510040

Exhibition  hall

Guangzhou boasts a long history of 2,223 years in 2009, and the Nanyue Royal Tomb – dating back to about 2,000 years ago– reveals the very beginnings and depth of the ancient capital.

In 204 BC, general Zhaotuo of the Qin Dynasty founded the first kingdom in South China, called Nanyue (South Yue), in Guangzhou. The kingdom lasted for 93 years, spanning the Qin and Han Dynasties and accounting for the rule of five successive kings. Zhao Mei, Zhaotuo's grandson and the second king, was buried in the Nanyue Royal Tomb after his death.

Overlook of tomb chambers

The site lies at the Xianggang Hill in northwestern downtown Guangzhou. The original slope from the hilltop leads visitors down through a stone gate into the 20-meter-deep underground tomb, as if descending into the very depths of history. The 100sqm complex is massive in scale and systematically designed, made up of some 750 gritstone pieces and divided into seven chambers for different functions in the front and rear areas. Primitive and colorful cloud paintings are found on the walls and ceiling of the front chamber, while remains of bone ashes, clothes, arrow tips and other utilitarian items are displayed where they were first discovered. Here, visitors are subjected to a vivid, tactile and "living" subterranean world of historic luxury.

A king's gold-embroidered jade suit

In the exhibition hall above the tomb where a myriad of burial items are on display, visitors can experience another kind of abundance and glory from the past: Ivory, gold, silver, bronze, iron, pottery, glass, bamboo, jade and lacquer ware demonstrate the striking workmanship of the past age.

The most precious relic is the king's gold-embroidered jade suit, which is made of more than 1,000 jade pieces and is the oldest of its kind ever found. The jade suite was believed to protect the human body and soul against evil and death.

A royal seal represented ultimate power in ancient China, and a wide collection of royal seals, including Zhaomei's, are on display. 10 iron swords are also worth mention, each inlaid with gold and jade.

Guangzhou is a low profile metropolis for the most part, characterized by humble and simple lifestyles compared to Shanghai and Beijing. The Nanyue Royal Tomb Museum, however, represents the extraordinary wealth and opulence of the city's history.

Recommendations:
Tomb chambers, cloud paintings in front chamber, king's gold-embroidered jade suit, royal seals and iron swords

Admission Fee: ￥12 (adult), ￥10(Group)
Hours: 09:00–17:30 (daily)
Service: Guided tour (￥15)

Transportation: 
Metro line2 - Yuexiu Gongyuan (China Hotel stop)
Buses - No. 5,6,10,21,24,30,33,58,63,101 or 122  (Yuexiu Park Stop)

(By Ronald Li, Stephen Roach)

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Ronald Li