Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

The Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King is built directly over the 2,000-year-old tomb of Zhao Mo, the second ruler of the Nanyue Kingdom. Visitors descend into the actual burial chamber, where the king's jade burial suit and a trove of bronze, gold, and ceramic artifacts were unearthed. The museum's modern architecture integrates the original excavation site, allowing you to walk through the tomb's corridors and view the coffins and sacrificial pits. Highlights include the largest collection of Han dynasty jade artifacts in China, intricate bronze vessels, and a fascinating display of the kingdom's blend of Chinese and indigenous Yue cultures. The museum also features a section on the conservation of the site, explaining how archaeologists preserved the fragile relics. Located in Yuexiu District, it's a must-visit for history buffs and offers a rare glimpse into ancient southern Chinese royalty.

Don't miss

• The jade burial suit of the Nanyue King, made of thousands of jade pieces sewn with silk
• The original tomb chamber, preserved in situ with the king's coffin
• A collection of over 1,000 artifacts including bronze ritual vessels, gold seals, and musical instruments
• The exhibition on the history of the Nanyue Kingdom and its cultural fusion
• Interactive displays and a short film about the tomb's discovery

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

Cheapest way inGuangzhou Tour Guide and Car Service With Flexible Itinerary5★ · 36 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$8 per personSee dates →Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,534 travelers9–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleGulong Gorge Glass Bridge and Underground River Cave Private Tour5★ · 25 travelers6–10 hoursFrom$350 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and the tomb.
• Photography is allowed without flash in most areas; no tripods.
• Audio guides are available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
• Do not touch the artifacts or the tomb walls.

A bit of history

The mausoleum was discovered in 1983 during construction of a hotel. It belonged to Zhao Mo (r. 137–122 BCE), a king of the Nanyue Kingdom, which ruled parts of southern China and northern Vietnam. The site is one of the most significant Han dynasty archaeological finds in China.