Mawangdui Mausoleum

Introducing Mawangdui Mausoleum
Mawangdui Mausoleum is an archaeological site located in Changsha. Mawangdui Mausoleum is a significant 20th-century archaeological discovery. Excavated between 1972 and 1974, the site consists of two saddle-shaped mounds containing the exceptionally well-preserved tombs of three individuals from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–9 AD). These individuals were identified as Li Cang, the Chancellor of the Changsha Kingdom (the Marquis of Dai), his wife Xin Zhui (better known as Lady Dai), and a male presumed to be their son, Li Xi. The remarkable state of preservation within the tombs has provided historians and archaeologists with an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of elite members of early Western Han society. The numerous artifacts recovered, most of which are now housed in the Hunan Museum, offer invaluable insights into the burial customs, artistic styles, and even the sophisticated medical practices of the era.

Mawangdui Mausoleum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Mawangdui Hanmu 马王堆汉墓
• Area: 5,243 square meters (1.3 acres)
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Architecture, Chinese History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: CNY2
• Address: No. 89, Guhan Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan Province

What to Expect at Mawangdui Mausoleum
The Mawangdui Tombs No. 1 and 2 were backfilled after excavation, and their artifacts were transferred to the Hunan Museum. Only Tomb 3 (the tomb of Li Xi) remains accessible at its original site, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the archaeological context firsthand.

Mawangdui Tomb No. 1
Excavated in 1972, Mawangdui Tomb No. 1 revealed the astonishingly well-preserved remains of Lady Dai, whose skin remained supple and organs intact after 2,200 years. The tomb, measuring 6.72 meters (22 ft) long, 4.88 meters (16 ft) wide, and 2.8 meters (9.18 ft) high, contained at its center a sophisticated structure of four nested coffins. The outermost coffin was plain black lacquer. A second, similarly black lacquered coffin, but decorated with intricate cloud patterns and mythical creatures, enclosed the third. This red-lacquered coffin was adorned with motifs of dragons, tigers, birds, and immortals, symbolizing good fortune. Finally, the innermost coffin, lined with luxurious brocade, held Lady Dai’s remains. Over 1,000 funerary objects were found within the tomb, some placed within each of the coffins. The diverse array of objects, including textiles, lacquerware, wooden figurines, musical instruments, bamboo artifacts, pottery, and bamboo slips, showcased the reverence paid to Lady Dai.

Mawangdui Tomb No.2
Tomb No. 2, located directly west of Tomb No. 1 and belonging to Li Cang (Chancellor of the Changsha Kingdom), is slightly smaller than Tomb No. 1. Its rectangular burial chamber, situated approximately 3 meters (9.84 ft) above the pit floor, measures about 7.25 meters (23.8 ft) long by 5.95 meters (19.5 ft) wide. The white plaster mud sealing Tomb No. 2 was thinner and less even than that of Tomb No. 1, leading to poorer preservation of the tomb’s contents due to increased exposure to the elements.

At the center of the burial chamber lies the coffin chamber. Unfortunately, tomb robbers significantly damaged the upper portions of the coffins and the outer chamber, leaving only the four bottom boards of the innermost coffin intact. This damage makes it difficult to determine the original coffin configuration. Archaeologists believe it likely consisted of either three inner coffins within a single outer coffin chamber (一椁三棺) or two inner coffins within two nested outer coffin chambers (二椁二棺). Despite the damage, three of Li Cang’s seals were discovered: a private jade seal inscribed with “Li Cang” (利苍) in seal script, and two official bronze seals, one reading “Chancellor of Changsha” (长沙丞相) and the other “Marquis of Dai” (轪侯之印), also in seal script. Approximately 200 accompanying funerary objects, primarily pottery and lacquerware, were unearthed, but most were found in a fragmented state.

Mawangdui Tomb No.3
Tomb No. 3 contained the remains of a male in his 30s, Li Cang’s son, Li Xi (利豨). While structurally similar to other tombs in the area, Tomb No. 3 was the smallest in scale. Inside the tomb’s outer chamber, the central coffin pit held three nested coffins. The tightly fitted outer and middle coffins were plain, lacquered dark brown externally and vermilion internally. However, upon excavation, all three coffins showed signs of deterioration, exhibiting cracks and loose lids. The inner coffin, unlike the others, was completely covered in embroidery bordered with cut-pile brocade. Inside, the clothing that once covered and wrapped the body had decayed, leaving only scattered skeletal remains. The tomb’s funerary goods included a substantial collection of silk textiles, lacquerware, silk documents, and weapons.

How to Get to Mawangdui Mausoleum
• By Bus: Take bus 19 to Mawangdui yuanqunan (Mawangdui Masoleum South) Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 5 to Mawangdui Station.

Additional Travel Advice on Mawangdui Mausoleum
• The museum is closed on Mondays except for public holidays.