Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum

Introducing Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum
Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum is dedicated to the preservation of ancient tombs discovered in Luoyang. Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum was inaugurated in 1987. The museum is nestled on Mangshan Hill, approximately 10 km north of Luoyang. Historically, Mangshan Hill, which stands about 300m above sea level, served as a burial site.

The museum is divided into two sections: above ground and underground. The above-ground section features a gate styled after the Han dynasty and several exhibition halls. The eastern hall showcases tomb models from the Stone Age to the Han dynasty, along with restored funerary objects and depictions of funeral rituals. The underground section, situated about 7 meters below the surface, houses a site with 22 tombs from Henan province. This section is further divided into three halls dedicated to the Wei and Jin dynasties, the Western Han and Eastern Han dynasties, and the Tang and Song dynasties, respectively.

The museum offers a captivating look into the burial traditions, artistic expressions, and societal evolution during these periods. Each tomb narrates the tale of the people of its time, their convictions, lifestyle, and their perceptions of death and life after death. The museum is renowned for its collection of tomb artifacts, including items made of pottery, jade, bronze, and stone. These artifacts offer invaluable insights into the artistic skills, technological advancements, and aesthetic sensibilities of the ancient inhabitants.

Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Luo Yang Gu Mu Bo Wu Guan 洛阳古墓博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Ancient Tombs and Frescoes, Adventure
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (May – Oct), 9:00 – 16:30 (Nov – Apr); Tuesday to Sunday
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 6 Airport Road, Laocheng District, Luoyang, Henan Province

What to expect at Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum
Ancient Tombs Museum is divided into three main exhibition areas: Dynastic Tombs, Northern Wei Imperial Mausoleums, and the Mural Gallery, each offering a unique glimpse into China’s fascinating past.

Dynastic Tombs
Within this underground exhibition area, visitors can delve into 25 meticulously restored tombs spanning from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) to the Song (960-1279) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties. Featuring 600 excavated artifacts, these tombs showcase the evolution of burial practices, unveiling intricate architectural details and stunning brick carvings.

Northern Wei Imperial Mausoleums
The Northern Wei Imperial Mausoleums exhibition area is situated in the western part of the museum, spanning approximately 4.67 hectares with a building area of 600 square meters. Designed in the style of Northern Wei architecture, this area features the Jingling Mausoleum of Emperor Xuanwu (宣武帝, 483-515) of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) as its centerpiece, along with the restored tombs of Lord Wenxian of Qinghe (Yuan Yi, 元怿) and Lord Jiangyang (Yuan Yi, 元乂).

The burial mound of Jingling Mausoleum, circular with a diameter of 110 meters (360 ft) and a current height of 24 meters (78 ft), presents a magnificent and well-preserved structure. Inside, the tomb’s simplicity and elegance provide insight into the basic appearance of Northern Wei imperial tombs, as well as the burial customs and mausoleum systems of that period.

In the burial chamber of Lord Jiangyang’s tomb, a celestial map adorns the ceiling, portraying over 300 stars connected by lines, with the Milky Way stretching from north to south. This depiction serves as a priceless artifact for the study of ancient Chinese astronomy.

Mural Gallery
The Mural Gallery, designed in the style of a Han Dynasty pavilion, features one underground level and three above-ground floors. It’s 24 meters (78 ft) tall and spans 2,300 square meters. The main display is structured chronologically, showcasing 53 collections of more than 90 tomb murals and painted bricks uncovered in Henan Province, particularly in the Luoyang region. The relics, sourced from 15 tombs spanning 8 dynasties, depict diverse themes with vivid colors and lively scenes, offering an authentic portrayal of the spiritual and material life of that era. Additionally, the exhibit area offers interactive elements like e-books, puzzle games, animations, display panels, and videos to enhance visitors’ understanding and enrich their experience.

How to get to Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum
• The museum is about 3 km to Luoyang Airport. Passengers who make short layover in the airport can spare some time visiting the museum.
• Take bus 83, 369 to Ancient Tombs Museum Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Luoyang to Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum.

Additional travel advice on Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum
• The museum is closed on Mondays except for public holidays.
• Keep your passport on you to enter the museum.