Wei-Jin Tombs

Introducing Wei-Jin Tombs (from Chinaculture.org & Wikipedia)
Located about 15 kilometers northeast of Jiayuguan Pass, Wei & Jin Mural Brick Tomb is a big tomb group with over 1,400 tombs built between the 3rd Century and 5th Century during the Wei & Jin dynasties. Originally excavated in 1972, it is renowned as the largest subterranean art gallery in the world and housing many colorful murals. Most tombs are of past families, housing bodies of three or four generations, and currently Grave 6 and Grave 7 are open with more to be developed responsibly.

Wei-Jin Tombs Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Wei Jin Mu 魏晋墓
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Murals, History, Archaeology
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 from May to Oct; 09:00-17:30 from Nov to Apr
• Entrance Fee: CNY 35
• Address: Xincheng County, Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province

What to expect at Wei-Jin Tombs

The thousands of tombs from the Wei and Western Jin Dynasty (265–420) discovered east of Jiayuguan in recent years. The excavated tombs are famous in China, and replicas or photographs of them can be seen in nearly every major Chinese museum. Many frescos have also been found around Jiayuguan but most are not open to visitors.

Entering the ancient brick tomb, you will marvel at the vivid murals and amazing engineering & layout design. Each Wei & Jin tomb has two or three chambers which are connected by corridors paved with tiles in various flower patterns and other designs. The gateway into the tombs were decorated with delicate patterns artistic lines symbolizing clouds, water, fire, gods and unique style strange animals of the past. The exquisite murals on the inner chamber walls tell of the master and mistress’s, a contemporary carefree life, and the servant’s hard working lifestyle. Many reflect the political, cultural, military, and scientific developments of the Wei -Jin Dynasty era, and an insight into this ancient Chinese feudal society. The most famous brick bears the image of an ancient postman, discovered in No. 5 tomb and is displayed in the Gansu Museum. It is the symbol of China Post.

How to get to Wei-Jin Tombs
• Wei-Jin Tombs is approximately 18km away from Jiayuguan City.
• There is no direct public transportation from Jiayuguan City to the Wei-Jin Tombs.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Jiayuguan to Wei-Jin Tombs.

Additional travel advice on Wei-Jin Tombs
• It is not allowed to take photos in the tomb.
• Flashlights and additional jackets are recommended in the dark and cold tomb rooms.