Zhao Mausoleum

Welcome to the final resting place of Zhao Mo, the second king of the Nan-yue Kingdom. Situated in the heart of Guang-zhou (historically known as Pan-yu), this site was discovered accidentally in 1983 during construction, hidden…

We begin our descent at the 'Entrance Chamber,' the threshold between the living world and the eternal kingdom of Zhao Mo. When archaeologists first entered this space, they were met with a somber sight: the remains of two…

The East Side Chamber offers a fascinating look at the cultural life of the Nan-yue court. This room is believed to be the 'Musician’s Chamber,' as it contained the remains of a musician and several instruments. …

While the East Chamber was for entertainment, the West Side Chamber was where Zhao Mo kept his most beloved and precious personal treasures. This room contained the finest artifacts found in the entire tomb, reflecting the King's…

We now enter the heart of the mausoleum: the Main Coffin Chamber. This is where King Zhao Mo himself was laid to rest. …

To the side of the main chamber lies the East Side Room of the inner tomb, often called the Concubines’ Chamber. Here, the remains of four women were found. …

At the very back of the tomb complex is the 'Back Chamber,' which functioned as a royal kitchen for the afterlife. This room was packed with cooking pots, silverware, and bronze vessels for stewing and boiling food. …

As you emerge from the depths of the Zhao Mausoleum and return to the modern streets of Guang-zhou, take a moment to reflect on the world you have just visited. The Nan-yue Kingdom was a short-lived but brilliant flash in Chinese…