The Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster

The Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster

The Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster

Located about six Chinese miles east of Shidao Gully in Changbai County and one Chinese mile northwest of Ganggouzi Village, the site spans both banks of the Xiganhouzi River, forming an extensive burial ground — the largest ancient tomb cluster in Changbai County and along the upper reaches of the Yalu River. The area covers roughly 1,200 meters in length and 400 meters in width, and currently contains 19 well-preserved ancient tombs. On October 24, 1987, it was designated as a Jilin Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Trial excavations and surveys were conducted here in April 1985.

All the tombs in the Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster were built using river cobbles, divided into two construction styles: "pile-stone serial tombs" and "pile-stone tombs." Tomb No. 1 is 24 meters long and contains three circular stone chambers (burial pits), connected by stone slabs, with the natural soil layer serving as the bottom. Tomb No. 2 is the largest, measuring 48 meters in length and 24 meters in width, and includes eight circular stone chambers. Several trial excavations have unearthed artifacts such as stone axes, stone knives, weapons, wild boar tusk ornaments, pottery, and socketed bronze swords. Based on the construction style of the tombs and the numerous relics discovered, experts believe the Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster may date back to the Western Han Dynasty of China, making it over 2,000 years old. Experts suggest that during the period when the Central Plains had entered the feudal society, some remote regions were still in the primitive stage. Therefore, these tombs likely belonged to the ancient

people, and the socketed bronze swords found indicate that the

people had begun using bronze artifacts popular during the Spring and Autumn, Warring States, and Han periods. This also reflects the economic development of the primitive society and the wisdom and

people’s ingenuity. The discovery of these relics provides valuable material for studying the social development and living conditions of the people at that time, as well as offering important historical data for researching the ancient ethnic groups in the region.

In recent years, large-scale infrastructure projects such as bridge construction, road paving, and resource development have been carried out in Changbai County to boost the local economy. These activities have caused a certain degree of damage to the original appearance of the ancient tomb cluster. However, with economic growth and the advancement of archaeological work, the Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster has gained increasing attention and protection. Especially with the rise of tourism in recent years, the site has been listed as a new science and education tourism project. Plans are underway to conduct substantial excavation and research at the Ganggouzi Ancient Tomb Cluster to further uncover its mysteries.

Ganggouzi Village: … Ganggouzi Village detailed information ++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units