Eastern Zhou Sacrificial Horses Museum

Eastern Zhou Sacrificial Horses Museum

The Eastern Zhou Sacrificial Horses Museum is the burial site of monarchs and high-ranking nobles from the Qi State during the Spring and Autumn Period. More than 20 large and medium-sized tombs have been discovered. Around Tomb No. 5, a large-scale sacrificial horse pit was found. The tomb chamber measures 6 meters north to south and 23 meters east to west, with a southern ramp that is 18 meters long and 12 meters wide. The coffin chamber is located in the center of the tomb. It is built with massive natural stones, measuring 8 meters north to south, 7 meters east to west, and 5 meters deep. The tomb chamber had been robbed in ancient times, with all burial objects lost. Only the sacrificial horse pit remains intact. The sacrificial horse pits are located on the eastern, western, and northern sides of the tomb chamber. Each side on the east and west is 70 meters long, while the northern side is 75 meters long and 5 meters wide. The three sides connect naturally as one, totaling 215 meters in length.

In 1964, 54 meters of the western section on the northern side were excavated, uncovering 145 sacrificed horses; in 1972, 30 meters at the southwestern end were excavated, yielding 8 sacrificed horses. Due to limitations at the time, both areas were backfilled for protection. In 1982, building upon the 1972 excavation, an additional 36.5 meters were cleared, revealing 106 sacrificed horses. Based on an average density of over 2.8 horses per meter, the total number of sacrificed horses is estimated to exceed 600. Such a large quantity and unprecedented scale make this site truly remarkable.

According to expert analysis, most of the sacrificed horses were strong, 6–7-year-old steeds. They were humanely euthanized and then arranged according to a specific burial ritual. The horses are lined up in two neat rows, lying on their sides with heads raised, legs curled, and positioned in a battle-ready stance—as if ready to gallop into action at the sound of war drums.

In those times, the Chinese valued “a thousand chariots,” which symbolized national might. Over 600 horses could be harnessed to more than 150 war chariots, equivalent to the full military strength of a small feudal state. This reveals the economic prosperity and military power of the Qi State, the foremost of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period.

Research confirms that the tomb’s occupant was Duke Jing of Qi. His name was Chujiu, the 25th ruler of the Jiang clan of Qi. With the assistance of Yan Ying, he reigned for 58 years—the longest reign of any Qi ruler. Historical records say that in his later years, he “indulged in building palaces, collecting dogs and horses, and living a life of luxury, imposing heavy taxes and harsh punishments.” He was extremely corrupt. He was especially fond of horses, keeping special caretakers for them in the palace. When one of his favorite horses died, the caretaker was even put to death.

The grand scale of the sacrificial horse burial reflects Duke Jing’s extravagance and also showcases the military strength of the Qi State at the time. Furthermore, it provides extremely valuable insights for studying the history of the Qi State during the Spring and Autumn Period, particularly regarding its economy, military, and funeral customs.

In 1982, with approval from the National Cultural Heritage Administration and funding from the municipal government, an exhibition hall with ethnic-style, classic elegance was built on-site. Waterproofing, anti-corrosion, and dust-proofing measures were implemented to protect the horse bones. The site officially opened to the public in 1983.

The discovery and excavation of the sacrificial horse pit are truly rare. Since its opening, it has attracted many visitors and garnered significant attention from people around the world. The renowned painter Liu Haisu, after visiting, immediately wrote the praise: “The miracle of the sacrificial horses is unparalleled under heaven.” International visitor and former Austrian President Dr. Kurt Waldheim wrote on the spot: “This is an impressive, truly unique historical site.” More than ten Chinese leaders, including Li Peng, Liu Huaqing, Wan Li, and Yang Jingren, have visited the site and spoke highly of it.

Address: Heyatou Village, Qidu Town, Linzi District, Zibo

Business Hours: 08:30–17:30

Visiting Time: Approximately 1 hour

Price: 20 RMB per person

Price Description: Ticket price: 20 RMB per person; students, severely underprivileged workers, and seniors over 60 years old with valid ID: 10 RMB per person; active-duty military, disabled individuals, and seniors over 70 years old with valid ID: free admission

Featured Attraction: The sacrificial horse pits are located on the eastern, western, and northern sides of the tomb chamber. Each side on the east and west is 70 meters long, while the northern side is 75 meters long and 5 meters wide. The three sides connect naturally as one, totaling 215 meters in length.

Tour Route: Sacrificial Horses Museum — Photo Exhibition

Guide Fee: 20 RMB per session

Visitor Service Center: Located at the ticket office, providing consultation and guided tour services for visitors

Transportation Guide

Bus:

From Zibo Railway Station, take bus 6 or 20 to Linzi, then transfer to tourist bus line 5 to reach the Sacrificial Horses Pit

Self-Drive Guide:

Take the Jiqing Expressway — exit at Linzi — head south to National Highway 309, then drive east — pass the district government — after three intersections, go north — arrive at Qidu Town — visit the Qi State History Museum — continue north for 8 li, follow the sign and head east to reach the scenic area.

Parking Information:

There are 10 parking spaces at the entrance of the scenic area and 20 spaces inside the courtyard.