Mancheng Han Tombs

Mancheng Han Tombs

The Mancheng Han Tombs are a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction and a cultural heritage site.

The world-renowned Mancheng Han Tombs are located on the eastern slope of the main peak of Ling Mountain in Mancheng District, Baoding City, Hebei Province, at an altitude of 196 meters. They are the tombs of Liu Sheng, the King of Zhongshan during the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife Dou Wan. Designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a Provincial Scenic Area, and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction.

There are two complete sets of “Jade Burial Suits Sewn with Gold Thread,” all crafted from jade pieces connected by gold thread, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and immense value. Liu Sheng’s suit is slightly longer, made with 498 jade pieces and 1,100 grams of gold thread. Queen Dou Wan’s suit has the same structure but uses slightly fewer jade pieces and less gold thread. The “Changxin Palace Lamp” is a 48-centimeter-tall gilded lamp depicting a kneeling maid holding the lamp, with inscriptions engraved on it.

The structure of the Han tombs was largely modeled after the palaces of the tomb owners, featuring a grand scale with a total volume of 2,700 cubic meters. It mainly consists of southern and northern wing rooms, as well as front and rear halls. The main chamber of the rear section houses the white marble sarcophagus. The tomb also features a well-preserved drainage system.

At first glance, “Mancheng Han Tombs” may sound unfamiliar, but mention the “Jade Burial Suits Sewn with Gold Thread,” and many will know what you’re talking about. Located 20 kilometers from Baoding, the Mancheng Han Tombs are the burial site of Liu Sheng, the King of Zhongshan, and his wife Dou Wan from the Western Han Dynasty, famous for the unearthed “Jade Burial Suits Sewn with Gold Thread” and the “Changxin Palace Lamp.” The tombs are situated about 1.5 kilometers southwest of Mancheng County, atop the main peak of Ling Mountain. The mountain is shaped like a chair and has a majestic presence. Carving tombs into mountains was a prominent feature of early imperial burials in China.

Baoding City, Hebei Province

Further reading:

· Second Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units