The Wubao Ancient Tombs

The Wubao Ancient Tombs

The Wubao Ancient Tombs are a cultural tourism attraction.

The Wubao Ancient Tombs are located on the northwestern side of Wubao Village, along the ancient Silk Road route southwest of Hami City. They lie in the Baiyang River basin, approximately 75 kilometers from downtown Hami, in an area now inhabited by the Uyghur ethnic group. This site is a key cultural relic protection unit of the autonomous region.

The tomb complex covers a total area of about 500 square meters and is situated on a earthen mound near water. In 1986, archaeologists from the regional archaeological team and experts from relevant institutions including the Shanghai Natural History Museum excavated an area of 300 square meters, uncovering 29 tombs. Initial findings revealed that the tombs were vertical earthen pits with adobe structures, and the burial style was primarily single, lateral, flexed burials. Artifacts unearthed mainly included items made of leather, fur, bronze, pottery, wood, and stone. Expert analysis and instrument testing indicated that these tombs date back to the late Neolithic period, approximately 2,900 to 3,200 years ago, representing a time when both stone and metal tools were in use.

Among the many artifacts unearthed, the most famous are three well-preserved mummies. When discovered, their clothing, skin, and flesh were largely intact. One of the mummies was wearing a smooth-finished sheepskin coat, a red-and-green plaid woolen headdress, and plain leather boots. Over the coat, a light gray whetstone was tied around the waist, along with a plain leather pouch containing small bronze knives and awls. Aside from slight wear on parts such as the nasal bridge, other body parts—including hair, skin, and fingernails—were remarkably well-preserved. This discovery caused a sensation in the international archaeological community at the time.

Judging by the size of the tomb complex and the artifacts found, it is evident that as early as 3,000 years ago, this area was home to a sizable settlement and a concentrated population.