Tomb of Empress Liang Xiaowang of the Western Han Dynasty

　　The Tomb of Empress Liang Xiaowang is situated on the northern peak of Baoshan Mountain at the foot of Mangdang Mountain, north of Yongcheng City, Shangqiu. It stands alongside the Tomb of Liang Xiaowang on the southern peak, approximately 200 meters away. The tomb entrance faces east and was carved through the mountain rock. The entire tomb chamber largely hollows out the interior of the back mountain and was constructed to mimic the layout of an imperial palace from that time.

　　After the death of her husband, Empress Li of Liang Xiaowang ruled the Liang Kingdom for over 20 years. Her lifestyle was far more extravagant than that of Liang Xiaowang. The underground ice storage room built for her can be considered the largest and oldest preserved ice chest in the world today. The overall structure of Empress Li’s tomb is roughly the same as that of Liang Xiaowang’s tomb, but it is three times larger in scale, covering a total area of over 1,600 square meters with a total volume of 3,600 cubic meters. The burial objects unearthed from her tomb are also more numerous and exquisitely crafted than those from Liang Xiaowang’s tomb.

　　In a burial pit on the dome of the tomb, about 3 meters deep and 10 square meters in area, nearly 2,000 artifacts were excavated, including gilded chariot and horse fittings, swords, knives, and halberds. Fifteen gilded bronze plaque ornaments were unearthed, featuring carvings of immortals, mythical beasts, hosts, guests, attendants, and other figures. These carvings are delicate and lifelike. Other unique and finely crafted items include gilded animal-shaped bow-cap covers, crossbow halberds, and iron paperweights shaped like reclining tigers. A perforated gilded bronze frontlet, themed with galloping horses surrounded by flowing cloud patterns, gives the impression of the horses about to take flight—this piece is especially precious.

　　The discovery of this tomb has provided a wealth of valuable cultural relics that help resolve many significant academic questions in Chinese archaeology. It has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in China.

　　Transportation to the Site

　　You can take a bus from Shangqiu Railway Station to Mangshan Town to reach the site.

　　

　　Location of the Site

　　Northern peak of Baoshan Mountain at the foot of Mangdang Mountain, north of Yongcheng City