Brief Introduction

The Yangling Mausoleum of the Han Dynasty (Hanyangling) is located at Zhangjiawan Village, about 25 kilometers north of Xian City, Shaanxi Province. Situated near Wei River, the museumis a historical site designated for state protection. It is opened to public on September 30, 1999. It is a joint tomb of Liu Qi, a notable emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD), and his empress, Empress Wang. It was built in the year 153 AD, now it covers an area of 20 square kilometers. This mausoleum which combines modern technology, ancient civilization, historical culture and garden scenery is the largest museum in China.

Emperor Jingdi (188BC—141BC), named Liu Qi, was the fourth Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. During his 17-year reign, he adhered to the philosophy of Yellow Emperor and Saint Laozi, whose main doctrine was to follow the natural principles. He developed a peaceful relationship with the Huns through intermarriage, and reduced the burden of tax and penalty. According to historical records, “the state revenue of the ancient capital was brimming with coins that the ropes, used for tying,  decayed, leaving them impossible to count. Foods in state storage was permeated, most of them decayed”. Emperor Jingdi, together with his father Emperor Wendi, opened a golden era of harmony in the early feudal society, which was later regarded as “the Great Reign of Wen and Jing”.

Hanyangling is the most intact royal mausoleum and the most important tangible document in the research of burial customs and civilization of the Han Dynasty.

The underground museum provides a new way to protect the precious relics as they remain underground.