In 1969, local farmers accidentally discovered the Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty when they were carrying out irrigation conservancy construction in Leitai. Subsequent archaeological excavations not only revealed the scale and structure of Leitai Han Tombs, but also unearthed a large number of precious cultural relics. Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty provides valuable physical materials for the study of Han Dynasty history and culture.
Known as Liangzhou in ancient times, Wuwei was an important city on the ancient Silk Road. The discovery of Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty proves the prosperity and openness of the Liangzhou area during the Han Dynasty. The cultural relics in the tombs, such as fabrics with central Asian patterns, show the close communication between Liangzhou and central and western Asia at that time.
Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty Facts
- Location: No.272, Beiguan Middle Road, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province
- Ticket Price: 60 yuan/person
- Opening Time: 8:00-18:00
- Suggested Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
Overview of Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty
According to the research of experts, Leitai Ancient Tomb of Han Dynasty is the combined tomb of the general couple stationed in Zhangye City (186-219 AD). The structure of Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty is anterior, middle and posterior three chambers plus left and right side chambers.
Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty is a typical brick chamber tomb of the Han Dynasty. The exquisite patterns on the tomb bricks reflect the superb skill and aesthetic level of the craftsmen. The tomb passage is 19.34 meters long. And 231 pieces of cultural relics such as gold, silver, copper, iron, jade, pottery, and more than 3,000 ancient copper coins have been unearthed.
What to See in Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty Ancient Well
The ancient well is located in the southeast corner of Leitai, 2 meters away from the entrance of the tomb road. The ancient well is 12.8 meters deep and runs through the entire rammed soil until it reaches Leitai Ancient Tomb of Han Dynasty. Digging a well in the tomb passage is a symbol of wealth and honor.
The most amazing thing is that no bonding material was used between the bricks. After more than 1,000 years of history, most of the bricks on the wall of the well have been severely weathered, and only the bottom part of the well is still well preserved. It is believed that the ancient well did not dry up until the mid-1990s.
Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow
The bronze galloping horse atop a flying swallow belongs to the bronze ware of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), and it is also the treasure of the Gansu Provincial Museum. The copper horse is 34.5 cm tall, 45 cm long and weighs 7.15 kg. It flies with three feet in the air and one foot over the swallow. This static sculpture not only presents the dynamic beauty of the galloping horse, but also conforms to the principle of mechanical balance. The bold imagination of the artisan and high sculpture techniques make this copper sculpture a masterpiece in bronze art.
How to Get to Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty
By air: It is suggested to fly to Lanzhou City first, then you can take the bullet train to Wuwei City. After that, it is convenient to take a taxi to the Leitai Ancient Tomb of Han Dynasty.
By bus: You can take the direct bus, such as the No.2 bus at Wuwei Bus Station to the Leitai Ancient Tomb of Han Dynasty.
Attractions nearby Leitai Tomb of Han Dynasty
- Wuwei Confucian Temple: It is the largest and best-preserved Confucian temple in Northwest China and one of the three major Confucian temples in
- Wuwei Kumarashi Temple: With a history of more than 1,600 years, it is a precious relic of the study of the Five Liang culture, Chinese Buddhism, and Buddhism in the Western regions.
