Gateways to explore Guangzhou's history of over 2000 years
2021-Aug-11 Source: Newsgd.com
On August 10, an exhibition featuring Guangzhou's archaeological achievements of the Qin (221-207BC) and Han (202BC-AD220) dynasties kicked off at the National Museum of China in Beijing, lasting unti
On August 10, an exhibition featuring Guangzhou's archaeological achievements of the Qin (221-207BC) and Han (202BC-AD220) dynasties kicked off at the National Museum of China in Beijing, lasting until November 9, 2021. A total of 332 pieces of representative cultural relics are on display.
Panyu Bronze Tripod (蕃禺铜鼎) was originally used as the cooking vessel, but later developed into a symbol of state power. This bronze tripod verifies that Guangzhou enjoys a history of at least 2,200 years. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)
Guangzhou is one of the first of 24 state-listed famous historical and cultural cities in China, with a history of over 2,200 years. Over the past 60 years, archaeologists have discovered a series of historical finds in the city, such as the Archaeological Site of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace and the Tomb of the Nanyue King in Western Han Dynasty. In Guangzhou, you can visit the following three places to have a closer glimpse of the cultural relics and get an insight into the history of the city.
The silk jade clothes (丝缕玉衣) were the burial clothes of the Nanyue King, reflecting that the rulers of Nanyue Kingdom had the customs of elaborate funerals. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)
◆ The Archaeological Site of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace
The Archaeological Site of the Nanyue Kingdom Palace covers an area of about 53,000 square meters. Its cultural layers are stacked about 5-6 meters, including the cultural remains of 13 historical dynasties ranging from the Qin Dynasty to the Republic of China (1912-1949). The remains of the palaces and imperial gardens of the Nanyue Kingdom in the Qin and Han dynasties are considered major relics.
Ticket price: Free
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays
Add.: No.316, Zhongshan 4th Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Nearest metro station: Take Metro Line 1 and get off at the Peasant Movement Institute Station (农讲所站), use Exit D
Golden flower ornament (金花泡) shows that Guangzhou already had traded with overseas regions during the Nanyue Kingdom period. (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)
◆ The Tomb of the Nanyue King in the Western Han Dynasty
The Tomb of the Nanyue King is the largest and most unique stone-chamber tomb from the Han Dynasty. Zhao Mo, the owner of the mausoleum, was the second king of the Nanyue Kingdom and ruled from 137 BC to 122 BC. It has yielded more than 10,000 burial artifacts including chariots, gold and silver vessels, musical instruments and human sacrifices.
As an important historical relic of the Nanyue Kingdom, the Tomb of the Nanyue King and the burial artefacts are of great significance for research on the economic, political and cultural development of Guangzhou and the entire Lingnan region during the Qin and Han Dynasties.
Ticket price: 12 RMB per person
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Add.: No.867, Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
Nearest metro station: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Yuexiu Park Station (越秀公园站), use Exit E
Owl-shaped five-linked jar (陶鸮形五联罐) (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)
◆ Guangzhou Municipal Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology
Opening Time: 9:00-17:30, closed on Mondays
Add.: No.8, Huashi 1st Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou
Nearest Metro Station: Take Metro Line 4 and get off at Higher Education Mega Center N. (大学城北站), use Exit E1
How to reserve: scan the following QR code to make an appointment with your ID card or passport.
Imperial jade seal of Nanyue King ("文帝行玺"龙钮金印) (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)
Editor | Monica & Jerry
Video | Wang Yang and Shi Jingtao from National Museum of China, and Nancy