Han Dynasty Tombs
Hours: 8:00-17:30
Address: Pingshan Tang Rd, east of Da Ming Temple

Even the slightest of Chinese history enthusiasts will be engaged at these remarkably well preserved 2,000 year old tombs. The once Han Dynasty regional emperor Guang Ling (the origin of Yangzhou’s former name) had these wooden tombs constructed for he and his wife. The tombs were uncovered at an incredible 40 meters beneath the surface in the hills just north of Yangzhou. Discovered thirty years ago, the tombs were meticulously disassembled, moved to Yangzhou, and rebuilt within a museum.

Today, the museum sits on one of the few hills in Yangzhou and provides a rare elevated view of the city (on a smog-free day of course). The tombs themselves are composed of huge cuts of Chinese Nanmu wood, and include abundant displays explaining the symbolism behind their construction. Relics found with the tombs are also displayed here. A plus at this museum are the intelligible English captions alongside nearly every exhibit.

The tombs can be visited in about one hour, and as they are indoors, make for a worthwhile trip in any season. They are located around 1 km east of Da Ming Temple on Pingshan Tang road.