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Ma Chao's Tomb, also known as Ma Chao Temple and Ma Gong Shrine, is the tomb of Ma Chao, a warlord in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and General of the Shu Han Cavalry. It is located in Jiguang Village, Wuhou Town, Mian County, Shaanxi Province. It is backed by Leigong Mountain to the north and faces the Han River to the south. It is about 1 kilometer away from the Wuhou Shrine.
Ma Chao's tomb and shrine consist of front and back yards. The front yard has three halls: the main hall (Faithful to the Northern Lands), the exhibition of the struggle for supremacy in Hanzhong (Combined with civil and military talents), and the exhibition of Ma Chao's life (A Hero of the Age). The back yard is separated from the front yard by the Han Hui Canal, with a stone bridge in the middle leading to both sides, named "Fengyu Bridge". The back yard is the tomb where Ma Chao was buried.
Ma Chao's tomb is a Han Dynasty-style, hopper-shaped structure with a circumference of 90 meters and a height of 8 meters, creating a magnificent spectacle. Two tombstones stand, one in front of the tomb and the other beside the ancestral hall. Each is 2.9 meters high, 0.98 meters wide, and 0.24 meters thick, bearing the same inscription: "Tomb of Ma Gongchao, General of the Western Expedition of the Han Dynasty." This inscription was written by Bi Yuan, Vice Minister of War and Deputy Censor-in-Chief, and Governor of Shaanxi during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1776 AD).
Mian County is located in the northern subtropics. Due to its diverse terrain, with the Qinling Mountains and Bashan Mountains facing each other to the north and south, the weather in the mountains and the plains differs significantly, leading to the saying, "The higher you go, the different the temperatures." Mian County has a typical inland monsoon climate, belonging to the subhumid zone. Its overall climate is characterized by warm and humid weather with distinct four seasons. Winters have little rain or snow, while summers and autumns are rainy and rainy. Rain and heat occur in the same seasons, resulting in significant vertical variations and a pronounced three-dimensional climate effect. Spring temperatures are volatile, while autumn temperatures experience a sharp drop. Light radiation is low, and sunshine hours are short. February to May is the best time to visit.
The front courtyard of the shrine consists of the Main Hall (Faithful to the Northern Lands), the Exhibition on the Struggle for Hegemony in Hanzhong (Combining Civil and Military Talents), and the Exhibition on the Life of Ma Chao (A Great Man of the Age). Inside, there is a clay statue of Ma Chao, and a plaque reading "Han Jiaxiang Hou" hangs on the hall door. There are also five east wings and five steles. The hall houses a majestic and seated statue of Ma Chao, sculpted during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty.
The backyard and the front yard are separated by the Hanhui Canal, with a stone bridge in the middle leading to both sides, which is named "Fengyu Bridge".
The Ma Chao statue was built in 2002 and is located on the side of National Highway 108. It was designed by Chen Hansheng, a sculptor from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province and a member of the Shaanxi Artists Association.
Ma Chao's tomb, oriented north-south, is rectangular and shaped like an inverted hopper. Its base is 56 meters in circumference, and the mound is approximately 3 meters high. The tomb's burial mound, constructed in the Han Dynasty, is 90 meters in circumference and 8 meters high, creating a magnificent spectacle.
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10 yuan/person.
08:00--18:00.
Ma Chao’s Tomb is the resting place of the famous general from the Three Kingdoms period, Ma Chao. He was known for his loyalty to the Shu Kingdom and his bravery in battle. The tomb is an important historical site that commemorates his contributions to Chinese military history, as well as his legacy in Shaanxi province.
Ma Chao's Tomb is located in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province, China. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city center. Public buses also operate to the area, and walking is an option for those who prefer a leisurely stroll through the surrounding countryside.
Ma Chao’s Tomb is open year-round. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded. Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
The entrance fee for Ma Chao’s Tomb is generally low. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the site, with no need for online booking. It's recommended to check the specific pricing on-site, as it may vary by season or special events.
No advance booking is required for Ma Chao’s Tomb. Tickets can be purchased directly at the site.
A visit to Ma Chao's Tomb usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you wish to spend reading the historical plaques and enjoying the surrounding views.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may also be available in Mandarin. It’s advisable to check with the site’s staff if English language services are available during your visit.
Start at the entrance and walk through the scenic park area leading to the tomb. Spend time at the tomb, then explore the surrounding memorials and statues. End your visit by relaxing in the peaceful environment or taking photos of the surrounding natural beauty.
Night visits and special tours are not available at Ma Chao’s Tomb. The site is primarily a daytime attraction.
The tomb can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings or weekdays, especially outside peak travel seasons.
Basic facilities, including toilets and resting areas, are available on-site. However, there are no large restaurants or food stalls, so visitors are advised to bring their own snacks and water.
The tomb area is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, the site is on slightly hilly terrain, so those with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate. It is best to check the specific accessibility arrangements at the entrance.
Cash is accepted at the entrance. Mobile payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay may also be available, though it's best to carry cash just in case.
There are small souvenir shops around the tomb site where visitors can purchase items such as traditional handicrafts, local snacks, and souvenirs commemorating Ma Chao’s legacy.
