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Located on Changliu Highway in the eastern suburbs of Changsha, about 4 kilometers away from the city center, it is the cemetery of the family of Ma Yin, King of Chu during the Five Dynasties period, according to local chronicles. The Mawangdui Han Tombs have never been robbed for more than 2,000 years and are well preserved. As a result, a large number of cultural relics have been unearthed, especially the miraculous female corpse that has not decayed for 2,000 years unearthed from Tomb No. 1 and a large number of silk documents unearthed from Tomb No. 3. They have provided detailed information for the historical research of the early Western Han Dynasty and shocked the world.
When unearthed, Tomb No. 1 was sealed with white plaster, so the female corpse remained intact after two thousand years. When it was discovered, gas was spewing out and burning, but the gas was not collected in time and the specific composition was unknown, which became an unsolved mystery as to why the thousand-year-old female wet corpse was still well preserved.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
All the unearthed items from the Mawangdui Han Tomb have been placed in the Hunan Provincial Museum. Admission is free and you can queue up to enter the museum with your ID card.
Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Closed every Monday (except national holidays) and Lunar New Year's Eve
Mawangdui is a notable archaeological site in Changsha, Hunan, dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD). It is famous for the discovery of the tombs of the Marquis of Dai and his family, particularly Lady Dai, whose remarkably well-preserved body and artifacts provide invaluable insights into ancient Chinese burial practices, medicine, and culture.
Mawangdui is located in Changsha, Hunan Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or ride-hailing services from downtown Changsha. Several local bus routes also serve the area. Walking is possible from nearby hotels or metro stations, such as Wuyi Square Station, followed by a short taxi ride.
The site is generally open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are weekdays in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
The entrance fee is typically around 70 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket office or online through official tourism websites or major travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially on weekends or during public holidays. Reservations 1–2 days ahead are usually sufficient.
Allocate about 2–3 hours to explore the museum, tomb exhibits, and surrounding park areas comfortably.
Guided tours and audio guides are available, primarily in Chinese. English-language guides may be available on request or through private tour services.
Night visits and light shows are generally not offered. Special tours may be available during cultural festivals; check the official website for updates.
The site can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings outside the holiday season.
The site provides restrooms, drinking water, seating areas, and a small souvenir shop. Food options may be limited, so consider bringing snacks.
Most areas are accessible for elderly visitors and children. Wheelchair access is available, though some paths around the park may be uneven.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards are less commonly used, so carrying some cash is advisable.
Nearby, there are local Chinese restaurants and cafes offering Hunan cuisine. Some hotels nearby also have dining facilities.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants. Halal food can be found in select eateries in Changsha city.
Several mid-range and budget hotels are within a 10–15 minute drive, including chains like Hanting Express and local boutique hotels.
Souvenir shops sell replicas of Han Dynasty artifacts, books on Chinese history, and local crafts like silk scarves and traditional ornaments.
After visiting, taxis, buses, or metro can be used to explore other parts of Changsha or to reach the high-speed rail station for travel to other cities.
