Hello!I’m Lily Xia, a travel industry professional with over two years experience crafting itineraries for international visitors to China. Having helped countless travelers discover the country’s hidden gems, I’m excited to share this practical guide. This article provides everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Nanyue King Museum in Guangzhou.
Introduction to The Nanyue King Museum
The Nanyue King Museum,also known as the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, is a premier archaeological site located in the heart of Guangzhou, China. It’s built directly atop the tomb of Zhao Mo, the second ruler of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom. Dating back over 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 24 CE), the museum complex protects the incredibly well-preserved tomb, which was discovered accidentally in 1983. This find was a major archaeological breakthrough, revealing a treasure trove of artifacts that offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ancient southern kingdom.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Tickets
Price: Around ¥12 per adult
Where to Buy:
Online via official platforms (recommended to avoid queues)
At the museum ticket office
Entry: Show your QR code ticket on your phone — no need to print
Note: Bring your passport or ID for verification
Booking online saves time and ensures a hassle-free start to your tour.
Opening Hours
Day Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday Closed
The last entry is usually 30-60 minutes before closing. We recommend arriving right at 9:00 AM when the museum opens to enjoy the exhibits with smaller crowds. Alternatively, visiting after 2:00 PM can also be quieter as morning tours have concluded. The museum is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Main Attractions
The Original Tomb Chamber: This is the heart of the museum. You actually walk down into the excavated tomb where King Zhao Mo was buried. Feel the cool, damp air and see the intricate layout of the burial chambers, including the main coffin chamber and side rooms for treasures and sacrifices.
The Jade Suit Exhibit: This priceless suit, made of over 2,000 pieces of nephrite jade, was designed to protect the king’s body in the afterlife. Its craftsmanship is breathtaking and symbolizes the wealth and power of the Nanyue Kingdom.
The Artifact Exhibition Hall: This includes a magnificent collection of bronze ritual vessels, intricate gold and silver ornaments, fine pottery, and a set of musical chime bells. Each piece tells a story about the kingdom’s culture, trade, and beliefs.
The Chariot Burial Pit: Don’t miss the area displaying the remains of a chariot and horse sacrifices, which were meant to serve the king in the next world. This highlights the importance of chariots in royal processions and warfare.
Transportation: How to Get There
Metro
You can take Line 2 and get off at Yuexiu Park Station (Exit E). From the exit, it’s just a short 5-10 minute walk to the museum entrance. The metro ride from Tianhe (CBD) area takes about 20-25 minutes and costs approximately RMB 4-5. From Guangzhou Railway Station, it’s only 2 stops away.
Public Bus
Alternatively, several public bus routes stop near the museum (e.g., routes 5, 7, 24, 29). A bus ride typically costs RMB 2.
Taxi or Ride-hailing
For those with heavy luggage, young children, or preferring direct travel, a taxi or ride-hailing service (like DiDi) is a comfortable option. A taxi from Guangzhou East Railway Station takes about 20 minutes and costs around RMB 25-35.
Activities
Uncover Historical Mysteries with Guided Tours: Join an English-speaking guided tour to learn about the Western Han Dynasty’s Nanyue Kingdom, focusing on the tomb of King Zhao Mo and its excavation story, which helps decode the ancient civilization of southern China.
Admire the Exquisite Cultural Relics: Get up close to iconic artifacts like the gold seal of “King of Nanyue”, jade burial suits, and bronze vessels. Observe the unique craftsmanship that blends Central Plains and Lingnan cultural styles.
Experience Interactive Exhibits: Engage with digital displays and interactive installations that simulate the ancient Nanyue people’s life scenes, such as their daily diet and craftsmanship, making history more vivid and understandable.
Join Cultural Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops (if available), like replicating mini bronze wares or jade ornaments under the guidance of instructors, to feel the charm of ancient Chinese craftsmanship firsthand.
Food Guide
Inside the museum
The museum itself has a simple café offering basic drinks and snacks,ideal for a quick refreshment. However, we recommend exploring the surrounding neighborhoods for a more authentic meal.
Outside the museum
After your visit, take a short taxi or metro ride to the Beijing Road Pedestrian Street area, which is a food lover’s paradise. Here you can find everything from upscale Cantonese restaurants to bustling local eateries and food stalls. Be sure to try local Guangzhou (Cantonese) specialties like Dim Sum, Roast Goose, and Wonton Noodles.
Q&A
Q:What exactly is the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall? Is it a temple?
A: No, it’s not a temple for worship. It was built as an ancestral hall and academy by the Chen family in 1894. It served as a place for education, ancestor veneration, and a hostel for clan students taking exams. It’s famous for its incredible decorative arts.
Q:How much time do I need for the visit?
A: Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s a compact site but rich in detail, perfect for appreciating traditional Chinese craftmanship without taking up your whole day.
Q:Is it easy to combine with other attractions?
A: Yes, very easy. It’s centrally located with its own metro station (Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Station, Lines 1 & 8). You can easily visit Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, Yongqing Fang, or Shamian Island on the same day.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old gilr.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.