Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum
Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum, also known as the "Museum of Ancient Tombs in Luoyang," is the world’s first comprehensive museum dedicated to ancient tombs. Located in Luoyang, Henan Province—a city with 13 dynasties’ history—it was established in 1987 and spans 8.7 hectares. The museum replicates 22 tombs from the Han, Tang, Song, and other dynasties, showcasing over 1,000 artifacts, including murals, pottery, and jade. Its underground "Tomb Exhibition Hall" recreates burial chambers with original architectural features, earning it the nickname "Underground Palace." Designated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, it offers a unique window into China’s funerary customs and archaeological achievements.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1984, inspired by Luoyang’s status as a ancient capital and burial hub. The museum’s design integrates recovered tomb relics with modern preservation techniques, preserving structures like the Northern Wei Dynasty’s Yuan Yi Tomb and Tang Dynasty murals. Over decades, it expanded to include thematic exhibitions on tomb customs, Silk Road burial artifacts, and imperial mausoleums. In 2021, it reopened after renovations, adding interactive digital displays. Today, it serves as a key educational site, hosting international archaeology conferences and student workshops annually.
Structural Layout
The museum is divided into three zones:
- Above-Ground Exhibition Hall: Displays tomb artifacts, murals, and models.
- Underground Tomb Exhibition Hall: Replicates 22 tombs with original brickwork, murals, and burial objects.
- Service Zone: Includes a library, gift shop, and archaeology-themed café.
Key structures include the Han Dynasty Brick Tomb Hall and the Tang Dynasty Mural Gallery, showcasing frescoes over 1,000 years old.
Major Attractions
- Yuan Yi Tomb: A Northern Wei Dynasty tomb with preserved murals depicting court life.
- Tang Dynasty Murals: Vibrant frescoes of officials, musicians, and celestial beings.
- Jade Burial Suits: Replicas of rare jade suits worn by Han Dynasty nobles.
- Silk Road Tombs: Artifacts from Central Asian traders buried in Luoyang.
- Digital Archaeology Lab: Interactive screens explaining tomb excavation techniques.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Entrance → Above-Ground Hall (Tombs 1–5) → Underground Hall (Yuan Yi Tomb) → Mural Gallery → Exit.
Highlights: Key dynastic tombs and Tang mural art. - Extended Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Above-Ground Hall → Underground Hall (Tombs 6–15) → Jade Suits Exhibit → Digital Lab → Exit.
Highlights: Han Dynasty artifacts and tech-driven exhibits. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → Guided Tour (All Tombs) → Workshop (Mural Restoration Demo) → Café → Exit.
Highlights: In-depth exploration and hands-on learning.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program up to 7 days in advance.
- On-Site: Free entry with mandatory reservation; queues for guided tours.
- Prices:
- Guided Tour: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
- Digital Lab: ¥20 (all visitors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
- By Subway: Line 2 to Yangwen Station (Exit A), then taxi (¥15–20).
- By Bus: Routes 83, 98, or 101 to "Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum Stop."
- By Taxi: Direct from Luoyang Longmen Station (¥40–50).
- Self-Drive: Navigate to "Luoyang Ancient Tomb Museum" via Wangcheng Avenue.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: April–May (spring blooms), October–November (autumn foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit early (9:00 AM opening) or on weekdays.
- Essentials:
- Bring a light jacket (underground halls are cool).
- Wear non-slip shoes (tomb floors may be uneven).
- Photography allowed (no flash in underground zones).
- Prohibited: Food, drinks, and large bags.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
