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Nanyue King Museum

西汉南越王博物馆

Visit the Nanyue King Museum — home to the only complete Han dynasty silk jade burial suit in China. King Zhao Mo's tomb, national treasure artifacts, and how to book the rare underground tomb visit.

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Quick Facts
Ticket
¥10/person; ¥150 for guided tour (includes tomb access)
Hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00). Closed Mon.
Duration
1.5-3 hours
Metro
Yuexiu Park Station, Line 2, Exit E, 150m walk
Best Time
Year-round; weekday mornings for fewest crowds
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1

Choose the Wangmu (Royal Tomb) Section

The museum has two sections — the Wangmu (王墓展区) and Wangong (王宫展区). Head directly to 王墓展区 — this is the original burial site of Zhao Mo, Nanyue's second king, and contains the national treasures. The Wangong site is primarily a Han dynasty palace ruin.

Do NOT confuse the two — Wangmu (王墓) is where the treasures are
2

Start at the Tomb Area (古墓保护区)

Begin your visit at the top-floor tomb保护区 (tomb zone). Walk the peripheral walkway around the ancient burial chamber for a bird's-eye view of the 2,000-year-old tomb structure before descending to the artifacts.

This is the most unique part of the museum — don't skip it
3

See the National Treasures in the Main Exhibition Hall

Look for artifacts marked with '王的宝藏' (King's Treasures) stickers. The four national treasures: 丝缕玉衣 — China's only complete Han dynasty silk jade burial suit (2000+ jade pieces); 文帝行玺金印 — largest Western Han gold seal ever found; 犀角形玉杯 — ornate jade cup, one of the first items banned from export; 人操蛇铜托座 — unique bronze artifact of a figure holding five snakes.

Free guided explanation at 9:30 AM, limited to 20 people — arrive early
4

Book Underground Tomb Access (if available)

The ultimate experience — actually descending into the ancient burial chamber. Slots are released daily at midnight (00:05) on the '南小越' WeChat official account. Book immediately when released — they sell out in seconds. Each booking can include multiple people. Alternatively, book a ¥150 guided tour which includes tomb access.

This is the museum's most exclusive experience — only 100 visitors per day
Highlights
  • 丝缕玉衣 (Silk Jade Burial Suit) — China's only complete Han dynasty silk jade burial suit
  • 文帝行玺金印 (Emperor's Gold Seal) — largest Western Han gold seal found, proves Zhao Mo called himself 'Emperor'
  • 人操蛇铜托座 (Man Holding Snakes Bronze) — bizarre bronze artifact from the royal screen
  • Underground tomb access — descend into the actual 2,000-year-old burial chamber (limited daily slots)
  • 犀角形玉杯 (Rhinoceros Horn Jade Cup) — one of China's first banned-export cultural relics
Insider Tips

Tomb underground access slots open at midnight (00:05) on the official WeChat account — act fast

If you miss the midnight drop, book a ¥150 guided tour which includes tomb access as a backup

Free guided explanation at 9:30 AM — first-come, first-served for 20 people

Closed every Monday — verify holiday schedules before visiting

Allow 1.5 hours minimum; 3 hours if taking the underground tomb experience

Combined ticket for both 王墓 and 王宫 sections is ¥20 — but 王墓 alone has most of the treasures

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