Xincheng Wei Jin Mu (Wei-Jin Tombs)
Twenty kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Jiayu Guan, this is sometimes misleadingly called the Dixia Hualang (Underground Art Gallery). There are thousands of tombs in this area dating from the Wei (220-65 B.C.) and Jin (A.D. 265-420), but only one is open to the public. You will see the tomb of a sixth-rank official, the lowest rank in the imperial pecking order. The valuables were plundered soon after the tomb was sealed, probably by the builder, judging from the accuracy of the thief's tunnel. Compared with Buddhist art, the murals in the tomb are crude cartoons. Detailed instructions on slaughtering pigs, goats, and cows leave no doubt as to what the owner was hoping for in the next world. There is evidence that sericulture had already spread to this part of the empire, that barbecues were enjoyed before Australia was colonized, and that officials were plumper than their servants. Murals detail the official's trip to the capital in Luoyang, doubtless the highlight of his career. The remaining contents of the tomb are on display in anexhibition center,and include black stone pigs found in the hands and the mouth of the official's corpse. He liked his pork.
 | | | |
| Hours | 8:30am-8:30pm | |
| | | |
| Prices | Admission ¥31 ($3.90); guide fee ¥50-¥100 ($6.50-$13), depending on depth of explanation | |