Wuwei, Gansu Province

Unveiling the Bronze Legend: A Pilgrimage to the Leitai Han Tomb

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

1,535m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

The Cradle of China’s Tourism Symbol

1.Located in the Guanli Center of Liangzhou: District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province, the Leitai Han Tomb is a world-renowned archaeological site that serves as the birthplace of the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" (Ma Ta Fei Yan). This iconic bronze statue, also known as the "Horse Overpowering the Dragon-Sparrow" (Ma Chao Long Que), was unearthed here and has since been designated as the official symbol of Chinese tourism. The site is a critical stop along the Hexi Corridor, offering a profound look into the military and artistic heights of the Han Dynasty.

The Historic Leitai Platform

The tomb is situated beneath a massive rectangular earth platform known as Leitai, which measures 106 meters in length and 60 meters in width. Historically referred to as "Lingjun Tai," legend suggests it was originally built by Zhang Gong of the Former Liang Kingdom. During the Ming Dynasty, a Daoist temple complex called the Leizu Guan (Thunder Ancestor Temple) was constructed atop the platform. Although partially destroyed by the 1927 Wuwei earthquake, the structures were meticulously rebuilt in 1933 and now include the Sanyuan Hall, the Leizu Hall, and the Big Dipper Pavilion, creating a grand atmosphere of spiritual and historical weight.

Architecture of the "Underground Museum"

Discovered accidentally by local farmers in 1969, the tomb is a large-scale brick-chambered burial consisting of front, middle, and back rooms. It is often hailed as an "Underground Museum" due to the sheer volume of artifacts recovered, including over 231 items made of gold, silver, copper, iron, jade, and pottery. The tomb’s construction is a marvel of ancient engineering, utilizing dry bricks reinforced with glutinous rice juice, allowing it to withstand high pressure for nearly two millennia. The interior walls are decorated with unique tree-shaped lamp stands, adding a sense of ritualistic mystery to the subterranean chambers.

The Legacy of General Zhang

Based on inscriptions found on the bronze figures, the tomb is believed to belong to General Zhang and his wife. Zhang served as a high-ranking military official in the Zhangye and Wuwei regions during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (approx. 186–220 AD). The most significant find within the tomb was a grand bronze honor guard consisting of 99 pieces, including 38 horses, 1 chariot, and various armored warriors. Leading this procession was the Galloping Horse, a masterpiece of balance and movement that captures a spirited stallion in full flight, its hoof resting lightly upon a soaring bird. This discovery highlights Wuwei's historical reputation as the hometown of "Heavenly Horses," where fine breeds from the Western Regions were cultivated for the Han Empire.

✨ Why Visit Leitai Han Tomb

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Birthplace of the Galloping Horse

Visit the exact location where China's national tourism symbol, the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow," was unearthed in 1969.

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Ancient Bronze Honor Guard

Marvel at the replica exhibition of 99 bronze figures, including chariots and warriors, representing the power and prestige of an Eastern Han General.

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Han Dynasty Tomb Engineering

Explore the "Underground Museum" and its sophisticated dry-brick architecture that has survived for 2,000 years without modern cement.

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Leitai Daoist Complex

Ascend the historic Leitai platform to explore a unique complex of Ming-style temples and pavilions overlooking the ancient city of Wuwei.

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Hexi Corridor Heritage

Experience a vital landmark of the Silk Road that connects the legend of "Heavenly Horses" with the history of military governance in Liangzhou.

Location & Nearby

📍 Wuwei, Gansu Province • 🏔️ 1535m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Leitai Han Tomb Travel Guide

Where is the Leitai Han Tomb located?

It is located in the central urban area of Wuwei City (formerly Liangzhou), Gansu Province.

Who was buried in the tomb?

The tomb is believed to be the final resting place of a high-ranking Eastern Han general named Zhang Xiu and his wife.

Can I see the original "Galloping Horse" statue at the tomb?

While the tomb site displays exquisite replicas and the original unearthing spot, the authentic bronze statue is housed in the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou for preservation.

What makes the statue's design unique?

It is a masterpiece of physics and art; the entire weight of the galloping horse is balanced on a single hoof that rests on a flying swallow, symbolizing speed that exceeds flight.

How deep is the tomb?

The tomb extends approximately 40 meters deep into the earth platform.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Leitai Han Tomb?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.