Jiayuguan

The World's Largest Underground Gallery

1.Located in the vast Gobi: Desert approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province, the Jiayuguan Wei-Jin Tombs are a spectacular archaeological discovery often hailed as the "World's Largest Underground Gallery". Dating back to the Wei and Jin periods (220–420 AD), this massive tomb cluster covers an area of about 13 square kilometers. More than 1,400 ancient tombs have been discovered here, with over 700 brick paintings unearthed from the excavated sites. Unlike the religious grandeur of the Mogao Grottoes, these tombs offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the secular world, serving as an "Encyclopedia of Wei-Jin Life" that vividly records the social, economic, and daily activities of the Hexi Corridor over 1,500 years ago,.

A Time Capsule of the Hexi Corridor

The discovery of these tombs began in 1972 when a local shepherd accidentally uncovered the site, leading to a massive archaeological excavation. Historically, while the Central Plains of China were plagued by war and famine during the Wei and Jin dynasties, the Hexi Corridor remained a relative haven of peace and prosperity. This stability attracted many aristocrats and commoners to migrate to the region, creating a unique semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral society. The murals found here reflect this reality; they are devoid of the mythological or religious themes common in other eras. Instead, they depict realistic scenes of farming, animal husbandry, sericulture (silkworm raising), hunting, and banqueting, showcasing the optimistic and resilient spirit of the people of that era.

Artistic Masterpieces: The Brick Paintings

2.The artistic significance of the: Wei-Jin Tombs lies in their unique "one brick, one painting" format. These murals fill a critical gap in Chinese art history between the Han and Jin dynasties. The painting style is characterized by fluid lines, vibrant colors, and a blend of realism and freehand brushwork that influenced later art forms.

• Tomb No. 6: This is the primary tomb open to visitors. It features a three-chamber brick structure where over 150 mural bricks are displayed. The front chamber depicts military processions and official life; the middle chamber showcases banquets and entertainment; and the rear chamber focuses on domestic life, including kitchen work and livestock herding.
• 3.The Messenger (Yi Shi Tu): Among the most famous images discovered here is the "驿使图" (Picture of the Messenger). It depicts a postman riding a galloping horse, holding a document, with facial features omitted to emphasize speed and focus. This iconic image has been adopted as the symbol of China Post,.

A Cultural and Historical Treasure

The site is not only an art gallery but also a historical archive. The murals reveal a society where diverse ethnic groups coexisted and where women held a relatively high status, often depicted hunting or working alongside men. In addition to the tombs themselves, the site includes a museum (the Wei-Jin Tomb Cultural Relics Management Institute) which houses a relocated restoration of Tomb No. 5 and displays various artifacts such as pottery, wood slips, and personal seals. Visiting the tombs offers a stark and poetic contrast between the desolate Gobi surface and the colorful, lively world preserved underground, providing a profound connection to the "fireworks" of daily life from a millennium ago.