Walking a few hundred meters west from the south gate of the Southern Han Mausoleums Museum, you will see a white and green structure. This is the site of the Kang Mausoleum.
(Photo: Southern Han Mausoleums Museum)
The Southern Han Dynasty (or Nanhan Kingdom) was an independent regime during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-979), with its capital at present-day Guangzhou. The Kang Mausoleum is the tomb of Liu Yan, the founding emperor of the Dynasty. It consists mainly of the tomb and the above-ground structure (mausoleum terrace), the surrounding enclosure, watchtowers, and the mausoleum gate, as well as the gallery-like building to the south of the mausoleum gate.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Discovered in 2003, it is the only complete mausoleum site in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period that has been excavated in China. The Kang Mausoleum and the De Mausoleum (the tomb of Liu Yan's brother Liu Yin) are known as the two Southern Han Mausoleums, which are significant archaeological discoveries during that historical period.
The history of the Kang Mausoleum is presented at the site via text and photos. Visitors will learn about the archaeological excavation process of the mausoleum, the connections of different communities with the Kang Mausoleum site and Xiaoguwei Island, where it is located, the story of Liu Yan and his reburial in Kang Mausoleum, as well as the rituals of the period and more. People can also visit The History and Culture of Southern Hanexhibition in the Southern Han Mausoleums Museum to get a better understanding of the ancient kingdom.
Time: 9:00 — 17:30 (admission closed at 17:00, closed on Mondays)
Add.: West of Southern Han Mausoleums Museum, Kangling Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou (廣州市番禺區大學城康陵路，南漢二陵博物館西側)
Nearest bus stop:Take Bus No. 332 or 384, and get off at High School Affiliated to Guangzhou University Station (廣大附中站); Take Bus No.86 or Pan 201 and get off at Southern Han Mausoleums Museum Station (南漢二陵博物館站)
People can make an appointment via WeChat Official Account "廣州考古 南漢二陵博物館" (id: gzkaogu).