Wei-Jin Tomb Murals: China’s Largest Underground Art Gallery in Jiayuguan

The Wei-Jin Art Gallery is situated in the desert 18 km northeast of Jiayuguan city. However, it is not really an art gallery, but ancient tombs with wall paintings. There are more than 1400 tombs, which could date back to 220-419 AD during Wei and Jin periods. Most tombs belong to different families, housing bodies of three or four generations, and now only Grave 6 is open to tourists.

Here, all the murals were painted and well-preserved on the bricks. One single brick may have one painting, or half a brick does, possibly several bricks constitute an interlink painting. The painting contents are from all aspects of actual life. Then you can know well about people’s life at that time. These paintings also provide valuable materials to study the society civilization of that period.

Wei-Jin Tombs’ Facts

History of the Wei-Jin Tombs

The history of the Wei and Jin tombs is closely related to Jiayuguan Pass. Jiayuguan Pass was built in 1372 and is the western starting point of the Ming Great Wall.

During the Wei and Jin period, wars were frequent, especially in the fourth year of Emperor Huai of Jin, which was 310. That year, there were locust disasters, plagues, and wars. The people suffered from famine and were forced to eat grass, leaves, and even cowhide. Many people died of hunger. The tombs at Jiayuguan were precisely built during this difficult period (220-589).

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What to See & Do at Wei-Jin Art Gallery

Tomb No. 6: The Centerpiece of the Wei-Jin Tombs

The highlight of any visit to the Wei-Jin Tombs is Tomb No. 6, the only tomb currently open to the general public. This remarkably well-preserved burial chamber is a three-chamber tomb — consisting of front, middle, and rear chambers — believed to be a couple’s tomb from the Western Jin period.

As you descend the narrow staircase into the cool, dimly lit room, you are surrounded by more than 130 painted tiles decorating the floor to the ceiling. These murals are painted in a vivid, almost cartoonish style, and the black and red pigments remain bright and striking even after 1,600 years. One of the most famous images is the “Plowing Map,” (耕地图) vividly depicting agricultural techniques from the Wei and Jin periods. Another remarkable painting illustrates the “Beating Ox Map,” (槌牛图) showing the slaughtering ritual associated with funeral banquets.

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Chinese Funerary Art of the Wei-Jin Era

The Wei-Jin Tombs represent a pinnacle of Chinese funerary art Wei Jin style. In the galley, the depiction of Nuwa and Fuxi on the surface of the tomb owner’s coffin lid is considered a representative of Chinese Wei and Jin funeral art. Even after hundreds or thousands of years, the painting still looks vivid and lifelike.

Besides, unlike grandiose and idealized tomb paintings, these murals appear fresh and simple. They depict real and rough details of daily life, such as slaughtering animals, cooking food, brewing wine, and farming crops, rather than celestial or mythical stories. Scholars believe that the purpose of these pictures is to provide the deceased with everything they would need in the afterlife, from food and drink to entertainment and physical labor. As you walk through the tomb, you can feel an intimate connection with the ordinary people who lived and died here more than sixteen centuries ago.

How to Get to the Wei-Jin Tombs

Reaching the Wei-Jin Tombs is straightforward. You can start your tour from downtown Jiayuguan.

Take a Taxi is the most convenient option. The ride takes about 20–30 minutes and costs approximately CNY 50–70 (negotiable). Your driver can wait while you explore and then return you to the city.

Travel Tips for Visiting Wei-Jin Tombs

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Explore the Cultural Beauty of Gansu Province with Easy Tour China

As part of your travel to Jiayuguan, The Wei-Jin Tombs is just one of the cultural treasures of the Jiayuguan city. You can combine your visit with the other sites like the Jiayuguan Pass, the stunning Overhanging Great Wall and the First Beacon Tower of the Great Wall. Just let Easy Tour China craft the perfect tour for you. Here are some recommended itineraries.