Located in the eastern suburb of Changsha City, the world famous Mawangdui Han Tombs is one of the most fascinating attractions in Hunan Province. It is no exaggeration to say that the Mawangdui Han Tombs is an open book to the glorious West Han Dynasty (206BC-24). All three tombs were excavated between 1972 and 1974. According to the research this place was a family graveyard from at least two thousand years ago. The tombs are very grand and complicated as well. Number 1 and Number 3 tombs were in excellent condition when excavated and Number 1 tomb is the largest among the three. Number 1 and Number 2 tombs have been in filled. Number 3 tomb has been preserved and covered by a ceiling for the benefit of the visitors.
Tomb No. 1
The eastern tomb, Tomb no. 1, contained the remains of a woman in her fifties, the first Marquis of Dai s wife. Her mummified body was so well-preserved that researchers were able to perform an autopsy on her body, which showed that she probably died of a heart attack. Researchers also found honeydew melon seeds in her stomach, inferring consumption right before death. She outlived the occupants of the other two tombs. Her real name was Xinzhui. Xinzhui's tomb was the best preserved tomb in the three tombs in Han tombs. A complete cosmetic set, lacquered pieces and finely woven silk garments with paintings are almost perfectly preserved. Her coffins were painted according to Han customs and beliefs with whirling clouds interwoven with mystical animals and dragons. There was also a silk painting showing a variety of exercises researchers call the forerunner of Tai Chi.
Tomb No. 2
No 2 tomb is of Marquis Quan Li Cang, the administrator of Changsha in the beginning of Han Dynasty. A map unearthed from Number 2 tomb is amazing for its advanced drawing technique and its place marks very similar to a modern map. It was praised as "a striking discovery" by foreigners when exhibited in America, Japan, Poland and many other countries.
Tomb No. 3
Tomb no. 3 was directly south of Tomb no. 1, and contained the tomb of a man in his thirties who died in 168 BC. The occupant is believed to be the son of Li Cang and Xinzhui. This tomb contained a rich trove of military, medical, and astronomical manuscripts written on silk.
The drawing technique of a map excavated from the second tomb was very advanced; place markings are very similar to a modern map. It was praised as "a striking discovery" by people when it exhibited in America, Japan, Poland and other countries. Silk books are the rare historical artifacts. The content deals with ancient philosophy, history, science, technology, medicine etc.
The excavation of No. 1 tomb at Mawangdui is not only considered as a wonder in Chinese archeology, but also having a profound effect world archeological history. The reason is that the corpse of this tomb's owner----a noble lady and other articles buried with the dead were extremely well-preserved for more than 2,000 years especially the corpse.