What is the most important thing to see at the Nanyue King Museum?

The headline exhibit is King Zhao Mo's jade burial suit, sewn from 2,291 jade plates with silk thread — one of only three intact examples in China. Also seek out his royal seal, the only Han-era royal seal ever found by archaeologists, and the in-situ burial chamber you walk through where the king was discovered in 1983.

Do I need my passport to visit, and is there an English tour?

Bring your passport — booking and entry here require it, so carry the physical document, not a photo. The museum offers English-language tour support, which is worth using because the archaeology and Han-dynasty context add a lot. Entry is around ¥10 and the site closes on Mondays.

How long do I need at the Nanyue King Museum?

About 90 minutes covers it comfortably. The museum is compact, built directly over the 2,000-year-old tomb, so you move through seven preserved chambers rather than vast galleries. Pair it with Yuexiu Park, a ten-minute walk away, to fill out a half-day in this part of Yuexiu District.

Museum of the Nanyue King, Guangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

The intact 2,000-year-old tomb of Nanyue Kingdom’s second king, discovered in 1983 under a city hill. Includes the rarest jade burial suit in southern China.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 西汉南越王博物馆 (Xī Hàn Nányuè Wáng Bówùguǎn)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Tue-Sun 9am-5:30pm; closed Mondays
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking required · tickets & prices →
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 867 Jiefang North Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou · 越秀区解放北路867号

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Museum of the Nanyue King map & getting there

Map of Museum of the Nanyue King (西汉南越王博物馆) in Guangzhou — nearby streets and metro stations

Amap (in China)Open in Google Maps Apple Maps Interactive Guangzhou map →

Taxi / DiDi? Show the driver: 越秀区解放北路867号 · 867 Jiefang North Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou

When construction workers leveled Xianggang Hill in 1983 for an apartment block, they accidentally broke into the burial chamber of King Zhao Mo of Nanyue (137-122 BCE) — completely undisturbed for 2,000 years. The tomb is now preserved in situ underneath a purpose-built museum that walks you through the seven chambers as the archaeologists found them. The headline exhibit is the king’s jade burial suit (silk-thread-sewn, 2,291 jade pieces), one of only three intact in China. Other highlights: the silver casket of the ceremonial bronze incense burner, an early Han dynasty drinking-horn cup made of one piece of jade, and the king’s seal (the only Han royal seal ever found archaeologically). The museum itself is small enough to do in 90 minutes, but the level of preservation is world-class. ¥10 entry, closed Mondays. Combine with Yuexiu Park (10 min walk).

Highlights

King Zhao Mo’s Jade Burial Suit2,291 jade plates sewn with silk thread — one of three intact in China
Royal Seal (文帝行玺)Only Han-era royal seal ever discovered by archaeologists
Burial Chamber In SituWalk through the actual tomb where Zhao Mo was found
Silver Box with Persian inscriptionEvidence of 2nd-century BCE trade between Nanyue and Persia
Cantonese Drinking-Horn Jade CupCarved from a single piece of jade — a Western Han masterpiece

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

Bring your physical passport — entry and booking require it, and a phone photo is not accepted at the gate.
Closed Mondays, like most Chinese museums; build your Guangzhou route around Tuesday-to-Sunday opening to avoid a wasted trip.
Walk the in-situ tomb chambers slowly at the start before tour groups fill the narrow passages around the burial chamber.
It is only ten minutes on foot to Yuexiu Park, so chain the two and save a metro hop.
The jade burial suit is dimly lit for preservation — turn off your flash and steady your phone against the rail instead.
The museum is small and fully indoor with air-conditioning, making it an ideal midday stop during Guangzhou’s humid heat.

Photos

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Frequently asked questions about Museum of the Nanyue King

What is the most important thing to see at the Nanyue King Museum?: The headline exhibit is King Zhao Mo’s jade burial suit, sewn from 2,291 jade plates with silk thread — one of only three intact examples in China. Also seek out his royal seal, the only Han-era royal seal ever found by archaeologists, and the in-situ burial chamber you walk through where the king was discovered in 1983.
Do I need my passport to visit, and is there an English tour?: Bring your passport — booking and entry here require it, so carry the physical document, not a photo. The museum offers English-language tour support, which is worth using because the archaeology and Han-dynasty context add a lot. Entry is around ¥10 and the site closes on Mondays.
How long do I need at the Nanyue King Museum?: About 90 minutes covers it comfortably. The museum is compact, built directly over the 2,000-year-old tomb, so you move through seven preserved chambers rather than vast galleries. Pair it with Yuexiu Park, a ten-minute walk away, to fill out a half-day in this part of Yuexiu District.