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
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 867 Jiefang North Rd, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou · 越秀区解放北路867号

See Museum of the Nanyue Kingtickets & tours

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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

Man carefully restoring an antique Buddha statue indoors, focusing on details.

A detailed view of a golden statue in front of an ornate temple entrance in Guangzhou, China, showcasing traditional architecture.

Vibrant art decorates the rooftop of Guangzhou's historic Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

A beautiful traditional Chinese temple with intricate wooden carvings under a clear blue sky in Guangzhou, China.

An ancient stone gate surrounded by lush greenery in a peaceful forest setting in Guangzhou, China.

Tranquil park scene in Guangzhou featuring lush greenery, a stone bridge, and serene water reflections.

A serene aerial view of a traditional Chinese pagoda surrounded by lush greenery and water in Guangzhou Park.

Ornate dragon sculpture atop an ancient Chinese temple roof with red banners, under a clear blue sky.

Intricate wall art depicting historical scenes in Guangzhou, China.

A person views ancient sculptures in a Toronto museum exhibit.

Close-up of traditional Buddhist ritual objects placed on a decorative fabric. Perfect for spirituality and cultural concepts.

Beautiful traditional pavilion and intricately carved columns in a lush Guangzhou park setting.

A woman engaging with historical artifacts in a museum exhibit setting, reflecting on culture.

The main entrance of Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Anthony G.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Walking through an intact 2,000-year-old royal tomb is something else. The jade burial suit alone is worth the ¥10 ticket.

2026-04-04

考古爱好者·Xiaohongshu·5/5

南越王墓是中国最完整出土的汉代王陵之一，文帝行玺超震撼。讲解器一定要租。

2026-03-15

Aaron P.·Google Maps·5/5

Small museum but world-class artifacts. The silver Persian-inscribed box shows just how connected 2nd-century BCE Guangzhou was.

2026-04-25

Karen B.·TripAdvisor·4/5

1.5 hours is enough. English audio guide is excellent — worth the small rental fee.

2026-02-03

HistoryGeek·YouTube·5/5

Filmed an entire video here. The in-situ tomb chambers preserved exactly as found in 1983 — unique experience in China.

2026-01-29

Watch creators visit Museum of the Nanyue King

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

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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.