The Emperor Carriage Museum (周王城天子驾六博物馆), located in the heart of Luoyang, is a significant archaeological site discovered during the construction of the Eastern Zhou Royal City Square in 2003. It unveils large-scale tombs and carriage pits dating back to the Eastern Zhou period (over 2000 years ago). Among these discoveries, the most notable is the “Tianzi Jia Liu” (literally “The Emperor Drives Six”), referring to a carriage pulled by six horses. According to ancient Chinese rituals, only the “Son of Heaven” (the Emperor) was entitled to ride a carriage drawn by six horses, while lesser nobles rode in carriages drawn by five horses, and commoners were limited to one-horse carriages.
Although relatively small in scale, the Emperor Carriage Museum stands out as the only museum in China that exhibits artifacts in their original location. The museum is divided into two exhibition areas. Upon entering, visitors first explore the primary exhibition area, where they are introduced to the historical significance of Luoyang City as the capital of the Zhou Dynasty and can admire some bronze artifacts from the Eastern Zhou period. After touring the first exhibition area, visitors proceed westward through a short corridor to enter the second exhibition area, dedicated to the large carriage and horse pit of the Eastern Zhou period, which is the focal point of the museum.
Archaeologists have unearthed multiple Eastern Zhou tombs and carriage pits at this site, indicating the burial of an intact convoy used by Zhou royalty over two thousand years ago. Among the discoveries are several remnants of carriages and horse skeletons. The highlight is the trace of the “Tianzi Jia Liu” carriage found in Pit No. 5. As visitors approach the pit, they are greeted by the sight of the carriage once used by Zhou royalty. The carriage compartment is square-shaped, with clear traces of the carriage body, axles, wheels, and shafts. Positioned in front of the carriage and on both sides of the shaft are the complete skeletons of six horses. Additionally, numerous dog skeletons are found within the pit, possibly remnants of animals that attempted to escape when the pit was being filled. Some dog bones still lie atop the carriage, offering a vivid glimpse into the dramatic scenes of animal burial.
To preserve these invaluable artifacts, some of the excavated tombs remain unopened, while others have been refilled after excavation. The Emperor Carriage Museum stands not only as a testament to ancient Chinese rituals and customs but also as a poignant reminder of the grandeur and solemnity of the Eastern Zhou dynasty.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0379-63912399 0086-0379-63912366 |
Location and Transportation
The Emperor Carriage Museum is situated at the heart of the Eastern Zhou Royal City Square in Xigong District, Luoyang City, Henan Province. Its precise address is 226 Zhongzhou Middle Road. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 1, 4, 5, 36, 40, 48, 50, 52, 56, 77, 82, 98, 103, 201, or 206 and get off at Royal City Square Stop (王城广场站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Emperor Carriage Museum is Zhou Royal City Square (周王城广场) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit C or D, you will be standing right at the entrance to the museum.
