The Mausoleum of Han Emperor Guangwu (汉光武帝陵) is the burial site of Liu Xiu, the founding emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and his empress Yin Lihua. Located in Luoyang, Henan Province, it was constructed in the year 50 AD and comprises a divine path, a burial park, and a shrine. Situated with its southern side against Mangshan Mountain and its northern side facing the Yellow River, the grandeur of the mausoleum is evident from the majestic arch gate and the broad divine path lined with numerous stone carvings and tablets leading directly to the tomb. The burial park, rectangular in shape and covering an area of 66,000 square meters, houses the burial mound at its center, rising 17.83 meters high with a circumference of 487 meters.
One of the most remarkable features of the mausoleum is its extensive collection of ancient cypress trees, with 1,458 specimens still standing today, some of which date back to the Sui and Tang dynasties. Among them, 28 towering cypress trees are said to symbolize the “Twenty-Eight Generals of the Cloud Terrace,” who were renowned for their military achievements alongside Liu Xiu. The air within the mausoleum is filled with a unique fragrance emitted by the lush cypress trees, reminiscent of a fresh rain after a clear sky. This lingering fragrance, carried by the wind, can be sensed up to 10 kilometers away. Cypress trees of the Han Mausoleum are particularly unique, being one of the few species of evergreen trees in China. Renowned for their sturdy yet flexible wood, beautiful golden hue, and rich aroma, these cypress trees, also known as “Blood Cypress” due to their reddish hue, have been marvelled at for centuries.
Another extraordinary phenomenon associated with the Mausoleum of Han Emperor Guangwu is known as the “Morning Mist of the Han Mausoleum.” During the period around the Qingming Festival, when the weather is clear and calm, a violet haze resembling light smoke emerges within the burial park at dawn, drifting gently from west to east. This ethereal mist, rising and swirling among the branches of the ancient cypress trees, envelops the entire mausoleum, creating an enchanting scene reminiscent of a mystical realm.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 (1st May – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.00 (1st November – 30th April) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0379-67869474 |
Location and Transportation
The Mausoleum of Han Emperor Guangwu is situated in Tie Xie Village, Baihe Town, Mengjin County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus from Luoyang Bus Station to Baihe Town.
