Zhaojun Museum (昭君博物院), located in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, is a prominent cultural institution that commemorates the historical figure Wang Zhaojun, also known as Wang Qiang, and the ancient cultural exchanges between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu people. The museum comprises several facilities, including the tomb of Wang Zhaojun, a museum dedicated to Xiongnu history, and an exhibition space focusing on ancient marriage customs in China.
Wang Zhaojun, born in the late 1st century BC, was a renowned figure from the Han Dynasty. Originally a palace maid in the Han court, she was chosen to marry Huhanye Chanyu, the leader of the Xiongnu, to foster peace between the Han and Xiongnu tribes. In the year 33 BC, Huhanye traveled to Chang’an to pay tribute to the emperor, expressing his desire to marry a Han princess. Wang Zhaojun was selected, and her story of sacrifice and bravery, known as “Zhaojun Exiting the Frontier,” became legendary. Historical records, including the “Tong Dian” by Du You from the Tang Dynasty, provide accounts of her tomb, highlighting her significance in Chinese history.
The Zhaojun Tomb is situated about nine kilometers south of Hohhot, along the banks of the Dahei River. Constructed during the Western Han Dynasty, the tomb is notable for its unique structure, resembling an overturned basin, with a height of approximately 33 meters and a base area of around 13,000 square meters. As one of the largest Han tombs in China, it boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years. Upon entering the scenic area, visitors are greeted by a large bronze statue of Zhaojun, symbolizing her legacy. Walking further north, a towering stone tablet inscribed with the poem “Visiting Zhaojun’s Tomb” in both Mongolian and Chinese draws attention, alongside several stone tablets from various dynasties that line the area.
Visitors can ascend the steps to the top of the tomb, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of the Yinshan Mountains and the city of Hohhot. The museum also features the Xiongnu Cultural Museum, the first of its kind to comprehensively exhibit the history and culture of the Xiongnu people. The first floor is dedicated to the theme of “Exiting the Frontier,” while the second floor showcases Xiongnu historical artifacts and artistic displays, though the collection is not extensively large.
From April to October each year, the museum hosts large-scale performances of dance dramas in the Chanyu Grand Tent, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region. These performances occur twice daily, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, bringing the story of Wang Zhaojun to life through vibrant dance and theatrical presentations.
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
Ticket Price | Free |
Opening Hours | 9.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.30 Closed on Tuesday |
Telephone Number | 0086-0471-5150201 |
Location and Transportation
Zhaojun Museum is located in the Yuquan District of Hohhot, the capital city of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Specifically, it is situated about six kilometers south of Zhaojun Road. To get there, you can take bus 44, 107, 209, K3, or K8 and get off at Zhaojun Museum Stop (昭君博物院站).