Zhaojun's Tomb

    Zhaojun's Tomb is located at the 9 kilometers section from the southern suburbs of Hohhot. With an area of nearly 100 mu, it is thought to be the mausoleum of Wang Zhaojun (Wang Qiang) of the Western Han Dynasty. It is now a key protected of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
    Zhaojun's Tomb is a mound built by ramming, with a height of 33 meters. Looked at from long distance, it is in dark green, hence “Green Tomb” is its another name. It is reputed as one of the eight attractions in Hohehot. In addition to kiosks in front of the tomb and above the tomb, you can also see bronze statues of Wang Zhaojun and Huhanye Chanyu abreast riding on horses in front of the tomb.
    Wang Zhaojun, whose firstname was Qiang, was one of the four beauties in ancient China. Her hometown was Zigui, Nanjun County in the Western Han Dynasty, whose name is Xingshan County, Hubei Province now. In 33 B.C., the chief of Xiongnu Chanyu met Han Dynasty Emperor Yuan, and said he was “willing to marry the Han people”. Wang Zhaojun then asked to go to the frontier areas and serve as an ambassador for peace. She was conferred with the title of “Ninggu'eshi”. Her marriage with a minority nationality ruler at border area was a symbol of national unity.
    Assuming the shape of an overturned cape, the tomb was built with earth. It is 33 meters high, covering an area of 13,000 square meters. The cemetery centers on the grave. There is a path, decorated archway, stone carving and bronze statue in front of the grave. Of which, the 4-metre-high large bronze statue weighing 5 tons showing Chanyu and Wang Zhaojun riding side by side on horseback is very vivid and splendid. There's a 100-meter stele corridor, in which a great number of inscriptions related to Zhaojun's Tomb since the Qing Dynasty are displayed.
    Legeng has it that: Wang Zhaojun's Tomb changes three times within on day, “like peak in the morning, bell at noon and zong at twilight”, enhancing mysterious atmosphere of this lonely grave at border area.

Publishes at : 07-07-27 22:10

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