Embarking on a Mysterious Journey:
An Exploration of China’s Ancient Pyramids
12th Oct 2023
For many, the pyramids of Egypt take the centre stage when discussing these ancient and mystic structures. However, my journey has led me to uncover the mysteries buried within the enigmatic pyramids of China, specifically situated in the Guanzhong Plain and areas surrounding the dynamic city of Xi’an. My curiosity was ignited when an article introduced me to these pyramidal structures dotting the Chinese landscape, prompting a virtual exploration via Google Earth. Cataloguing 36 such structures, with tales of many more concealed across the sprawling plains, my ambition to visit these architectural marvels intensified, eventually materializing in 2023 during China’s national holiday.
Even after vigilantly standing guard for more than two millennia, the once splendid exteriors of these Chinese pyramids have been eroded by the natural forces of the earth. Often cloaked beneath the guise of woody hilltops, they still reveal their true, pyramidal form only when beheld from above. Functioning primarily as mausoleums or tombs, these structures illuminate a significant part of China’s rich historical tapestry, silently narrating tales of emperors and dynasties long gone.
The Maoling Mausoleum, renowned for being the largest pyramid in China, is situated approximately 40 km from Xi’an city. Towering at 46.5 meters and having its longest side stretch to 240 meters, it stands as a silent testament to Emperor Wu Di (Liu Che) of the Han Dynasty, who ruled for a striking 54 years. Construction of this enormous tomb spanned over five decades, starting in the second year of Wu Di’s reign, embodying both architectural prowess and the socio-political environment of the era. Notably, even after millennia, remnants of the construction materials linger in the surrounding rural areas, providing a tangible link to the past. Archaeological findings since 1949 have unveiled engraved bricks, tiles, pottery, and intricately designed figurines, each adding a puzzle piece to understanding the bygone Han Dynasty.
The Maoling Museum, nestled near the mausoleum, curates a rich tapestry of historical artifacts that peek into the life and times of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty. The museum is an integral element that accompanies the grandeur of the Maoling Mausoleum, providing visitors with a vibrant backdrop of the historical, cultural, and social setting during Emperor Wu’s reign.
Artifacts range from intricately carved stones, exquisite pottery, and detailed bronze ware to lifelike terracotta figurines, each narrating a unique story from the era. Visiting the museum enables one to traverse time and witness the sublime craftsmanship, technological advancement, and aesthetic prowess of the artisans from over two millennia ago.
Original Chinese and translations for the artifacts excavated from the Maoling Mausoleum hang on display.
作为一国之主的皇帝，在世享尽人间富贵，入土也要繁华似锦，前呼后拥，惟我独尊。据勘探，在茂陵地下宫殿里，陪葬着若干个人像、动物、神兽等陶俑，永远侍奉主人的阴间起居生活，昭示墓主人的等级身份。
“Emperors, as the dynasty top, enjoyed extreme wealth and luxury when alive and hoped for luxurious treatment when buried after death. As was revealed by prospecting the crypt of the Maoling Mausoleum, quite a few pottery wares resembling figures, animals and auspicious beasts were buried in company of the tomb occupant to symbolize permanent service for the dead in the nether world and the deserved rank to the dead.”
在历代王朝中，汉代可谓典型的“田园牧歌”时代，以农为本，安居乐业，社会一派欣欣向荣。在茂陵陵园内出土的文物中，生活用品占着主体。实用葬器、陪葬明器中，全面反映了当时社会的生活状态。无论是皇家贵族的钟鸣鼎食，还是平民百姓的锅碗瓢盆，均不厌其烦地复原于地下的阴界生活中。平实而注重现实生存的汉代人，似乎少了些许夸张的浪漫，永远脚踏实地看重生活的一点一滴，一步一印。
“The Han Dynasty was typically an agriculture-based “pastoralism” age, in which people lived well-off life in peace by farming and the society kept thriving. Among the relics unearthed from the Maoling Mausoleum, utensils for life use occupy the majority. Both burial objects of practical use and burial articles reflected state of social life then. Whether they belonged to extravagant life enjoyed by imperial aristocrats or referred to pots and pans used by ordinary civilians, they were all restored in the nether world. People of Han nationality attached to the realistic existence rather than exaggerated romance as if they forever lived down-to-earth life.”
汉代铜器是我国传统工艺里的一朵光彩夺目的奇葩，其式样丰富多彩，艺术风格繁复多变。一般有两种类型，一类为实用器.仅在器身饰以弦纹或铺首纹：一类则比较华贵，并施以鎏金，或饰以错金银”往往将多种工艺手法饰于一器。
“Bronze wares in the Han Dynasty were unusually brilliant in traditional technology of China, rich in variety and multiple in artistic style. They generally divided themselves into two sorts. One practical sort was adorned by mere application of curve pattern or animal head pattern, the gorgeous sort was adorned by application of gilt gold or inlaid gold-silver.”
In addition to the antiques which the museum watches over. The grounds hold further discoveries which are just as spectacular as the mausoleum itself. Numerous large stone carvings of horses, tigers, frogs, and other intricately carved animals rest beneath a sheltered pathway that surrounds the museum grounds.
Throughout the 20th century, a series of accounts pointing towards the existence of a colossal White Pyramid, hidden within China’s landscapes, have stirred both intrigue and speculation among historians and explorers alike. From American pilot James Gaussman during World War II to travelers Fred Meyer Schroder and Oscar Maman in 1912, many claimed to have witnessed this imposing structure, which, with its purported giant crystal capstone, stood in stark contrast to the natural scenery.
Conclusions have leaned towards identifying the Maoling Mausoleum as the probable giant White Pyramid due to its proximity to the reported coordinates and its dominating presence in the area. It is plausible that these individuals beheld the mausoleum before the advent of tree plantations on its surface, obscuring its once visible pyramidal form.
In September of 2023, I had the unique opportunity to travel to the Maoling Mausoleum and two other pyramids, including The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor. The latter spans across a large territory, silently holding within it, tales of a bygone era, marked by power, conquest, and unparalleled ingenuity in the art of burial. This mausoleum, acclaimed globally, not merely as a spectacle but as an archaeological wonder, beholds the final resting place of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
The mausoleum, encompasses an expansive 56 square kilometres, is meticulously planned. The emperor’s burial chamber, still unexcavated, sits underneath a 76-meter-tall tomb, constituting a mound that gracefully meshes with the natural undulating topography of the region. The tomb, with its forethought and design, forms a microcosm of the emperor’s palace and is believed to be laced with rivers of mercury, replicating the prominent water bodies of China.
While the mausoleum is second in size, is equally enveloped in historical and cultural significance, being home to the famed Terracotta Warriors. Encased within a hillside and embellished with lush gardens and intentionally planted trees (dating back to 2000), this site also echoes with tales of China’s imperial past. The vegetation that now shrouds this monument can be seen gradually expanding across its surface since the earliest Google Earth image from 2003.
Calculating an accurate volume for the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is challenging due to the unexcavated nature and unknown internal structures. The Chinese government and archaeological teams have been very cautious about proceeding with any excavation to ensure the preservation of historical artifacts and respect for the burial site.
The third pyramid visited, albeit smaller and lesser known, provided a raw and untouched experience. The Changling Mausoleum, tucked away in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, stands as a testament to the influential and captivating life of Empress Lü Zhi. As the first empress of the Han Dynasty, Lü Zhi’s reign was defined not just by her political acumen but also her undying commitment to preserving her family’s lineage on the throne. Her burial at the Changling Mausoleum offers us a window into the reverence she commanded. While the exact dimensions of her mausoleum remain a mystery to the modern world, the significance of the site, embedded with intricate tales of the past, is undeniable.
Empress Lü Zhi wasn’t just a standalone figure of power; she was the wife of Emperor Gaozu, the founder of the Han Dynasty. His life, marked by strategic alliances, bold decisions, and the establishment of a dynasty that would echo through millennia, is of paramount significance. The emperor and empress were buried together in the so-called “same tomb but different tombs” that is, they were buried in the same area. This stands as a historical monument, with both mausoleums offering captivating narratives about China’s rich past and the legacies of its powerful rulers. As explorers and historians continue to piece together the puzzles of history, these sites beckon with tales yet untold.
China’s approach to the preservation of its ancient mausoleums is deeply rooted in a blend of reverence for its ancestors, respect for cultural heritage, and strategic foresight. While many countries opt for excavation to unveil historical treasures, China often refrains from digging into its ancient burial sites. One primary reason for this restraint is the cultural and spiritual significance of these sites. Disturbing the resting places of the ancestors is seen as a breach of respect, especially when the possibility of damaging invaluable artifacts exists. Moreover, modern excavation techniques, though advanced, still pose risks to delicate relics. The exposure to contemporary environmental conditions could accelerate the deterioration of artifacts that have remained pristine for millennia. China also recognizes that future technological advancements might offer safer and more precise excavation methods. By opting to wait, they ensure that when the time is right, the treasures within these mausoleums can be unearthed with minimal risk, allowing generations to come a more intact glimpse into China’s illustrious past.
With the ever-smiling Zhang Shi Fu at the wheel, my exploration across the vast Guanzhong Plain became an unforgettable adventure. As my driver and guide, whisked me away to the monumental Maoling Mausoleum, followed by the awe-inspiring Mausoleum of the first Qin Emperor and the regal resting place of Empress Lü Zhi, nestled within The Changling Mausoleum next to that of her husband. A unique twist to our escapade was our language barrier. Zhang Shi Fu didn’t understand a word of English, and my Chinese was elementary at best. Yet, with a mixture of hand gestures, nods, and broken phrases, we managed to converse, transforming every interaction into a game of charades that left us laughing.
The day wasn’t just about ancient tombs and pyramids. Zhang Shi Fu introduced me to a local delicacy that has been warming the hearts of Xi’an locals for over two millennia. In a quaint town tucked away from the touristy hustle, we relished a steaming bowl of Lamb and Pitabread soup, a dish native to Xi’an. The savory broth coupled with the soft pitabread was nothing short of divine. As the day neared its end, it became evident that Zhang Shi Fu and I shared more than just a day trip; we had built a bond of friendship, stitched together by laughter, mutual respect, and the shared joy of discovery. Standing at the foot of these monumental structures, was a surreal experience. It also sparked further curiosity and has fuelled a desire to explore the many more pyramids, each potentially holding secrets and stories yet to be unfolded. Thus, the journey through China’s pyramidal landscapes remains far from over, as the plains continue to whisper untold stories, waiting to be discovered by those keen to listen.
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