Women Opening Doors and Exploring Song-Jin Tombs

📍Shanxi · Yuncheng · Jishan The unknown always holds a certain allure, beckoning us to explore. Now, we'll transform into tomb raiders and delve into the only open Song-Jin Dynasty tombs in the country. 💫Stunning Brick Carvings: Deep beneath the magical loess of Macun Village in Jishan County lies this exquisite underground palace. The tomb complex consists of 14 tombs, of which 9 have been excavated and 4 are open to the public. 💫Stepping into these tombs feels like entering a beautifully crafted courtyard house, except that all the Dougong brackets, houses, flowers, plants, and figures are rendered in brick carvings. Each tomb is a self-contained, imitation wooden-structured, brick-carved courtyard. The top of each tomb features a square, inverted-dou-shaped roof, while the surrounding walls are adorned with single or double-eaved pavilions and palace-style structures. The four walls are built on Xumizuo bases, and at the very bottom lies a kang-like burial bed. There are no coffins in the tombs; the bodies were buried directly, making the tomb itself a coffin. Few burial objects were unearthed, contrasting sharply with the intricate and ornate brick carvings. This suggests the tomb owners' desire to preserve their world in the afterlife. 💫Who created this intricate underground world? A small brick inscription on the wall of Tomb No. 7 provides the answer, revealing the identity of the tomb occupants. The inscription, "Duan Ji's Pre-Prepared Tomb Record," indicates that the tomb was gradually constructed from the late Northern Song Dynasty to the 21st year of Dading in the Jin Dynasty (1181). Tomb No. 2 is the oldest, belonging to Duan Yongcheng. The Duan family's ancestor, Duan Xian, was a renowned local physician who amassed wealth through his practice. 🎯Tomb No. 1: Famous for its "Woman Opening the Door" depiction. A woman with a left-side bun, dressed in Song Dynasty maid attire, stands behind a vermillion gate, peeking out cautiously. This image symbolizes various meanings, including vast family wealth, a guide for the deceased, and the hope of reincarnation. 🎯Tomb No. 2: Known for its "Hosting a Banquet" scene. The male and female tomb occupants sit facing each other across a tea table, hands clasped within their sleeves, attended by male and female servants. The table displays teacups, a teapot, and a fruit platter. This banquet style was prevalent during the Song-Jin period. 🎯Tomb No. 8: The most complete and luxurious tomb in the complex, featuring two enclosed walkways and the earliest example of a pavilion-style courtyard house. 💫Behind this grand tomb lies the strong financial backing of the Duan family, a wealthy family known for their medicinal cuisine. The numerous theatrical scenes depicted within the tomb reveal the family's love and admiration for drama, offering valuable insights into the theatrical arts of the Song-Jin period. 🚗 Transportation: Driving or hiring a car is recommended. (After visiting the Macun Brick Carvings, you can visit the murals at Qinglong Temple next door. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations during our visit.) 🎫 Tickets: 20 yuan (purchased at the entrance) ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, Summer (8:30 am–5:30 pm) / Winter (8:30 am–5:00 pm) ✅As these are ancient tombs, the underground environment is cool and damp. Those with frail health are advised against visiting. If you're curious but apprehensive, consider bringing some protective charms.