[2025 Anyang County Attraction] Travel Guide for Cao Cao Gaoling Mausoleum Museum (Updated Apr)

[A must-see for fans of the Three Kingdoms] An in-depth guide to Cao Cao's Gaoling in Anyang: revealing the ultimate fate of a generation of heroes "An old horse in the stable still has a thousand miles to go" - standing in front of Cao Cao's Gaoling Ruins Museum in Anyang, this famous saying through the ages suddenly took on a concrete and shocking meaning. As a newly opened heavyweight relic museum in 2023, it not only solves the eternal mystery of the "Seventy-two Suspicious Tombs", but also allows visitors to travel back in time 1,800 years through high-tech means to face the turbulent Three Kingdoms era. This guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of this imperial mausoleum, which is full of controversy and legend, and reveal the historical truth that even "Grave Robbers' Chronicles" did not fully write about. 🚗 Transportation Guide • Coordinates: Xigaoxue Village, Anfeng Township, Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province • Self-driving: about 2.5 hours from Zhengzhou via Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, parking lot 10 yuan/time ⏰ Opening hours Peak season (April-October) 8:30-17:30｜Off-season (November-March) 9:00-17:00 ※ Closed on Mondays (except statutory holidays) 💵 Ticket Policy Full ticket: NT$50｜Students/over 60 years old: half price｜People under 1.2m: free 📸 Must-see highlights (with photography tips) 1️⃣ Museum exterior (Figure 1) • Hidden meaning of the building: The overall layout is in the shape of a Chinese character “中”, which is a metaphor for Cao Cao’s special status of “holding the emperor hostage to control the princes” • Best shooting spot: The stone steps at the southeast corner of the square. A wide-angle lens can capture the building and the sky. 2️⃣ Entrance to the tomb (Figure 2) • World-class protection technology: constant temperature and humidity system maintains 25℃/55% humidity • Shocking details: The stone inscription "The Tiger-killing Halberd Often Used by King Wu of Wei" above the tomb door is a replica • Taboo: Do ​​not touch the tomb wall (it will accelerate oxidation), it is recommended to bring a micro single camera (flash disabled) 3️⃣ Six treasures of the museum Fragments of a golden nanmu coffin (with mysterious cinnabar runes) Inscribed stone tablet (key evidence to confirm the identity of the tomb owner) Jadeite beads (probably tribute from the Western Regions) "King Wu of Wei" bronze seal (a 1:1 replica will be available on site) #Mainland Travel

Based on your request, here is a travel guide for the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum: 1. Basic Information • Address: The Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum is located in Xigaoxue Village, Anfeng Township, Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province. • Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Last entry is at 5 pm. • Ticket Price: Adult tickets are CNY 50 per person. Discounted tickets are available for certain groups, including minors aged 13–18, full-time students in undergraduate programs or below (half price); national model workers and heroes, active military personnel, police officers, firefighters, children under 1.4 meters tall or under 12 years old, seniors over 60 years old, and people with disabilities (free entry with relevant ID). Visitors who can recite Cao Cao's poems accurately and in full can also enter for free. 2. Reservations and Ticket Purchase • Reservations: To ensure a good visitor experience, the museum limits daily visitor numbers to 8,000. Visitors must make a reservation in advance via the official website, WeChat account, or app of the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum. • Ticket Purchase: • Follow the official WeChat account of the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum and click "Online Ticket Purchase" in the menu bar to purchase tickets. • Search for the official WeChat mini program of the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum to purchase tickets. Visitors with a successful reservation can enter the museum by scanning their ID card or order QR code at the entrance. 3. Transportation Guide • Bus Route: Anyang Bus Group has opened a special bus route 58 to the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum. The route runs from Anyang High-speed Railway Station to the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum, passing through several major roads and 38 bus stops. • First and Last Bus: The first bus departs at 7 am, and the last bus departs from the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum at 5:30 pm. 4. Visitor Experience • Exhibition Features: The basic exhibition of the site has three features: site display, tomb structure display, and the memorial hall Weiwu Hall. • Photos: The museum has a unique architectural style and is very suitable for taking photos. Remember to bring your camera or phone to capture the moment. 5. Food Recommendations • Nearby Food: There are many restaurants and snack bars nearby where you can try local specialties. 6. Other Tips • Guide Service: The museum provides human guides and mechanical audio guides. • Parking: The museum provides free parking. We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum. Have a great trip!

| Follow in the footsteps of Cao Cao. 😎 Today, I'm taking you to the Gaoling Tomb of Cao Cao in Anyang, Henan, to uncover the mysterious history of the place. 👀 📍 The Gaoling Tomb is located in Xigaoxue Village, Anfeng Township, Yindu District, Anyang, Henan. This is the tomb of Cao Cao, a famous politician, military strategist, and writer in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. 🕵️‍♂️ Cao Cao, a legendary figure of the Three Kingdoms period, has been celebrated for his stories, and his tomb is shrouded in mystery. 😜 ✨ As you enter the Gaoling Tomb, the first thing you see is the magnificent giant sculpture of Wei Wu brandishing a whip, which seems to let you feel the great talent and domineering style of Cao Cao. 🗡️ The architecture here is unique, with black and red two-out que, six states (platforms) gathering, and the sun (que) and moon (que) shining on each other, solemn and mysterious. 🎁 The exhibition in the Gaoling Tomb Museum is also amazing. 😍 There are 488 (sets) of cultural relics on display, with 2 large scenes and 11 multimedia displays. Through these cultural relics and scene displays, we can learn about the discovery and excavation process of the Gaoling Tomb, feel the great achievements of Cao Cao, and the magnificent history of the Han and Wei dynasties. 📜 💀 The structure of the tomb chamber is complex and large in scale. It consists of a tomb passage, a tomb gate, a sealing wall, a fu passage, front and rear main chambers, and four side chambers. Looking at these ancient tomb structures, it seems as if you can travel through time and see the scenes of a thousand years ago. 🕰️ There is also a 1:1 replica of the simulated tomb chamber, which allows us to feel the scale and size of the tomb more realistically. 🌟 The discovery of the Gaoling Tomb in Anyang is of great historical significance. It not only provides important physical materials for the study of the evolution of the Chinese tomb system in the Han and Wei dynasties, but also allows us to gain a deeper understanding of Cao Cao as a historical figure. This place is like a bridge connecting the past and the future, allowing us to touch history up close and feel the charm of history. 💕 🙌 If you are also a history lover, then the Gaoling Tomb in Anyang is definitely a place you can't miss. 😉 Come here and explore the historical footprints of Cao Cao together! 💪

✔️In Anyang, I heard that there was Cao Cao's tomb, called Cao Cao Gaoling, also known as Anyang Gaoling, so I drove there. Because it is located in the south of Xigaoxue Village, Anfeng Township, Yindu District, Anyang City, it takes about 40 minutes by taxi from the city. ✔️There are two explanations for why Cao Cao's tomb is called "Gaoling". One is that it is related to the topography of the tomb. The other is that it follows the tradition of naming imperial tombs in the Eastern Han Dynasty, which has a commendatory meaning and is consistent with the naming habits of imperial tombs in the Eastern Han Dynasty. ✔️During his lifetime, Cao Cao formulated the "Final Order" and proposed the idea of ​​"simple burial". The important feature of this system is "no burial mound and no tombstones", that is, there is no burial mound on the surface, no monuments are erected in front of the tomb, and no gold, silver, pearls or jade are buried with the tomb. The burial objects are mainly pottery objects. After the excavation of Gaoling in Anyang, it was confirmed that the area around the tomb was a barren land. There was no burial mound or tombstone on the surface, and most of the exhibits were pottery, which was simple and crude. ✔️It is recorded that in the 23rd year of Jian'an (218 AD), Cao Cao selected the west plain of Ximen Bao Temple as the location of his tomb because "in ancient times, burials must be located in barren lands" and "the tombs are built on high ground" and the area is wide enough to "build a wide area". The main building of the Gaoling project seemed to be completed at the end of the 24th year of Jian'an. On the 23rd day of the first lunar month in the 25th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao died in Luoyang and was buried in Gaoling in Yexi on the 21st day of the second lunar month. According to records, in addition to Cao Cao, his wife Bian was also buried in Gaoling. ✔️In the third year of Huangchu (222 AD), Cao Pi dismantled all the ground facilities of Cao Cao's Gaoling, and since then the location of Gaoling has gradually become unknown. After the Song Dynasty, due to years of war in the north and the lack of markers such as tombstones and stone statues in the mausoleum, although Cao Cao's burial place was mentioned in the literature, there were obvious signs of mutual copying, and various conjectures and supernatural stories circulated, such as the "Seventy-two Suspicious Tombs" theory. Official history records that Cao Cao was buried in Gaoling, but its location remains a mystery. ✔️The discovery and excavation of Cao Cao's Gaoling was in 1998. Villagers in Xigaoxue Village, Anyang, discovered the tombstone of Lu Qian, the Minister of the Imperial Household and the Imperial Concubine of the Later Zhao Dynasty. It was recorded on it that the tomb was "forty-three steps west of the northwest corner of the former tomb of Emperor Wu of Wei". This discovery opened the prelude to the discovery of Gaoling in Anyang. In 2008, after preliminary drilling and expert investigation, it was identified as a large tomb from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. In November 2008, the Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology officially launched a rescue archaeological excavation of the Xigaoxue Tomb in Anyang. During this period, archaeologists unearthed 8 stone tablets with inscriptions such as "Always used by King Wu of Wei" from the tomb. These important evidences directly indicated the identity of the tomb owner. After repeated discussions, it was finally confirmed that the Eastern Han Dynasty Tomb of Xigaoxue was the Gaoling where Cao Cao was buried. ✔️The existing area of ​​the entire Gaoling Cemetery is about 12,500 square meters, and the distribution area of ​​related relics is more than 50,000 square meters. It consists of Tomb No. 1 and No. 2 (Cao Cao's Tomb), inner and outer rammed earth foundation trenches, the sacred way, and the eastern part. Cao Cao's tomb consists of a tomb passage, brick retaining wall, tomb door, door-sealing wall, corridor, tomb chamber, side chamber, etc., covering an area of ​​740 square meters. ✔️On April 27, 2023, the Gaoling Ruins Museum, built on the original site of Gaoling, began to open to the public for a long time. Cao Cao Gaoling Site Museum

📍 First stop: Cao Cao Mausoleum 🎯 The Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum opened in May 23 and is still a relatively unpopular attraction with few tourists. Recite two of Boss Cao's poems and you can get free admission🆓. We chose to recite "Viewing the Vast Sea" and "Turtles Live Long", and we easily got our free tickets✅ 🎯 The Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum is located in Xigaoxue Village, Yindu District, Anyang, Henan, 15km east of the ruins of Ye City. It is a site-themed museum built on the basis of Cao Cao's mausoleum. 🎯 Cao Cao is a famous politician, military strategist, and writer in Chinese history. He is the founder of the Cao Wei regime and the promoter of Jian'an literature. 🎯 Anyang Cao Cao Mausoleum is Cao Cao's mausoleum, which was confirmed by archaeology in December 2009. The discovery and excavation of Anyang Cao Cao Mausoleum established an accurate chronological standard for Han and Wei archaeological research and provided valuable physical materials for exploring Han and Wei history. 🎯 The architecture of the Cao Cao Mausoleum Museum was designed by the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University. The color is based on the main color of black and red in the Three Kingdoms period. The appearance draws on the characteristics of the deep eaves of Han architecture, creating a majestic and magnificent architectural image.

Cao Cao Gaoling Site Museum - All along, Cao Cao has been portrayed as a 'white-faced traitor' in literary works and folklore. However, after visiting Cao Cao Gaoling, I have a whole new understanding of him. Cao Cao was not only an outstanding politician and military strategist but also a talented literary figure. His poetry is bold and unrestrained, showcasing a broad mind and grand ambitions. In that era of turmoil and conflict, he was able to unify the north and establish immortal achievements, his abilities and wisdom are not to be underestimated. The existence of Gaoling allows me to see a more real Cao Cao, who had his own ideals and pursuits, as well as human weaknesses and helplessness. He is no longer a stereotyped character but a flesh-and-blood, charming historical figure. I feel very honored to have the opportunity to visit Gaoling. Cao Cao Gaoling Site Museum is located in Xigaoxue Village, Anfeng Township, Yindu District, Anyang City, Henan Province. - Opening hours: 08:30-18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:00), closed on Mondays (except public holidays). - Ticket information: - Ticket price is 50 yuan per person. - Discounted tickets are available for certain groups, including half-price for minors aged 13 to 18, full-time undergraduate and below students; free admission for national model workers, heroes, active military personnel, police officers, firefighters, children under 1.4 meters or under 12 years old, seniors over 60 years old, and disabled persons with relevant certificates. - Visitors who can recite Cao Cao's poetry accurately and completely can enter for free. - Visiting time: 1-3 hours. - Transportation guide: - Self-driving: The museum has a parking lot for convenient parking. - Public transportation: Take bus line 58 Cao Cao Gaoling Tourist Line to reach. - Featured highlights: - Site exhibition area: The exhibition area covers about 18,000 square meters, with more than 400 exquisite cultural relics on display. - Museum exhibition area: Displays Cao Cao's life deeds and historical background through cultural relics, pictures, multimedia, and other forms.

Cao Cao Mausoleum Site Museum: Leading you into a historically accurate journey of Cao Cao. Located in Xigao Xue Village, Yindu District, Anyang City, the Cao Cao Mausoleum Site Museum is only 15 kilometers away from the ancient site of Ye City. As a professional museum focused on site exhibitions, it is meticulously divided into the Site Exhibition Area, the Main Museum Display Area, and the Accompanying Tomb Display Area. The Site Exhibition Area of the museum covers an area of over 18,000 square meters, vast and boundless, encompassing the remains of the sacred path, the architectural remains in front of the tomb, the moat defense facilities, the city wall remains, the southern building complex, Cao Cao's main tomb, and the accompanying tomb numbered 7, collectively constructing a grand historical picture. As for the Accompanying Tomb Display Area, it cleverly reveals the existence of four accompanying tombs around the mausoleum through ground markings, sparking endless imagination. From the moment you step into the museum, the "Double Towers" lead your sight through the grandeur of the "Six States Platform," then to the central square's giant sculpture symbolizing the "Mighty Spirit of Wei" - "Wei Wu Waving the Whip," until the main building of the museum comes into view. The entire architectural complex is grand and imposing, providing a strong visual impact and spiritual shock. The museum houses over 2,400 exquisite cultural relics, closely aligned with the core concept of the museum. The historical depth, cultural heritage, and artistic beauty they contain have reached a very high standard. Notably, the four first-class cultural relics, including the "Neck Pillow Used Daily by King Wei Wu," the "Tiger Hunting Halberd Inscription Used Daily by King Wei Wu," the "Short Spear Inscription Used Daily by King Wei Wu," and the bronze seal, not only witness Cao Cao's extraordinary identity but also the twelve pottery tripods symbolizing the specifications of the emperor, further confirming his historical status. Meanwhile, the displayed burial items such as pottery, bronze, and iron artifacts deeply reflect Cao Cao's advocated concept of simple burial. Through the carefully designed four major exhibition areas: "Governing the Country and Pacifying the People," "Conquering the Four Directions," "Jian'an Literary Style," and "Power Over the Court," visitors can deeply experience Cao Cao's grand ambition of "unifying the country" and his heroic sentiment of "reciting poems in the wind," as if traveling through time and space, having a spiritual dialogue with this historical giant.

The Gaoling in Anyang is located in a village within Anyang County. After eight years of verification, it has been identified as the tomb of Cao Cao, and is listed as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries. The exact location of Cao Cao's mausoleum has been a mystery that persisted for a thousand years. The cunning and suspicious warlord set up seventy-two decoy tombs to ensure a peaceful eternal rest, making it a secret burial noted in historical records. The academic world has also debated over this for many years, but now the dust has settled. The Gaoling site museum, which was only opened last year, is vast in size. The dominant black and red color scheme of the Three Kingdoms era exudes a powerful and imposing atmosphere. The exhibition area simulates and restores the main body of the tomb, the spirit road, architectural foundations, encircling moats, and accompanying tombs, allowing visitors to walk inside. Looking at the burial objects excavated and displayed in the museum, compared to other emperors, Cao Cao's collection seems rather modest, almost embarrassingly so. This is partly because the tomb was heavily looted, and partly because Cao Cao was known to live a frugal life and advocated for simple burials, so there are no dazzling treasures to be found. Who would have thought that even after the death of such a formidable warlord, his legacy would still be outwitted by thieves.

📝Henan part55📝 📷📷📷📷 The artifacts unearthed from the Gaoling tomb of Cao Cao are so simple that they make one's jaw drop; there's really not a single piece of gold, silver, or jewelry, only some pottery and weapons. The modest burial would probably only leave tomb robbers feeling frustrated enough to smash things around. This might also explain why most of the pottery here is also broken 😂. Of course, it's also possible that anything valuable was thoroughly looted, but to have looted to such an extent seems quite difficult.

Highly recommended for Three Kingdoms and history scholars to visit. Here you can learn about Cao Cao's life, mainly to understand the opposite side of King Wei in the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. From changing taxes, to farming, to the nine-rank system, to employing people regardless of their character, to refusing rewards, to the final frugal burial, It all reflects that although he was a Han minister at the end of the Han Dynasty, he changed the fate of the country and the direction of history with his own power in the turbulent times. The architecture inherits the style of the Han Dynasty, and the tombs have been destroyed to the present and are well protected, and it is worth visiting. Finally, let's talk about the guide, my guide Xiao Cao (descendant?), is the only one I have seen all over the country, who explained every painting, every text, every cultural relic, and even every rivet to me, and is knowledgeable about the history at that time, about 40 minutes of exhibition content took me a full two hours, very impressive!