Astana Ancient Tomb Visit Guide
The Underground Archive of the Gaochang People
The Astana Tombs are the family cemeteries of the Gaochang Kingdom up to the Tang Dynasty. A large number of silk paintings, documents, and food burial items were unearthed, earning it the nickname 'underground museum.' The dry environment of the tombs preserved clothing, paper, and fruits from thousands of years ago. Visits mainly focus on the underground tombs and unearthed replicas.
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Destination Details
The tomb complex is distributed to the northwest of the ancient city of Gaochang, and the burial customs show obvious influence from the Central Plains: the tombs have murals and burial guardian beasts, and unearthed documents record land contracts, loans, and letters, providing first-hand materials for reconstructing Gaochang society.
Visitor Tips
- Highlights: Open tomb murals, exhibits of replica burial guardian beasts, document introductions
- Time: About 40-60 minutes, limited access to open tombs
- Suggested pairing: Visit on the same day as Gaochang Ancient City and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
The tomb chambers are cool and dim, so stay within the open areas. The main artifacts are in the autonomous region museum, and visiting both museums provides a more enriching experience.
