Mahao Cliff Tomb, Ancient cliff cemetery in Leshan, China
The Mahao Cliff Tomb is an ancient burial complex carved into red sandstone, stretching about 200 meters with 544 numbered tombs arranged in stacked layers across the cliff face. Each burial chamber extends deep into the mountain and contains separate rooms designed for coffins, ritual offerings, and ceremonies.
These burial chambers were carved into the cliff during the Eastern Han Dynasty, a period spanning from 25 to 220 AD when the region experienced significant development. The construction reflects the burial practices and beliefs of that era.
The relief carvings on the tomb walls show scenes of daily life, including carts, horses, and feasts that people could observe in their own time. These images offer visitors a window into how people lived and what mattered to them.
The site sits between Lingyun and Wuyou mountains and operates as a museum with exhibition halls displaying artifacts found within the tombs. Visitors can view the burial chambers directly while learning about the archaeological discoveries on site.
The tombs follow a honeycomb-like pattern with numerous chambers clustered closely together across the cliff face. This tightly packed arrangement allowed many burials to fit within a limited area of rock.
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