Cemetery of Northern Dynasties, Sui and Tang, Guyuan

The Cemetery of Northern Dynasties, Sui and Tang in Guyuan is an archaeological site containing over 400 tomb chambers from different historical periods. The complex spreads across a substantial area in the Ningxia region and displays various burial structures made of earth and brick.

The burial site was established between the 5th and 9th centuries and documents a continuum of burial traditions spanning four centuries. Excavations have revealed that different dynastic groups buried their dead at this location while maintaining their own cultural practices.

The tombs display different burial customs through various construction methods, from simple earth pits to brick chambers, reflecting the social divisions of ancient China. Visitors can directly observe the differences between wealthy and common burials.

Access to the site typically involves guided tours where visitors learn about different tomb types and their historical contexts. Exhibition areas on-site display excavated objects like pottery and metal items that document daily life.

What stands out is that pottery, bronze objects, and textile remnants show the everyday activities of past people, left in graves as burial goods. These objects provide rare glimpses into the actual life of different social classes.