Before Guangzhou was Canton, it was Panyu, the capital of the Nanye kingdom – encompassing modern-day South China and parts of Vietnam. Nanyue’s second king, Zhao Mo, declared himself emperor (not just king) of Nanyue in rebellion against the Han dynasty who viewed Nanyue as a vassal state. The Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (南越王墓, Nányuèwáng Mù) is where he was buried in 122 BCE with treasures, 15 sacrificial servants and concubines – one of whose skeletal remains are encased in glass inside the crypt’s seven chambers.
For only ¥10 you can enter the red quartz sandstone structure and descend the steps into the crypt at the back of the complex. Afterwards, go to the exhibit hall above to see the excavated treasures, like Zhao Mo’s burial shroud of 2291 jade pieces, and official seals made of jade, gold, turquoise and agate. Other items among the 1000 pieces buried with him include crossbows and fish percussion instruments. Display descriptions are in English and Chinese.
Before you leave, swing by the front exhibit hall to check out the display of beautiful but uncomfortable-looking porcelain pillows from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Some have poems on them and others have symbols. (Lions were meant to keep away evil while you slept.)
Find the mausoleum on the southwestern side of Yuexiu Park. You will need to bring your passport to enter. The lower part of the crypt is only open Tuesday to Friday, though the rest of the museum is open all week.