Mangdang Mountain Han Culture Tourist Area is located in Mangshan Town, Yongcheng City, Shangqiu, Henan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features Han culture as its theme, covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometers. It contains numerous historical and cultural relics such as the Western Han Dynasty Liang Kingdom royal tombs and the site where Emperor Gaozu of Han killed the snake. The tomb chamber of Prince Xiao of Liang covers more than 700 square meters, making it the largest stone chamber tomb discovered in China to date. The scenic area boasts rolling mountains and lush vegetation, combining historical culture with natural scenery.
History and Culture
Mangdang Mountain has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It was here that Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, killed a snake and started his uprising, marking the beginning of the Western Han Dynasty. During the Western Han period, Mangdang Mountain became the burial ground for princes of the Liang Kingdom, where eight generations of nine Liang kings, their queens, and ministers were buried, forming a grand underground palace complex.
The Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang is the most representative historical relic in the scenic area. With its grand scale and complex structure, it is known as "the First Stone Chamber Tomb under Heaven." Built into the mountain, the tomb consists of a passageway, corridor, main chamber, gallery, and numerous side chambers, showcasing the advanced architectural techniques and elaborate burial customs of the Western Han Dynasty.
In addition, the scenic area contains other historical sites such as Chen Sheng's Tomb and the site where Confucius took shelter from rain, recording important historical events from the Spring and Autumn Period to the Qin and Han Dynasties. These are precious material resources for studying ancient Chinese history and culture.
Main Attractions
Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang
The Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang is the burial site of Liu Wu, the second king of the Liang Kingdom during the Western Han Dynasty, built in 144 BC. The tomb is 96 meters long, 32 meters at its widest point, with a total area of over 700 square meters. It consists of a passageway, chariot and horse chamber, corridor, main chamber, gallery, and 34 side chambers. The tomb was constructed by "cutting into the mountain," entirely carved out of the mountain body, making it the largest stone chamber tomb discovered in China to date.
Site Where Emperor Gaozu of Han Killed the Snake
According to "Records of the Grand Historian," when Liu Bang was a local official, he killed a white snake here and started his uprising. The scenic area features a monument and sculptures recreating this historical event. The monument was erected during the Ming Dynasty, standing 2.39 meters high and 1.1 meters wide, with inscriptions telling the story of Liu Bang's uprising.
Tomb of Prince Gong of Liang
The Tomb of Prince Gong of Liang is the burial site of Liu Mai, the third king of the Liang Kingdom during the Western Han Dynasty, second in scale only to the Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang. The tomb yielded precious murals of "Four Divine Creatures and Clouds," among the earliest tomb murals discovered in China, possessing extremely high artistic and historical value.
Confucius Cliff Scenic Area
Legend has it that Confucius took shelter from rain here during his travels, hence the name Confucius Cliff. The area features a statue of Confucius, a book-drying platform, and inscriptions by literati from various dynasties on the cliff face. With its tranquil environment, it's an excellent place to experience Confucian culture.
Chen Sheng Garden
Built to commemorate Chen Sheng, leader of the peasant uprising at the end of the Qin Dynasty. The garden contains a statue of Chen Sheng and reliefs depicting scenes of the uprising, showcasing the history of China's first large-scale peasant uprising.
Great Han Scenic Area
The highest point in the scenic area, featuring a 39.9-meter-high bronze statue of Liu Bang that overlooks the entire Mangdang Mountain scenic area. The statue's interior houses exhibition halls displaying Han Dynasty history and culture.
Cuisine
Yongcheng Dried Jujube
A Yongcheng specialty made from high-quality red dates using traditional methods. Sweet but not cloying, nutritious, and a famous local product and souvenir.
Xuehu Beef Pan-Fried Buns
A Mangshan Town specialty snack with Xuehu beef as filling. The buns have a crispy exterior and juicy, tender filling, making them a local breakfast favorite.
Mangshan Braised Goose
Made from locally free-range geese braised with various spices, the meat is tender and fragrant, a must-have dish for local banquets.
Recommended Nearby Cuisine
Other Eastern Henan specialties worth trying include Shangqiu Water-Soaked Bread, Zhecheng Chicken Foot Fried Dough Twists, and Xiayi Sandy Soup, available at restaurants near the scenic area or in downtown Shangqiu.
Ticket Information
The Mangdang Mountain scenic area operates on a single-ticket system. Peak season (March 1-November 30) tickets cost 100 yuan per person, while off-season (December 1-end of February) tickets cost 80 yuan. The ticket includes major attractions such as the Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang, Site Where Emperor Gaozu of Han Killed the Snake, Tomb of Prince Gong of Liang, Confucius Cliff, and Chen Sheng Garden. Seniors over 60 and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.4 meters enter for free.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round, with daily opening hours from 8:00-17:30 during peak season and 8:30-17:00 during off-season. Ticket sales and entry stop 30 minutes before closing at each attraction.
Recommended Itinerary
Recommended one-day itinerary: Visit the Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang and Tomb of Prince Gong of Liang in the morning to learn about Han Dynasty tomb culture; have lunch in the scenic area; tour the Site Where Emperor Gaozu of Han Killed the Snake, Confucius Cliff, and Chen Sheng Garden in the afternoon to experience historical stories; finally, ascend to the Great Han Scenic Area for a panoramic view. Visitors with more time can opt for a two-day in-depth tour, visiting museums and surrounding attractions on the second day.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Shangqiu, drive east on the Lianyungang-Horgos Expressway for about 60 km, exit at Mangshan, and follow signs for about 10 minutes to reach the destination
- By bus: Take a Shangqiu-Yongcheng bus from Shangqiu Central Bus Station, transfer to the scenic area shuttle after getting off at Mangshan Town
- By high-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Yongcheng North Station, then transfer by bus or taxi to the scenic area (about 20 km)
Must-See Attractions
- Tomb of Prince Xiao of Liang: China's largest stone chamber tomb, experience Han Dynasty burial culture
- Site Where Emperor Gaozu of Han Killed the Snake: Origin of Liu Bang's uprising, important historical site
- Tomb of Prince Gong of Liang: Admire precious Han Dynasty "Four Divine Creatures and Clouds" murals
- Great Han Scenic Area: Ascend for a panoramic view of Mangdang Mountain
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as there's considerable walking in the scenic area
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit with pleasant weather
- Consider hiring a guide for in-depth historical and cultural explanations
- Rest areas and dining options are available within the scenic area for itinerary planning
- Allow at least 4-5 hours for visiting; 1-2 days recommended for in-depth exploration
Precautions
- Maintain solemnity and avoid loud noises in tomb areas
- Do not touch cultural relics and murals to protect historical heritage
- Be cautious of slippery mountain paths during rainy weather
- Use sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter
- Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area; please observe fire prevention regulations
- Take care of personal belongings, especially in crowded areas