Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb: History & Discovery

Explore the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb, Hong Kong's oldest structure. Discovered in 1955, it features ancient architecture and artifacts. Learn about its history and preservation efforts.

To reach it by MTR, take leave A3 of Cheung Sha Wan terminal, after that transform left and stroll right down Tonkin Road until you reach the gallery. The 2A bus course ranging from Lok Wah to Mei Foo quits at Burial place Park bus quit, before the gallery entrance.

Access & Visiting Hours

The tomb gallery is Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Thursday (other than public vacations) and the very first two days of the Chinese new year. If typhoon 8 or black rainstorm signals are increased, the gallery will certainly be closed. Admission is at no cost.

The tomb has 4 chambers in the shape of a balanced cross. The front chamber features a domed roof covering, while the other chambers and entrance passage have barrel safes. Noting the similar features to other old burial places located in Southern China, the burial place was dated back to the Eastern Han empire (25-220 ADVERTISEMENT), making it the earliest well-known structure discovered in Hong Kong.

Tomb’s Structure and Age

The public response was frustrating: on the initial day, around 800 site visitors gate-crashed the burial place, harmful obstacles bordering the site. The tomb museum is Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Today, it is part of a small gallery complex that first available to the general public in 1957, enabling visitors to learn more about its background and to examine artifacts found within its walls. The burial place itself is off restrictions to visitors for conservation objectives, yet the elaborate brickwork can be marveled at via a glass panel placed at its entryway.

Discovery & Preservation

Within a month of its exploration, the government announced that the burial place would certainly be open to site visitors for 10 days prior to being destroyed. The general public response was overwhelming: on the first day, around 800 visitors gate-crashed the tomb, harmful barriers surrounding the site. Following public appeals and stress from significant political companies, the government recanted their demolition plans.

Keeping in mind the similar characteristics to other ancient tombs found in Southern China, the tomb was dated back to the Eastern Han empire (25-220 AD), making it the oldest well-known structure unearthed in Hong Kong.

Artifacts & Excavation

Specialists from the University of Hong Kong were mobilized to execute the excavation of the site. No human remains were located, but 50 ceramic objects comprising cooking devices, containers and designs were found, along with 8 bronze objects, including a mirror, basin, bell and bowls.

The entire exhibition space is small and takes much less than thirty minutes to tour. Nevertheless, for background lovers, it uses a chance to get up close to what stays Hong Kong’s just known Han-era block burial place.