Leigudun Ancient Tombs

Leigudun is located in a lofty hilly area 2km northwest from Suizhou City, a famous historical and cultural city in China. Its name comes from a legend of King Zhuang of Chu who beat the drum here in person to suppress the rebellion.

Leigudun has not only the legend but also historical and practical connotations. Leigudun Ancient Tombs are located in the hilly area of Leigudon, facing Jueshui River on the east and Yunshui River on the south. The area was the cemetery of marquises of the Zeng State in the Warring States period and thus is a national key cultural relic protection unit. Leigudun has an area of 3.6 square kilometers and consists of 8 tomb areas. The big tomb of each tomb area is on the highest point and independent from other big tombs, standing by itself. There are over 200 proven tombs underground in one part of the area, among which the Tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State is the largest, with over 15,000 precious cultural relics and 9 national treasures. Among them, the Chime of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State is a brilliant epitome of Chinese civilization in the fifth Century BC, a rare “living book of science and technology” in the world history of science and technology, and a unique and great contribution of Chinese civilization to the world civilization.

Leigudun is honored as “the sacred mountain in the spiritual world” and “the first mound in all the land”. The Protection Planning of Leigudun Ancient Tombs was completed in December 2009. Now an archaeological park is to be built based on its rich historical and cultural resources.