Wei Jin Art Gallery, widely known as the Underground Art Gallery, sits on the Gobi Desert around 15 kilometres northeast of Jiayuguan Fort. This sprawling tomb complex contains over 1,400 brick tombs dating back to the Wei and Jin dynasties, more than 1,700 years ago. Since excavation began in 1972, only Tomb No.6 and Tomb No.7 are open to visitors, safeguarding precious mural brick relics.
Inside the burial chambers, vivid paintings are drawn directly on grey bricks. The simple, lively artworks portray farming, herding, banquets, camel caravans and daily frontier life, acting as a living encyclopedia of Silk Road society. These murals predate the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, filling an important gap in Chinese painting history.
Descend underground to explore the ancient multi-chamber tomb layout. Please note photography is prohibited to protect the fragile frescoes. Paired with Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall and First Beacon Tower, it forms a complete Silk Road cultural route. If you wish to uncover authentic frontier life of medieval northwest China, Wei Jin Art Gallery is an unmissable historical site.
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