Address: Dongfeng Lu 28

Traveler Reviews

Lady Dai
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Oct 15, 2005


The Hunan Provincial Museums would rate as a highlight of my trip to China to see the ancient textiles and technology first hand. I am writing a thesis on ancient Chinese textiles and technology. Although I was not well, there was no way I was not flying down from Shanghai to see the body and clothing of this 2100 year old lady. Lady Dai, the wife of a marquis was burried with the most beautiful lacquer artefacts, musical instruments and everyday articles, as well as many bolts of textiles. She was discovered in 1972. Since then the government has built a magnivicent museum to house her, and the treasures of the tombs found in the Mawangdui area near Changsha. When found, Lady Dai was wrapped in 20 layers of clothing and wraps, as well as covers and bannersin and over her coffin. The textiles are magnificent and one silk gauze dress only weighs 49 grams. Lady Dai's corpse is very tastefully displayed as are her intestines. An autoposy coud be performed due to her excellent condition and to look down on this corpse is a never forgotten sight. The whole museum has been beautifully constructed and the displays are worthy of the articles they hold. This museum really needs far more recognition from visitors to China.