Tomb of Huo Qubing

About This Attraction

The Maoling Museum - Huo Qubing Tomb is located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Xingping City and about 1 kilometer northeast of Emperor Wu of Han's Maoling Mausoleum. Huo Qubing died at the young age of 23. To commemorate his military achievements, Emperor Wu of Han built his tomb northeast of Maoling as a secondary burial site. According to records, the tomb of Huo Qubing at Maoling Museum was "built to resemble the Qilian Mountains," intended to commemorate his outstanding military achievements in the Hexi Corridor and the Qilian Mountains region. In China, only generals who made great military contributions could have such a tomb built. It is said that after his death, Emperor Wu of Han was deeply saddened and mobilized the Xuanjia Army, arranging them in formation along Chang'an all the way to Huo Qubing's tomb in Maoling. The Maoling Museum's Tomb of Huo Qubing is surrounded by craggy rocks and verdant pines and cypresses, creating a secluded and tranquil mountain forest scene. At the east and west corners of the tomb, winding paths lead to the top. Huge stones are piled on the earthen mound, and stone figures and beasts are placed in front of the tomb. Among them, the "Horse Trampling the Xiongnu" is the main stone carving in front of the tomb, measuring 1.9 meters long and 1.68 meters high. Carved from grayish-white fine sandstone, the stone horse stands with its head held high, its long tail trailing on the ground. Beneath its belly is a carved image of a Xiongnu man, long-bearded, holding a bow and arrow, struggling with a furrowed brow. It is a representative monumental work. Because of this sculpture, the Maoling Museum - Huo Qubing Tomb is considered more popular than the tomb of his uncle, Wei Qing.