Discovering the legacy of a cherished young life

The life and afterlife of Li Jingxun, a girl who died at just 9 in 608, speak of extraordinary devotion. Though not born a princess, she lived like one, raised within some of the most powerful families of her time. That status is reflected in the lavish objects buried with her — so opulent that they raise a striking question: was it too much for a child? It is this remarkable legacy that has led many to call her "the most beloved girl" in history.

Discoveries at Li Jingxun's Tomb, now on view at the National Museum of China, brings together selected artifacts unearthed from her burial, alongside historical objects that illuminate the broader era she lived in.

Her story unfolds against a pivotal transition in Chinese history — from the fractured Northern Dynasties (439-581) to the unified but short-lived Sui Dynasty (581-618), which laid the groundwork for the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618-907). Throughout this transformative period, Li's family played a significant role.