Capitals converge in Henan

Cao Cao Gaoling Mausoleum Museum

In Anyang, history enthusiasts should visit the mausoleum museum of Cao Cao, a warlord and poet from the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

During the turbulent period at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao unified northern China, paving the way for his son to establish the Wei Dynasty (220-265), one of the three dynasties that coexisted during the Three Kingdoms (220-280) period. This era marked a significant chapter in Chinese history and inspired numerous legends. Cao's writings, particularly his poetry, have also left a lasting legacy in literature.

Visitors can explore a replica of Cao's tomb chamber and view cultural relics unearthed from his mausoleum. They can also learn how his request for a frugal burial was honored and how archaeologists confirmed that this mausoleum belonged to Cao, despite initial debates following its discovery in 2008.