The rare tomb features a magnificent palace-like design but exudes a chilling atmosphere that deters grave robbers from approaching.
Scale of the Ancient Tomb Design
In 1957, archaeologists from the Archaeology Department of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences discovered a tomb from the Sui Dynasty located near the main road west of the Yao River Gate in Xi’an, China. After a period of excavation, the entire layout of the tomb was revealed.
This ancient tomb has a rectangular structure, with a main shaft that is 2.9 meters deep. To the south of the tomb, there is a sloping passageway approximately 6.85 meters long. In the center of the tomb lies a stone coffin measuring 2.63 meters long, 1.61 meters high, and 1.1 meters wide, constructed from 17 green stone slabs joined together.
The stone coffin quietly resting in the center of the tomb sends chills down the spines of archaeologists. Photo: Sohu
When the tomb’s entrance was opened, the first thing that caught the eye was a design reminiscent of a tiled roof of a palace. At the top were flat tiles, ridge tiles, and cylindrical tiles with highly detailed relief carvings.
The tiles were meticulously carved with elegant lotus flower designs, yet this was not a palace for the living but rather a tomb constructed in the style of a grand palace.
The Mysterious Stone Coffin
Initially, even the archaeologists hesitated for a long time before excavating due to the inscription on the roof of the tomb of Li Xiaohai: “Whoever opens this tomb shall die.” This chilling message brought an eerie atmosphere, making it hard to imagine why it was engraved on the coffin of a 9-year-old girl.
The terrifying characters engraved on the top of the tomb instill fear in all who pass by. Photo: Sohu
Many believe the inscription was meant to ward off grave robbers from the resting place of the girl Xiaohai. The reality shows that it was indeed effective; the tomb of Li Xiaohai has remained intact and never been robbed.
This has only fueled curiosity about who this girl was. What was her background that warranted such a specially designed tomb?
Who Was the Tomb Owner?
The owner of the tomb was named Li Jingxuan, with the courtesy name Xiaohai, referred to by her family as Li Xiaohai. Her great-grandfather was General Feiqi of the Northern Zhou Dynasty and Duke of Habei, while her grandfather was Li Chongzeng, who served under Emperor Wu of the Zhou Dynasty.
Later, she and Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty helped establish the dynasty’s foundations. After the Sui Dynasty was founded, Li Xiaohai’s grandmother was the only princess of the renowned Empress Yang Lihua. From this brief overview, it is evident that Li Xiaohai’s lineage was anything but ordinary.
Despite being a young lady living in luxury from a young age, Li Xiaohai enjoyed her fortune for only a short time. On June 1, 608, she suddenly passed away in the palace due to a serious illness.
Li Xiaohai’s biological mother, Princess Wu Wenyao, was heartbroken over her daughter’s passing and ordered her to be buried with numerous treasures and gold and silver jewelry. Consequently, this tomb resembles a miniature lavish palace with intricately carved details beyond imagination.
Even the sides of the entrance are carved with images of two maidservants to attend to the girl, showing that her mother still mourned the loss of her daughter and wanted someone to care for this beloved little princess.
