Han Dynasty Cliff Tombs: Ancient "Air Conditioning"

The second stop on my Qing Shen ancient exploration trip was the mysterious Ruifeng Cliff Tombs. Located just across the river from the famous Zhongyan Temple, it requires a 10+ km detour by car to cross the bridge. Following the navigation, the road narrowed until I reached the end of a small path. Across a field of rapeseed flowers, the cliff tombs came into view on the side of a riverside cliff. Ruifeng Cliff Tombs, originally named Ruifeng Rock Tombs, are carved into the mountainside. According to the introduction, there are 469 tombs preserved here, distributed across the cliff face within a protected area of approximately 2 square kilometers. Inscriptions dating back to the first year of Jianchu (76 AD), the fifth year of Yuanhe (88 AD), and the fourth year of Yanxi (161 AD) in the Eastern Han Dynasty have been found in the Ruifeng Cliff Tombs. Based on these inscriptions, unearthed cultural relics, and tomb styles, the Ruifeng Cliff Tombs are considered an important burial area from the Eastern Han Dynasty. Although the introduction mentions over 400 discovered tombs, they are not all easily accessible. Some are built at the bottom of the cliff, some in the middle, and others high on the cliff top. Fortunately, simple walking trails have been built, making it convenient to visit several of the larger tombs. It is well known that the Han Dynasty held the belief of "treating death as life." Therefore, the larger tombs in Ruifeng often adopt a layout of "front hall, back bedroom, and side rooms," resembling ancient mansions. Although the tombs are now empty, remnants of intricate decorations offer glimpses into the past. For example, two horses are carved on the left and right stone walls of the front hall of M1, showcasing refined carving techniques. The lintel of M2 features carved wooden dougong brackets, and the front hall's side walls display high-relief religious figures, adding to the tomb's luxurious and magnificent appearance. Remarkably, to maintain dryness, most tombs utilize a scientific drainage and moisture-proofing technique with a higher back than front, and a drainage system covered with tubular tiles, which is quite advanced even by today's standards. Reports have mentioned that due to the unique natural environment, these thousand-year-old tombs have become "natural air conditioners" for villagers. It is said that in the summer, when the outside temperature reaches 40°C, the temperature inside the tombs remains at only 29°C, making them a local summer retreat. Villagers bring tables, chairs, tents, and even their entire families to cool off, creating a lively scene. During my visit in spring, rapeseed flowers were in full bloom around the tombs. Villagers worked nearby, and passersby hurried along the trails. The tombs have become an integral part of local life, not seen as eerie or frightening. Visiting the Ruifeng Cliff Tombs feels like a conversation with the ancients, transcending time and space. 🏠 Name | Ruifeng Cliff Tombs 🎫 Tickets | Free ⛳ Address | Ruifeng Town, Qingshen County, Meishan City, Sichuan Province 🚗 Transportation | Navigate to "Ruifeng Cliff Tombs"