Reshui Tombs in Delingha City, Haixi

Reshui Tombs (热水墓群) are located in Reshui Township (热水乡), Dulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. As a national key cultural relic protection site, it is the location of the Blood-Weeping No.1 Tomb (血渭一号大墓), the historical prototype that inspired the “Nine-Story Demon Tower (九层妖塔)” legend.

The site is a large royal cemetery complex dating back to the Tuyuhun–Tibetan Empire period (吐谷浑-吐蕃时期), containing more than 200 tombs. Located on the grasslands at the northern foothills of the Bu’erhanbuda Mountains (布尔汗布达山), the tomb complex sits at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters.

A large number of precious cultural relics, including Persian silk, gold and silver ornaments, were unearthed here, providing important evidence of the prosperity of the Qinghai section of the ancient Silk Road. The tomb structures themselves are strictly protected. Visitors can only view them from a designated observation platform at a distance, and there are no underground palace tours or interior visits available.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Recommendations

June to September: The summer grasslands are green, the weather is comfortable, and it is the best season for cultural exploration and outdoor sightseeing.

September to October: The autumn grass turns golden, creating a strong atmosphere of an ancient wilderness landscape with the surrounding plateau scenery.

November to May of the following year: The weather is extremely cold and windy, making travel conditions less suitable. Visiting is not recommended during this period.

Daily Visiting Hours

The site is an outdoor attraction open approximately 09:00–17:30.

The sunset period is the best time for photography, as the backlighting creates a more dramatic atmosphere around the ancient burial mounds. Staying at night is not recommended due to the remote environment and weather conditions.

Transportation Guide

By self-driving: Navigate to “Blood-Weeping No.1 Tomb (血渭一号大墓)” or “Reshui Tombs (热水墓群).” From Dulan County Town, it is about 30 kilometers south, taking approximately 40 minutes by car. The road is paved and suitable for ordinary vehicles. A simple free parking area is available near the observation platform.

By public transportation: There is no direct public bus service. Visitors can arrange a private car or taxi from Dulan County Town. The tombs can also be combined with Xiangride Temple (香日德寺) and Alak Lake (阿拉克湖) to create a Dulan cultural tourism route.

Transportation inside the site: The entire visit is completed on foot. Visitors are only allowed to stay at the official observation platform and are strictly prohibited from approaching the actual burial mounds.

Core Attractions

🏛 Blood-Weeping No.1 Tomb (血渭一号大墓) | “Nine-Story Demon Tower” (九层妖楼)

Blood-Weeping No.1 Tomb is the largest royal tomb within the Reshui Tombs complex. It features a huge trapezoidal rammed-earth burial mound. Inside the tomb, nine layers of cypress wood were arranged from top to bottom, which inspired the name “Nine-Story Demon Tower.”

Visitors can only view the tomb from the observation platform. Climbing, stepping on, or approaching the burial mound is strictly prohibited. The underground chamber remains permanently closed and is not open to the public.

🏜 Ancient Tomb Group Landscape

Numerous small and medium-sized burial mounds are scattered around the area. Set against the vast grasslands and distant Kunlun Mountain scenery, the site presents a magnificent yet desolate plateau landscape, offering visitors a unique historical and natural atmosphere.

📚 Cultural Heritage Information Displays

The observation platform provides educational displays introducing the history of the Tuyuhun Kingdom, the background of the archaeological discoveries, and the significance of the unearthed cultural relics.

💡 Travel tip: It is recommended to visit Dulan County Museum (都兰县博物馆) before coming to the tombs. The museum displays silk, gold and silver ornaments, and other artifacts unearthed from Reshui Tombs. Understanding the relics first makes the visit to the ancient tomb site much more meaningful. The museum is closed every Monday.

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour. Reshui Tombs can be combined with Dulan County Museum and Xiangride Temple to create a half-day or one-day Dulan cultural itinerary.

Accommodation and Local Cuisine

Accommodation: Visitors should return to Dulan County Town for accommodation. There are no hotels or guesthouses near the tomb area.

Food: Local specialties include Kangguo-style lamb dishes (炕锅羊肉), noodle soup with sliced dough pieces (面片), and hand-grabbed lamb (手抓羊肉). There are no shops or restaurants around the tomb area, so visitors must prepare drinking water in advance.

Travel Tips and Important Notes

1. The observation platform is free to visit, but visitors need to register their ID information. Do not trust unofficial guides claiming they can take visitors into the underground chambers. Such services are false and may violate cultural relic protection regulations.
2. The site is located at an altitude of about 3,400 meters. Be aware of possible altitude sickness and avoid strenuous activities such as running. The temperature difference between day and night is extremely large, so bring a windproof warm jacket even in summer. Strong ultraviolet radiation requires proper sun protection.
3. Climbing over barriers and approaching the burial mounds is strictly prohibited. Do not step on the burial structures, pick up pottery fragments or stones, or carve marks on historical remains. Violations may result in penalties.
4. Drone flights are prohibited throughout the area. Unauthorized drone use may trigger cultural heritage monitoring and security systems.
5. The grassland area is often windy, and spring may bring dust storms. During rainy weather, keep away from the edges of earthen mounds to avoid slipping or possible collapse risks.
6. There are no supply facilities nearby. Fill up your vehicle’s fuel tank before arrival and prepare enough water and snacks in advance.