Wuwei Leitai Han Tomb Complete Guide: Birthplace of China's Tourism Icon
You may never have been to Wuwei, but you've definitely seen its creation—the "Flying Horse" (Bronze Galloping Horse). This Eastern Han dynasty bronze, three legs airborne and one hoof resting on a swallow in flight, is China's tourism logo.
In 1969, the Leitai Han Tomb was accidentally discovered. It yielded 99 bronze pieces—the pinnacle of Han dynasty bronze art. But after the Flying Horse was sent to the Gansu Provincial Museum, its birthplace was gradually forgotten.
🐴 Leitai Han Tomb
A Ming dynasty Taoist temple sits above an Eastern Han general's tomb. The bronze chariot-and-cavalry procession is a complete reproduction of Han military protocol. Tickets: RMB 45. For the real Flying Horse—visit the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou (free, reservation required).
🏯 What Else in Wuwei
Wuwei Confucian Temple (Northwest China's largest, home to the Xixia script stele), White Pagoda Temple (site of the historic Liangzhou Conference where Tibet was incorporated into China, 99 white stupas, free), Tiantishan Grottoes (the "ancestor of all grottoes," reflected in reservoir waters, RMB 30).
💬 What Do Our Travelers Say?
"Before Wuwei I only knew the Flying Horse—afterward I realized this city is criminally underrated. The 99 white stupas arrayed across the Gobi was breathtaking." — Shanghai Lao Xu ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Took my son who's obsessed with the Flying Horse. Morning at Leitai, afternoon high-speed train to Lanzhou for the real thing. He stood before it for nearly 20 minutes." — Chengdu Xiao Li ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wuwei Is the Hexi Corridor's Most Underrated Cultural Powerhouse
Zhangye has rainbow mountains. Jiayuguan has the Great Wall. Dunhuang has Mogao. Wuwei has the Flying Horse, the Liangzhou Conference, and Tiantishan. Next time you travel the Hexi Corridor, give Wuwei a day.
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Last updated: July 2026 Author: RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant Questions? Reach us at: vip@roamfun.com
RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant
Travel DesignerProfessional travel consultant, curating the most practical travel guides for you.
