Heads of state show you around Xi'an

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum Museum in 2007.[Photo/Han Yang Ling Mausoleum Museum]

6．Han Yang Ling Mausoleum Museum

Situated near the Wei River in the northern suburb of Xi'an city, Han Yang Ling Mausoleum Museum is an historical site designated for state protection. As the largest museum in China, it combines modern technology, ancient civilization, historical culture and garden scenery, and is built at the base of the joint tomb of Emperor Jindi and his empress.

Emperor Jindi (188BC—141BC), named Liu Qi, was the fourth Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. During his 17-year reign, he adhered to the philosophy of the Yellow Emperor and Saint Laozi, whose main doctrine was to follow natural principles. He developed a peaceful relationship with the Huns through intermarriage, and reduced the burden of taxes and penalties.

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, visited the museum in 2007. When the museum staff sent him a copy of a female pottery figurine from the Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), he smiled happily and said "she is so beautiful".