Cao Cao, a politician and general from the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280), couldn't have been more wrong in his thinking that as long as his tomb was built with austerity, tomb raiders would leave it alone and he could enjoy peace in his final resting place.

Despite its austerity, with burial sacrifices consisting mainly of stone carvings and his personal daily utensils, the tomb had been plundered many times by the time it attracted the attention of archaeologists. A protective excavation began in December 2008.

Now completely excavated more than one year later, the tomb won't go back to the serenity Cao had hoped for, because local authorities plan to build a cultural relic park around the tomb. Authorities plan for it to become a popular tourist destination, that contributes much to local economy.