Yang Guang is well known as a disputed historic figure for his warlike and dissolute behaviors, as well as for several tremendous project that contributed to improving the country's water transportation capacity and national security.

The 12-meter-high mausoleum is in the shape of a pyramid but with a flat top. It features the typical architecture styles of the Sui and Tang dynasties, according to experts on ancient architecture.

Construction of the tomb, which covers a total area of 30,000 square meters began nearly 1,380 years ago in the northern part of Yangzhou city, Jiangsu Province in east China. Yang's empress was also buried in the tomb.

(Xinhua 04/10/2001)