Huo Qubing

Huo Qubing (140 BC~117 BC) was a famous general of the Western Han Dynasty, born in Pingyang, Hedong (now southwest of Linfen, Shanxi). He was promoted to be the General of Chariots and Cavalry and was also given the title of Marquis of Champion. In the second year of Yuanshuo (121 BC), Huo Qubing led his army to defeat the Xiongnu twice, taking control of the Hexi region and opening up the road to the western region. In the fourth year of Yuanshuo (119 BC), he again joined forces with Wei Qing to attack the main force of the Xiongnu, which made the Xiongnu no longer dare to invade the Han Dynasty. Emperor Wu of Han built a mansion for him, but he refused, saying, 'As long as the Xiongnu still exist, how can I live in luxury?' He launched six consecutive attacks on the Xiongnu, dealt them heavy blows, safeguarded the stability of the Han Dynasty's border areas with the Xiongnu, and relieved the long-standing threat of the Xiongnu to the Han Dynasty. His tomb is located 500 meters east of Maoling in Xingping, Shaanxi. The tomb is shaped like a Qilian mountain and there are 14 circular stone carvings in front of it, which were erected by Emperor Wu of Han in recognition of Huo Qubing's military achievements.