After living in China for two years, there are very few tourist attractions that really grab my full attention. I've visited so many Buddhist temples, lakes and monuments and seen the Terracotta Warriors and Forbidden City several times too many, but when given the chance to see a the mummy of the Marquis of Dai, well, I fought through the bitter cold streets of Changsha to visit the Hunan Provincial Museum.

While the museum boasts a large collection of interesting Chinese artifacts: jade, lacquer, silks; I won't bother you with the minute details and proceed directly to the juicy, main event: the 2100 year-old, mumified corpse of the Marquis of Dai.

Even if gore is not your forte, you must appreciate the astonishing preservation of this fossil. While most deceased enter rigormortis within several hours of death, the Marquis was found with bones, joints and skill still moveable and flexible. I will refrain from listing the details of her autopsy (yes contents we found inside) and rather just offer a few pics of the lady of the hour.

There is absolutely no doubt that all visitors to Changsha should experience the thrill of watching the dead. It's quite profound. Plus, entrance is only RMB 30, so if you're in Hunan or Changsha, make sure to check out this "can't miss" attraction