Eastern Qing Tombs

Introduction of Eastern Qing Tombs

Located in Zunhua City, 126 kilometers east of Beijing, The Eastern Qing Tombs is one of the two imperial tomb areas of the Qing Dynasty (The last feudal dynasty in China). It is known as the Eastern Tombs because there is another group - the Western Qing Tombs, located in Yixian County, southwest Beijing.

The Eastern Qing Tombs, which is among the finest, best-preserved and largest of the extant tomb complexes in China, The tombs of five emperors include: Shun Zhi (in Xiaoling), Kang Xi (Jingling), Qian Long (Yuling), Xian Feng (Dingling) and Tong Zhi (Huiling). four empresses(One of is Empress Dowager Cixi), five imperial concubines, and one princess. Nowadays, the underground palaces of the tombs of Emperor Qian Long and Empress Dowager Cixi are opened to the public.

The Eastern Qing Tombs were first in 1663, following the model of the Ming Tombs. The first tomb is Xiaoling of the first Qing Emperor Shunzhi, which is the biggest and most elaborate, standing as the focal point of the entire structure. The grandeur of this tomb may be attributed to its having been the first sepulcher constructed for a member of the royal family of the Qing Dynasty, so the builders hoped to set the tone for a prosperous future. the sacred ways of the tombs of the other emperors connect with that of Xiaoling.

To the west of Xiaoling is Yuling (Qianlong Tomb), the tomb of Emperor of Qian Long. His reign lasted for 60 years and his tomb is among the most splendid ones with a floor space 327 square meters. The underground palace of his tomb is composed of three chambers with four stone gates, in the shape of Chinese character "zhu" meaning "ruler". It is famous for its fine marble carvings on the walls and ceilings. Most notable are the eight bodhisattvas, four devarajas, small Buddhas and Buddhist sutras carved in Sanskrit and Tibetan languages.

An example of the most exquisite architecture of the Eastern Qing Tombs is Dingdongling, the tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi, she spent a fabulous amount of money to build a mausoleum for herself long before her death. Its total cost came up to 72 tons of silver.

The carving on the ramp leading up to the Hall of Eminent Favor shows a dragon and phoenix playing with pearl, but in a reversed pattern: the phoenix above the dragon. The marble balustrade is carved with dragons and phoenixes amidst cloud and waves. The columns in the main hall of Dingdongling (Cixi Tomb) are decorated with coiling dragons in gold leaf; the inner walls of the side halls are covered with designs of bats (symbolizing good luck) and Chinese character "longevity."

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Private tours to the Eastern Qing Tombs is designed for the natural & cultural lovers, who are looking forward to explore the finest, best-preserved and largest of the extant tomb complexes in China, while enjoy the real countryside views.