Introducing to Western Qing Tombs, Western Qing Tombs Guide, Western Qing Tombs Travel Guide
Article from China Internet Information Center
The Qing Dynasty had ten emperors altogether, five buried in the East Tombs and the rest, except for final emperor Pu Yi, buried in the West Tombs, over 120 kilometers west of Beijing. The periphery of the Western Tombs totals more than 100 kilometers. Amidst mountains verdant with trees, the setting is beautiful, with the famous Zijinguan Pass to the west, Yishui River and the Langyashan Mountain to the south, and, across the river, the 2,300-year-old ruins of Xiadu (Lower Capital) of the Kingdom of Yan to its east.
Western Qing Tombs construction is similar to that of Eastern Tombs. From south to north is the avenue of stone animals and human figures, the greater stone archway, big and small stone bridges, Dragon and Phoenix Gate, the lesser tablet pavilion, warehouse of sacrificial offerings, east and west lounges for officials, the Long'en Gate, east and west side halls, the Long'en Hall, the gate of glazed tiles, two-pillar gate, rectangular stone table (altar) with five kinds of sacrificial offerings, Square Castle, Round Castle, Soul Tower, Precious Dome and underground palace. Before Dahongmen (Great Red Gate), there is a beautifully shaped five-arch bridge, which looks like a crescent moon hanging in the sky.
Western Qing Tombs include four emperors' tombs, three empresses' tombs, and seven tombs for concubines, princes and princesses, covering an area of 50,000 square meters, with more than a thousand structures. Altogether, 76 people were buried here. A hundred or more stone buildings and stone carvings are intact.
Western Qing Tombs contain many exquisite carvings. The three stone archways outside the Great Red Gate are exquisitely made with each of its top ridges, purlins and bracket sets carved out of one piece of stone. The bracket sets and tie beams are engraved with designs of flowers and animals, exquisite and vividly executed. The stone human figures and animals on both sides of the spirit path are also masterpieces of stone carvings, fierce and restless unicorn, elephant, horse and lion are made tractable and lovely. Seen from afar, these stone animals in life size look real and lively. The sculptures of civil and military officials are well shaped and each wears a vivid facial expression. Their long gowns are carved loose and with distinct wrinkles, showing an artistic realism.
Quick Facts on Western Qing Tombs
Name: Western Qing Tombs
Location: 120Km West of Beijing
Dates: Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
Recommended Time for a Visit: 3 Hours
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 17:30
Admission Fee:
Through Ticket :CNY 122 (Apr 1 to Oct31); CNY 82 at low season (Nov 1 to next Mar 31)
Respectively: Tailing: CNY 47; Changling: CNY 45; Chongling: CNY 47; Yongfu Temple: CNY15 Sight-seeing Car: CNY 30