Eastern Qing Tombs

Buildings of the tomb area
 Eastern Qing Tombs Pictures
Being a sacred burial ground near Beijing, Eastern Qing Tombs are one of the two tomb areas devoted to the emperors, empresses and imperial concubines of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911, the last feudal empire in China).The other is the Western Qing Tombs.

Among the finest, best-preserved and largest of the extant tomb complexes in China, the Eastern Qing Tombs are located along Changrui Mountain in the west of Malanyu Town, Zunhua County, Hebei Province. Along the south side of Changrui Mountain, the tombs of five emperors, four empresses, five imperial concubines, and one princess are arrayed based on the traditional concept of placing the most senior and most distinguished in the center.

Xiaoling, the tomb of Emperor Shunzhi (1638-1661, the first Qing emperor to rule China), is aligned with the axis of the main apex of Changrui Mountain, which indicates that the person buried there is the most exalted in the group. Other emperors' tombs lie on both sides of Xiaoling in a fan pattern from east to west according to the position each person occupied in the Eastern Qing Tombsfamily hierarchy. The tombs of empresses and concubines are placed alongside those of their husbands, clearly showing the master-subject relationship that they had in life. Sacred ways connect the tombs of the women with those of their husbands, and the sacred ways of the tombs of the other emperors connect with that of Xiaoling. Thus a branch-like system is formed, showing clearly the relationship of the rulers to their heirs.

Of all, Xiaoling is the biggest and most elaborate, standing as the focal point of the entire Eastern Qing Tombs. 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. Crossing through the Great Red Gate, you can see buildings of different sizes, all with roofs of yellow glazed tile, connected by the brick paths or 'sacred ways' that converge in the area of Xiaoling.

An example of the most exquisite architecture of Eastern Qing Tombs is Dingdongling, the tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi.Inside the tomb Although she handled affairs of state for more than 45 years, she never ascended the throne. Elaborate and highly refined decorations and carvings inside Dingdongling make it unique among those of the Qing Dynasty. The main material used in the tomb, which took six years to build, was gold, the symbol of royal family.

Around the Gate of Eminent Favor (Long'enmen) of Dingdongling, elaborate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, drifting water and flowing clouds adorn the white marble balustrades. In front of the hall, on a colorful stone, we find examples of extraordinary techniques and unconventional design in additional intricate images of lively dragons and phoenixes.

Many of the minor tombs are also worth visiting. You can learn about Chinese culture while enjoying the beauty of the area.
 

How to Get to Eastern Qing Tombs:

From Beijing:

Take a coach to Eastern Qing Tombs at Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station, which is opposite to the Exit A of Sihui Station of Subway Line 1. The bus leaves at 07:05, 07:40, 08:20, 09:05, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:10, 11:45, 12:05, 12:40, 13:10, 13:35, 14:05. 14:10, 14:35, 15:05, 15:35, 16:05, 16:45, 17:05, 17:35, 18:35 and 19:50, and the ticket fare is CNY 55. 
Beijing Bus / Subway Search

From Tangshan:

Take a bus from Tangshan Passenger Transportation Center to Zunhua at the fare of CNY 22-23. Then take a taxi from Zunhua Bus Station to the scenic area.

From Tianjin

Take a bus from Tongsha Long Distance Bus Station to Zunhua at 11:50. The fare is CNY 60. Then take a bus or taxi to the mausoleums.

Apr. - Oct. Nov. - Mar.
Admission Fee Combo Ticket: CNY 108
Yuling (Tombs of Qianlong the Emperor): CNY60
Dingdongling (Tombs of Cixi): CNY60
Combo Ticket: CNY 80
Yuling (Tombs of Qianlong the Emperor): CNY40
Dingdongling (Tombs of Cixi): CNY40
Free for children under 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) and the old over 70
Sightseeing Battery Car CNY 30
Blessing Ceremony CNY 30 from Apr. to Oct. 
Time: 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 (stop on Mondays)
Opening Hours 08:30-17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit It may take 2-3 hours or so on the way from downtown Beijing, single way. So prepare one day for the whole place.

- Last updated on Nov. 21, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Eastern Qing Tombs
Asked by S L Song from MALAYSIA | Jul. 20, 2021 02:04Reply
Eastern Qing Tombs
I wish to do a day trip to Eastern Qing Tombs from Beijing and see the Sacred Way and the tombs of Cixi and Qianlong. I understand that only these two tombs are opened to the public, right? What other tombs can I see? Can I see some concubines' tombs?
Answers (1)
Answered by Levis from CANADA | Jul. 26, 2021 01:11
00Reply


Actually you can also see Concubine Yu's Tomband the tomb of Emperor Kangxi.
Asked by LIOW from SINGAPORE | Oct. 24, 2019 06:37Reply
Hi, how do we get back to Beijing from Eastern Qing Tombs?
Also, what time is the latest we need to head back?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ann from THAILAND | Oct. 27, 2019 23:50
00Reply


You can take bus from Shimen station, which is not far away from scenic area, to Beijng. But I can't find timetable.
Asked by SHHH | Jun. 06, 2019 19:38Reply
Which day is Eastern Qing Tombs close?
any days to avoid to visit eastern qing tomb?
Answers (1)
Answered by Gemma from USA | Jun. 10, 2019 23:49
00Reply


It opens all year round, from 8:00-17:00.
Asked by Jew from THAILAND | Feb. 19, 2019 18:00Reply
1. Just want to know that the bus go eastern Qing still operate right
2. The bus will be direct reach there right no need to connect another bus.
3. How often leave ( every 15 min or full and leave)
Answers (1)
Answered by Addington from CANADA | Feb. 20, 2019 17:52
00Reply


Yes, the buses still operate. But they just arrive at the place nearby the scenic area. You need to take a taxi to the destination. As I know, the bus is full and leave.
Asked by Rohey from GAMBIA | Feb. 18, 2019 09:21Reply
Transport from Tangshan train station to the site
I am a student in Tianjin and I plan on visiting this site in May/June. I will be using the high speed train from Tianjin station to Tangshan train station. How long will the bus trip be from the train station to the site? Also can I return to Tianjin on the same day?
Answers (1)
Answered by Clara from FINLAND | Feb. 18, 2019 19:33
00Reply


Generally speaking, it takes around 3 hours on the way. And the suggested sightseeing time is 4 hours. Thus I am afraid that the time is tight.
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