Western Qing Tombs

Western Qing Tombs are one of the groups of mausoleums of emperors from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), which twins with Eastern Qing Tombs. Western Qing Tombs lie at the foot of the green and lofty Yongning Mountain in the north, about 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) west of County Yi, Hebei Province and 120 kilometers (74.56 miles) west of Beijing city. It is also a close neighbor to the twisting and bewitching Yishui River in the south, as well as the Hebei section of the Great Wall - Zijingguan Pass in the west. Covering an area of about 800 square kilometers (198 thousand acres) and with a perimeter of 100 kilometers (62.14 miles), the whole area is surrounded by more than 20 thousand ancient but healthy pines. With the enthralling scenery, high cultural values, delicate craft work and unique designs, Western Qing Tombs have proved to be a charming and popular location for tourists from both home and abroad ever since they were unveiled to the public.

They incorporate fourteen royal mausoleums where seventy-eight royal members in all are buried. These include four emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their empresses, imperial concubines, princes and princesses, as well as other royal servants. The architecture fully displays the strict ranking system in the feudalistic society at that time. The emperors' tombs are the largest among the whole group, which is successively followed by those of the empresses, concubines and others. Notably, the tops of the emperors' and empress' mausoleums are covered by yellow glazed tiles while those of other mausoleums are green.
 

Main Part of Western Qing Tombs

The main part consists of the four emperors' mausoleums -Tailing, Changling, Muling and Chongling. There are over a thousand rooms in palaces and in excess of one hundred ancient stone buildings and carvings sprinkled around Western Qing Tombs, which are all majestic, rich in sculptural artifacts, reflecting the pageantry of that time. These include the Beilou (Building enclosed a stele that records the achievements of emperors), Chaofang (the Hall of Worship where sacrificial food is prepared), Long'en Dian (Palace for Imperial Blessings and the place sacrifices are made), Baoding (Treasure Top, the top of an underground palace where the emperor was buried) and some mighty gates, etc. All the mausoleums have their own characteristics that reveal the high level of technique and wisdom of the ancient Chinese People.
 

Tailing

Tailing is the mausoleum of Emperor Yongzheng (reigned 1723-1736). It is the largest, earliest and most complete among these and the centre of the Western Qing Tombs. It is said that it was originally positioned in the area of the Eastern Qing Tombs, but Emperor Yongzheng thought the selected place geologically unsuitable and altered it to the present point, viewing this place as more favorable and blessed for an eternal kingdom. The entrance is by an arched bridge where you'll find a Large Red Door and three very gorgeous stone arches (Paifang in Chinese), all they forming a peculiar Siheyuan (traditional residential place with houses around a courtyard).
 

Changling

Changling is the mausoleum of Emperor Jiaqing (reigned 1796-1820). The main building is very similar inside to Tailing. In the Long'en Dian, the floor is paved with bright piebald stones elaborately decorated with flowers and patterns, which gained the reputation as being 'Full of Gems in the Palace'. Another wonder is the Echoing Stone and Echoing Wall in the Changxiling, the mausoleum of the empress of Emperor Jiaqing, which can achieve the same effect as the Echoing Wall in the Temple of Heaven.
 

Muling

Muling is the mausoleum of Emperor Daoguang (reigned 1821-1850). The scale is not as large as the former, but it is no less ostentatious and enchanting. The whole of the Long'en Dian is built with Nanmu (a very fragrant and valuable timber) decorated with many vigorous dragons that toss their heads and appear to be flying through the clouds and waves. So this is how a well-known saying, 'Ten thousand dragons collect together to spray their fragrance', spread amongst the people.
 

Chongling

Chongling is the mausoleum of Emperor Guangxu (reigned 1875-1908), it is small in size and the last one to be constructed. The construction is mainly made from iron and bronze, which won it the name of 'Bronze Girder and Iron Wall'. The decoration inside is quite flamboyant and glaring to the eye.

They are one of the most important and valuable ancient mausoleums in Chinese history, and they are also listed in the World Cultural Heritage. For those who are interested in natural scenery and the exploration of ancient Chinese history that is dominated by the minority Manchu ethnic people, this much-loved place is surely a must.
 
Admission Fee Apr. - Oct.

Tailing: CNY 45; Changxiling: CNY 20; Chongling: CNY 45; Muling: CNY10; Yongfu Temple: CNY15;
CNY108 for a through ticket 

 Free for children under 1.2m (3.9ft) and the old over 70
Nov. - Mar. Tailing: CNY 35; Changxiling: CNY 15; Chongling: CNY 35; Muling: CNY10; Yongfu Temple: CNY15;
CNY 80 for a through ticket.
Opening Hours Apr. - Oct.: 8:00 - 17:30
Nov. - Mar.: 8:30 - 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit 4 hours
 

How to get to Western Qing Tombs

From Beijing:

Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Baoding Railway Station at a cost of CNY53-76 and take Bus No. 681 to Yi County Bus Station. Then take Bus No. 9 to Western Qing Tombs.
Or take a coach from Liuliqiao Coach Station to Yi County, and then take a taxi to get there at a cost of CNY50.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search

From Tianjin:

Take a high-speed train from Tianjin to Baoding Railway Station at a cost of CNY57.5 and take Bus No. 681 to Yi County Bus Station. Then take Bus No. 9 to Western Qing Tombs.

From Shijiazhuang:

Take a high-speed train from Shijiazhuang to Baoding Railway Station at a cost of CNY59-78 and take Bus No. 681 to Yi County Bus Station. Then take Bus No. 9 to Western Qing Tombs.

- Last updated on Jul. 19, 2023 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on Western Qing Tombs
Asked by Alan Crinson from ENGLAND | Jan. 16, 2019 04:45Reply
Public transport from Beijing to Western tombs of Qing dynasty
Hi,
I am planning to visit the Western tombs of the Qing dynasty on a day tour from BJ in September.
I would be grateful if someone could advise me if there is public transport direct or will it involve changes, and also details of times and connections.

Many thanks,
Alan
Answers (4)
Answered by Trent from DENMARK | Jan. 22, 2019 01:30
00Reply


Take a bus from Lianhuachi Bus Station to Yi County, which is available from 7:00 to 18:15 with the frequency of 15 mins. It takes about 3 hours and costs CNY35/person. After arriving, hire a private car to the scenic area. It takes around 25 mins with the fare of around CNY 50.
Answered by Alan Crinson from ENGLAND | Jan. 22, 2019 04:13
00Reply


Hi Trent,
Many thanks for your prompt reply, do you know if there is any public transport from Yi County to Western tombs of Qing dynasty and also the return times from the tombs to Yi County and from Yi county to the bus station in Bejing.

Many thanks,
Alan
Answered by Trent | Jan. 22, 2019 18:24
00Reply


As I know, there is public transportation nowadays.
In addition, from Yi County to Beijing, I didn't find the exact schedule. You are advised to consult the staff when you arriving there.
Answered by Alan Crinson from ENGLAND | Jan. 23, 2019 01:48
00Reply


Hi Trent,
Many thanks for this information which you have supplied and is very useful, the other information I require I will obtain when I am in Beijing.
Many thanks,
Alan Crinson
Asked by Ze Hao from SINGAPORE | Nov. 01, 2018 05:10Reply
Is it possible to travel to Eastern & Western Qing Tomb from Beijing within a day?
If so, are you able to advice on the transports?
Answers (1)
Answered by Danica from USA | Nov. 04, 2018 19:02
00Reply


I‘m afraid you cannot visit the two tombs in one Day.
Asked by Judy from USA | Mar. 13, 2013 10:33Reply
Private car service from Beijing to Western Qing Tombs, how long is car ride?
Answers (1)
Answered by Melinda from FRANCE | Mar. 18, 2013 02:13
20Reply


It takes about 2 hours or a little longer.
Asked by rei | Jan. 24, 2013 21:49Reply
luggage storage at Qing Mausoleums
Do they have a counter where you can leave your big backpacks/luggage while you tour the place? If there is do you have to pay for it?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Jan. 27, 2013 00:21
01Reply


As I know, there is no a special counter where you can store your luggage in the attraction. But you can find the personal bike storage sites, where you can leave your luggage. Generally, it is safe enough. I heard that you just need pay CNY1-2.
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