The Western Qing Tombs

Located in Yixian County, 120 kilometers southwest of Beijing, the Western Qing Tombs witnessed the ending of the Qing Dynasty, and also the end of feudalism in China.

This site is smaller than that of the Eastern Tombs and with fewer emperors and empresses buried. Construction of the Western Tombs began in 1730. The burial site has the Tai Tomb of Emperor Yongzheng (reigned 1723-35), the Chang Tomb of Emperor Jiaqing (reigned 1796-1820), the Mu Tomb of Emperor Daoguang (reigned 1821-50), the Chong Tomb of Emperor Guangxu (reigned 1875-1908), and the tombs of various empresses, consorts, princes and princesses. The one for the last emperor, Xuantong, was incomplete when the Qing Dynasty ended.

Archaeologists said that Chinese ancient architecture reached its highest splendor in the Qing Dynasty, and the wooden structure, stone and wood sculptures and the advanced drainage system of Western Qing Tombs were good incarnations of the highest standards of the architecture. The harmonious integration of man-made buildings and natural environment made the Qing tombs a unique sight in the world.