Zhaoling and Fuling Tombs

Background

Both tombs are in Shenyang: Zhaoling stands inside Beiling Park in Huanggu District, while Fuling lies in the eastern suburbs of Hunnan District along Dongling Road, backed by Tianzhu Mountain and facing the Hun River. The World Heritage site "Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties" (No. 1004) was inscribed in 2000 and extended in 2003 and 2004; the two tombs were added as part of the extension at the 28th session of the World Heritage Committee on 1 July 2004. Zhaoling is the joint tomb of Hong Taiji, Emperor Taizong of Qing, and Empress Xiaoduanwen of the Borjigit clan. Construction began in 1643 and finished in 1651, taking eight years. Its spirit way runs about 1.2 km in three lanes (the central spirit way, the emperor's lane on the left and the officials' lane on the right), lined with stone figures of xiezhi, qilin, horses, camels and other animals; the stele pavilion holds the "Divine Merits and Sage Virtues" stele inscribed by the Kangxi Emperor. The square citadel, Long'en Hall, treasure citadel and treasure mound survive intact, and the underground palace has never been opened. In 1927 the Fengtian provincial government turned the grounds into a park, which opened to the public in 1928 and is today's Beiling Park; on 23 February 1982 the tomb was listed in the second batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level. According to travel sources, Qing emperors including Kangxi, Qianlong, Jiaqing and Daoguang all visited Zhaoling on their eastern tours to honour their ancestors. Fuling is the joint tomb of Nurhaci, Emperor Taizu of Qing, and Empress Xiaocigao of the Yehe Nara clan. Construction began in 1629, the tomb was formally named "Fuling" in 1636 and was essentially complete by 1651, with further expansion under the Kangxi and Qianlong emperors; it was one of the main sites of Qing imperial tomb sacrifices. Fuling is known for its main red gate with glazed dragon motifs, the 108 steps up to the square citadel, Long'en Hall and the treasure citadel; its spirit way is lined with stone lions, horses, camels, tigers and other figures, and its stelae often carry Manchu, Mongolian and Chinese texts side by side. The architecture of both tombs blends Manchu tradition with the mausoleum conventions of the Central Plains, offering tangible evidence of early Qing ritual and Manchu–Han cultural exchange. Their popular names, "Beiling" (North Tomb) and "Dongling" (East Tomb), simply reflect their positions north and east of the old city of Shenyang.

Local customs

• Walk the spirit way and take a close look at the stone figures and inscriptions
• climb onto the square citadel wall for a view over the tomb grounds and pine woods
• at Zhaoling, combine your visit with the lakes and ancient pines of Beiling Park
• at Fuling, climb the 108 steps to the square citadel and feel how the layout rises level by level from south to north.

Travel tips

• The two tombs lie in the north and east of Shenyang, so plan them as separate outings, allow plenty of walking time for each, and wear comfortable shoes. Zhaoling and Beiling Park form one large area (about 3.3 million m² including the park, about 160,000 m² for the tomb precinct), so you can combine it with a walk in the park
• Fuling has many steps, so go at your own pace — its area is given either as about 194,800 m² or, for Dongling Park, about 557 hectares.
• For Zhaoling, take Shenyang Metro Line 2 to the Beiling Park station area, enter through the park's south gate and walk about 1 km north to the tomb
• Fuling is in the eastern suburbs and is reached from downtown by bus or car — it is farther out, so allow plenty of time, and check the latest local information for routes and schedules. Spring and autumn are best
• in summer the pines are lush, but protect yourself from the sun and drink enough water
• after winter snow the tombs have a special charm.