West Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty

The West Mausoleum of the Qing Emperoroccupies a space of 100 sq.km.. It is the mausoleums of four emperors of the Qing Dynasty, including 14 mausoleums of Tai Mausoleum of Yongzheng, Chang Mausoleum of Jiaqing, Mu Mausoleum of Daoguang and Chong Mausoleum of Guangxu, 3 back mausoleums and those of princesses and concubines. It is quiet and beautiful, owning the largest forest of old pines in north China. It is said that all were transplanted in the construction of the West Mausoleum. Numerous pines and cypresses decorated this area comely, luxuriant but simple.

The West Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty is a large area with intact structures. The Tai Ling of Emperor Yongzheng was the first mausoleum built in this district. It is also the largest. There are about 60 buildings in the Tai Ling. The great red gate in the south looks spectacular. There are 3 stone tablets in front of the gate that are tall, magnificent and exquisitely carved. They make the only memorial archway complex that is in the style of Hewei. The top of the mausoleum is covered by golden glazed tiles, showing the dignity and elegance of the royal family.

Although not as great as Tai Ling in both scale and majesty, the other three mausoleums of Emperor Jiaqing, Emperor Daoguang and Emperor Guangxu all have their distinguished qualities. The Echo Stone and the Echo Wall in the Chang Ling (Mausoleum of Emperor Jiaqing) is kind of like the Echo Wall in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing in terms of scale and effect. Diaolong Hall (Dragon Carving Hall) in Mu Ling was built with cedar that was finely carved, so the hall is splendid. Longen Hall in Chong Ling has copper and iron.

Distinctions

The West Mausoleums of the Qing Dynasty is a mausoleum area containing four emperors and dozens of emperor family members of the Qing Dynasty.