Qingxi Ling Scenic Area

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Spot Introduction

Qingxi Ling is a group of tombs for the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, located in Yi County, Hebei Province. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved royal tomb complexes in China. Here lie four emperors, four empresses, and numerous other royal family members, renowned for its magnificent architecture and exquisite stone carving art.

The construction of Qingxi Ling began in 1730 (the 8th year of Yongzheng’s reign) and took 185 years to complete. It is the second royal cemetery built by the Qing Dynasty after the Eastern Tombs. The total area of the cemetery covers over 800 hectares, including four emperor tombs: Tailing (Yongzheng), Changling (Jiaqing), Muling (Daoguang), and Chongling (Guangxu), as well as three empress tombs and seven concubine tombs. The entire cemetery complex is laid out in harmony with the natural landscape, reflecting the ancient Chinese philosophical idea of “harmony between nature and man.”

The architectural art of Qingxi Ling can be considered the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural art. Each tomb is built according to the “front court, back bedroom” layout, with a sacred way as the central axis. Along this axis are stone arches, red gates, steles commemorating the emperor’s achievements, stone statues, grand entrance gates, and grand halls. Notably, the stone arch at Tailing stands 12.5 meters high and 31.35 meters wide, making it one of the largest stone arches in China. The grand hall at Changling is built with precious golden nanmu wood, featuring intricately carved beams and painted rafters, creating a resplendent and magnificent atmosphere.

As a World Cultural Heritage site, Qingxi Ling not only possesses exceptional architectural artistic value but also carries rich historical and cultural connotations. It witnesses the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty over nearly 200 years and preserves a wealth of precious artifacts and documentary materials. Currently, there are over 1,000 ancient buildings and over 1,000 stone carvings in the cemetery complex, many of which are national-level cultural relics.

In recent years, conservation efforts at Qingxi Ling have been continuously strengthened.

景点介绍

In 2000, the Western Qing Tombs were listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. The scenic area has a professional team dedicated to cultural relic protection, utilizing modern technological means to monitor and maintain the ancient buildings. Additionally, the area has carried out multiple cultural research projects, deeply exploring the historical and cultural value of the Western Qing Tombs, providing visitors with a richer cultural experience.

必游景点

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. Tai Ling (Qianlong’s Tomb)
  • The largest tomb in the Western Qing Tombs
  • The tomb of Emperor Qianlong and his empress
  • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  1. Chang Ling (Jiaqing’s Tomb)
  • The best-preserved tomb
  • Exhibits exquisite architectural art
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  1. Shen Dao Stone Carvings
  • A fine example of Qing Dynasty stone carving art
  • Displays royal elegance
  • Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
  1. Western Qing Tombs Museum
  • Displays cultural relics from the tombs
  • Exhibits Qing Dynasty funeral culture
  • Suggested visiting time: 40 minutes

参观建议

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
  • Visitor Center → Shen Dao → Tai Ling → Chang Ling → Museum
  • It is recommended to visit in historical order
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • It is suggested to start the tour in the morning
  • Avoid the midday sun
  • Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for visiting
  1. Practical Tips
  • The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus
  • It is advisable to hire a professional commentator
  • Shoe covers are required to visit some tombs

交通指南

Transportation Guide

  • By bus: Take the tourist line from Baoding East Station
  • Self-drive: Take the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway and exit at Yixian
  • Chartered vehicle: About 2 hours’ drive from Beijing
  • Tourist bus: Major travel agencies offer direct routes

周边美食推荐

Recommended Local Food

  1. Yixian Specialty Farmhouse
  2. Baoding Donkey Burger
  3. Yishui Casserole
  4. Western Qing Tombs Farmhouse Cuisine

特别提醒

Special Reminders

  1. The tomb area is solemn and dignified, please mind your words and deeds
  2. Photography is prohibited in some buildings
  3. There are many steps, please be careful not to slip
  4. It is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes
  5. Sunshade facilities in the scenic area are limited
  6. It is recommended to bring drinking water
  7. Smoking is prohibited in the cultural relic protection zone.