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Yongzhao Mausoleum, the imperial mausoleum of the Northern Song Dynasty, is located in Gong County (now Gongyi City), Henan Province, on the hilly and level ground between the northern foot of Mount Song and the Luo River. The mausoleum area, centered in Zhitian Town (the seat of Yong'an County during the Song Dynasty), stretches approximately 15 kilometers from north to south and 10 kilometers from east to west.
Yongzhao Mausoleum is the burial site of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhao Zhen. Originally named Shouyi, he was the sixth son of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Heng, and the crown prince in the folk romance "The Substitute Prince." Born in 1010 AD, he was appointed crown prince in 1018 and given the name Zhao Zhen. He ascended the throne in 1022 and died of illness in Kaifeng in 1063 at the age of 53. During his 42-year reign, the country enjoyed peace and prosperity, a vibrant civil and military establishment, and advanced science and culture, marking the peak of the Song Dynasty. Historical records indicate that in October of 1063, Emperor Renzong was buried in Yongzhao Mausoleum (in present-day Gongyi City). Construction of the mausoleum involved 46,700 soldiers, took seven months, and cost 500,000 taels of silver, 1.5 million strings of cash, and 2.5 million bolts of silk.
The magnificence of its scale and architecture is immense. Despite enduring thousands of years of war and looting, it retains the grandeur of an imperial mausoleum. The entire mausoleum adheres to the principles of feng shui and geomancy, following the terrain's topography. Nestled between mountains and water, it features a domed southeast façade and a low-lying northwest façade. It comprises the "Emperor's Mausoleum," the "Empress's Mausoleum," and the "Lower Palace." The stone carvings flank the sacred path, remarkably lifelike, majestic, and majestic. Among them, the "Auspicious Birds" and "Lu Duan" are masterpieces of sculpture, considered world-class.
The temperate monsoon climate has moderate temperatures, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Yongzhao Mausoleum has four main gates, located east, west, south, and north. The south gate is the main entrance. The mausoleum area is further divided into the inner city and outer city, with the inner city also known as the palace city. Entering the south gate, the mausoleum area rises in the south and falls in the north. A broad, straight path leads through the towering Quetai and Rutai, past majestic stone statues, and directly to the palace city. Quetai is the first gate to the mausoleum area, Rutai is the second, and Shenmen is the third, also the main gate to the palace city. Descending the bluestone steps, one feels like stepping into history. Passing Quetai and Rutai, the gentle breeze rustles, the tinkling of wind chimes accompanies the muffled footsteps, and one enters the past glory and present melancholy. Beneath Rutai, two long rows of stone statues flank the path. Auspicious birds with horse heads, bird bodies, eagle claws, and phoenix tails soar above a large stone screen over three meters high. Their majestic presence swirls clouds and water, and their wings spread, thunder and lightning stir. It is said that this shape is unique among the stone carvings of all dynasties in my country, making it particularly rare and precious.
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The Yongzhao Mausoleum is the burial site of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, located in Zhengzhou. It is a significant historical site, offering insight into ancient Chinese royal history and burial customs. The mausoleum's architecture and surrounding area are a testament to the grandeur of the Han Dynasty.
The Yongzhao Mausoleum is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. It can be accessed by taxi or local buses. The site is around a 30-minute drive from the city center. It is not directly accessible by metro, but taxis are a convenient option.
The mausoleum is generally open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for a visit due to moderate temperatures.
The entrance fee is typically around 60 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. For convenience, you can also check for online purchasing options on local tourism websites, especially during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary for off-peak seasons, but it’s recommended to book at least 1-2 days in advance during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore the mausoleum, including time spent touring the tombs, learning about the history, and photographing the site.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and sometimes in English. Audio guides may be available for rent, but it’s best to check in advance for language options.
Great photography spots include the main mausoleum, the entrance gate, and the surrounding landscape. The tombs and statues also offer excellent opportunities for capturing historical details and architectural beauty.
Start by exploring the main mausoleum area, followed by the surrounding tombs. Afterward, visit the artifacts display for a deeper historical understanding, and finish with a stroll around the scenic grounds to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at the Yongzhao Mausoleum. Special tours are usually only available during peak seasons or holidays, so it's best to check before your visit.
The mausoleum tends to be less crowded during weekdays and outside of peak travel seasons. The least crowded times are usually early in the morning and during non-holiday periods in the spring or fall.
The mausoleum is somewhat accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though the terrain may be challenging in some parts. It’s advisable to check for accessibility assistance upon arrival if needed.
Cash is still commonly used at the entrance, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted at the ticket counter and souvenir shops.
There are no major restaurants or cafes inside the mausoleum complex. Nearby, you can find local eateries serving Henan cuisine, including noodles, dumplings, and other traditional dishes.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby local restaurants, but halal food is not commonly found in the immediate vicinity of the mausoleum.
There are a few hotels near the Yongzhao Mausoleum, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. For more luxury, Zhengzhou city center offers a broader selection of hotels.
Yes, souvenir shops are located near the entrance, where visitors can purchase books, postcards, and replica artifacts related to the Han Dynasty.
After visiting the mausoleum, taxis and local buses are available to continue your trip around Zhengzhou. The Zhengzhou Railway Station is easily accessible for onward travel, while the airport is about an hour’s drive away.
