Zhengzhou, Gongyi / Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Tombs

Zhengzhou / Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Tombs

The Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Tombs contain seven emperors and eight mausoleums. With the exception of Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, who were abducted and tragically died in the northern frontier, all other emperors and empresses are buried here.

Due to Chinese archaeological restrictions, no archaeological work has been conducted on the imperial tombs, allowing them to be preserved in their original locations. Therefore, it is unclear whether they have been looted.

Before entering the mausoleum, you'll see numerous standing stone statues. The statues of civil officials are placed before those of military officials, symbolizing the Song Dynasty's emphasis on military power over civil officials.

Every step into the mausoleum is a heavy one. The emperor's majesty cannot be violated lightly, but history has dealt the cruelest blow: the resting souls.

The mausoleum now resembles a park, and many people come here for strolls. The Song Dynasty imperial tombs had gravekeepers, and these same gravekeepers continue to this day, settling down near the mausoleums. Therefore, many villages near the mausoleums have ancestors who were gravekeepers, dedicated to maintaining the emperor's tombs.

📍Admission: Free
📍Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Oct 29, 2025