The Eastern Qing Tombs: A Chronicle of Half of Qing Dynasty History. A dreamscape of history, a waystation through time.

1. Overview

The Eastern Qing Tombs, located 30 kilometers northwest of Zunhua City, Tangshan, Hebei Province, represent China's largest and most complete surviving imperial mausoleum complex from the Qing Dynasty, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here lie five emperors (Shunzhi, Kangxi, Qianlong, Xianfeng, and Tongzhi), fifteen empresses including Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang and Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as numerous concubines, princes, and princesses.

2. Transportation Guide

- **By Car**: From Beijing, take the Jingping Expressway eastbound, exit at Jixian, then head north on Bangkuan Road to reach the Eastern Qing Tombs (approx. 2-hour drive).
- **Public Transport**:
- Take a long-distance bus from Beijing Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station to Zunhua, then transfer to a shuttle bus to the Eastern Qing Tombs at Zunhua Bus Station.
- Direct shuttle buses are available from Tangshan West Long-Distance Bus Station.

3. Ticket Information

- **Peak Season** (Apr 1–Oct 31): Combo ticket ¥152/person (includes Xiaoling, Jingling, Yuling, Dingling, Zhaoxiling, Cixi’s Tomb, Ci’an’s Tomb, concubines' garden tombs, and exhibition halls).
- **Off-Season** (Nov 1–Mar 31): Combo ticket ¥120/person.
- **Opening Hours**: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

4. Must-See Attractions

- **Xiaoling (Emperor Shunzhi)**: The main tomb of the complex, featuring a grand scale, a 5-km Sacred Way, and numerous stone statues.
- **Jingling (Emperor Kangxi)**: Exquisite architecture, with gilded bricks in the Long'en Hall and bronze cranes/deer on the moon terrace.
- **Yuling (Emperor Qianlong)**: The underground palace is open to visitors, showcasing intricate carvings akin to a subterranean Buddhist hall.
- **Dingling (Emperor Xianfeng)**: Smaller in scale but unique in design.
- **Cixi’s Tomb**: Notoriously lavish, with a stone ramp depicting phoenixes above dragons, symbolizing her dominance.

5. Suggested Itineraries

- **One-Day Tour**: Xiaoling → Jingling → Yuling (underground palace) → Cixi’s Tomb.
- **Two-Day Tour**:
- Day 1: Xiaoling → Jingling → Yuling (underground palace).
- Day 2: Dingling → Zhaoxiling → Cixi’s Tomb → Ci’an’s Tomb.

6. Travel Tips

- The site is vast; consider using shuttle buses or renting bicycles.
- Limited dining options; bring snacks and water.
- Respect cultural heritage: avoid touching artifacts or making loud noises.
- Sun protection in summer, warmth in winter.

7. Nearby Attractions

- **Wanfo Garden**: A Buddhist-themed park with statues and temples.
- **Shangguan Lake**: Scenic spot ideal for boating.

8. Accommodation

- **On-Site**: Eastern Qing Tombs Hotel, Royal Garden Villa.
- **Zunhua City**: Zunhua International Hotel, Zunhua Hotel.

Hope this guide helps you plan an enriching visit to the Eastern Qing Tombs!