Zhaoling Tomb

» Shenyang, Liao Ning

Zhaoling Tomb Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Zhaoling Temple is the largest park in Shenyang City, covering an area of 330 hectares. As one of tourist attractions and historic sites in Shenyang, Zhaoling Tomb is the essence of China's ancient architectures, and also the representative of cultural communication between Manchus and Han nationalities. The tomb buildings and towers are nestled amidst the green pines and cypresses, presenting very beautiful scenery.

Legend about selecting burial ground

It is said that Huang Taiji selected this burial ground on one of his hunting adventures. In his later years, he had been searching for a resting place for himself and his empress. He had consulted many astrologists and fortune tellers, but finally one day, when heading out to the northern suburbs to hunt, a rabbit caught his eye. He followed it and was led to an open field, where he found black crows sitting on the land. Black crows are a sacred animal in Manchu culture and thus it was decided that his burial ground would be in the northern part of the city-today's Beiling.

Layout of the tomb

The layout of Zhaoling Tomb can be divided into three parts from south to north by three buildings: the Horse Dismounting Tablet, the Red Gate and the Square City. The first two parts are used for worship and festivities, while the third part is the burial place of the Emperor.

The first part

The first part is between the Horse Dismounting Tablet and the Red Gate. On the Horse Dismounting Tablet, "please dismount from the horse here" is carved in the three languages of Manchu, Han and Mongolia to tell people that the frontage is the tomb of the Emperor and they should dismount to show respect to Huang Taiji.

After the Horse Dismounting Tablet is the Divine Bridge built over a moat. The moat and Longye Mountain at the back of the tomb make up the so-call Feng Shui Bao Di (a valuable land with a good geomantic omen).

Visitors can then see the Cloud Pillar (ornamental column) after walking over the bridge. The cloud pillar is a special kind of construction of ancient China. It is built in front of the tomb or palace to show that the emperor is not obstinate and is willing to listen to others' advice.

To the north of the Cloud Pillar is the Stone Tablet. It is a standard construction of Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties commemorating the departed saint.

The second part

The second part is between the Red Gate and the Square City. Passing the Stone Tablet, visitors can see the Red Gate, which has three gateways. During a festivity, the emperor walked through the left one and the ministers used the right one.

The middle gateway led to the Divine Road which was prepared for the spirit of Huang Taiji and his queen. Only those who carried sacrifices could pass through the middle gate at that time. On both sides of the Divine Road is another pair of Cloud Pillars.

Following them, there are six pairs of stone animals showing the strict distinction between the different statuses in feudal society. Walking along the road, we can see a stele of 50,000 kilograms (50 tons) built in a pavilion. These were built by order of Emperor Kang Xi (a great emperor in Qing Dynasty) and the epigraph on the stele was also written by him.

The last part

The last part of Zhaoling Tomb is the main structure of the tomb which was built on the flat with a floor area of 160,000 square meters (39.5 acres). It consists of the Square City, the Crescent City, the Ming Pavilion and the Treasure Top.

The most palatial place in this area is the Longen Hall in Square City. Its floor is covered with gold ore, which shines in the sunlight. It is the so-called Jin Shi Pu Di (ground paved with gold). On the top of the north gate of Square City is the Ming Pavilion which is the tallest building in the park.

In the Ming Pavilion, there is a white marble stele 6 meters (19.7 feet) high. In the middle of the stele is written the character Zhaoling in the three languages of Manchu, Han and Mongolia. However after being struck many times by lightning, its surface has degraded.

Behind the Ming Pavilion, is Crescent City - named because of its shape. Following Crescent City, visitors can see Treasure Top. The essential part of the tomb - the Underground Palace, which is the tomb of the Emperor and his queen, is located under Treasure Top. Longye Mountain which is a man made hill is at the back of the Treasure Top.

The Square City connected with the crescent moon shaped Treasure City at the rear, at the northern tip of the Treasure City is the Treasure Mound under which is the underground palace where Emperor Huang Taiji and his wife are buried.

The 4300 ancient pine trees mark the gate of the neat and magnificent tomb and make it appear more calm and solemn.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Getting there

By bus: No. 10, 213, 217, 220, 231, 232, 242, 245, 605.

Attractions around » Shenyang, Liao Ning

Historical Site

• Shenyang Imperial Palace
• Zhaoling Tomb
• Strange Slope
• Fuling Tomb

Cultural Site

• Shenyang Forest Wild Zoo
• Botanical Garden

Zhaoling Tomb Highlights

Mausoleum in Great China

• Ming Tombs
• Confucius Cemetery
• Huangdi Tomb
• Ming Xiaoling Tomb
• Eastern Qing Tombs
• Western Qing Tomb
• Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Tomb
• Royal Tombs of Western Xia Kingdom
• Zhaoling Tomb
• Genghis Khan's Tomb
• Tomb of Qin Shihuang
• Zhaoling Tomb
• Tomb of Crown Prince Yi De
• Tomb of Princess Yongtai
• Tomb of Concubine Yang
• Han Yang Ling Museum
• Qianling Tomb
• Maoling Tomb
• Imperial Tombs of the North Song Dynasty
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Fuling Tomb
• Hairui Tomb
• Zhaojun Tomb
• Astana Tombs
• Tomb of Abakh Khoja
• Tomb of General Yue Fei
• Amannishahan Tomb
• Tomb of Prince Jingjiang

Zhaoling Tomb FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What is the best time to visit Shenyang?

  Travel

1. How guard against pickpockets in Shenyang?
2. How about the clothing when traveling in Shenyang? Need very heavy clothes?

  Customs

1. What are some pecial festivals in Shenyang?

  Other Hints

1. Some useful numbers

• What is the best time to visit Shenyang?

  Late summer, middle autumn and late winter are all good times to travel in Shenyang. Winter is an especially good time to visit because the Ice Snow Festival is held then and is very entertaining and enjoyable.

  The lowest temperature of Shenyang is -28.5 C and the highest is 36.1 C. July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 24.7 C. It is much cooler than almost all the cities in southern China.

  The seasons of spring and summer are decorated with green plants; autumn is short but is so sunny nearly everyday; winter is like a pretty girl with long and beautiful white skirt.

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• How guard against pickpockets in Shenyang?

  • Avoid using pocketbooks that do not have a secure closure. Try to keep your hands on the closure or your pocketbook tucked close to your body.
  
  
  • Carry your wallet in an inside coat or trouser pocket. Never place it in a rear trouser pocket.
  
  
  • Be alert to the location of your valuables while in the crowd.
  
  
  • Be alert to possible staged distractions by a pickpocket team. If you are jostled, bumped or crowded, be aware that a pickpocket may be in action. If your pocket is picked, call out immediately for assistance.
  
  
  • Never display large amounts of cash when making simple purchases. If possible, use credit cards or travelers checks for major expenses.

  
  
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• How about the clothing when traveling in Shenyang? Need very heavy clothes?

  If you come to Shenyang in spring or autumn, some light clothes are enough, such as knitted sweater, jackets. However, if you travel to Shenyang in winter, you must take heavy clothes to protect against the cold.

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• What are some special festivals in Shenyang?

  Shenyang International Ice Snow Festival
  Every December through February, a grand International Ice Snow Festival is held in Qipanshan Scenic Area. You cannot only enjoy beautiful and amazing ice and snow sculptures, but you are also provided with a chance to join some ice and snow entertainment, and so on. In addition there will be an ice lantern festival and garden party in Beiling Park, Nanhu Park and Wulihe Park.

  Shenyang International Qing Dynasty Culture Festival
  As the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1919), Shenyang is blessed with rich cultural and historical resources. The Shenyang International Qing Dynasty Cultural Festival is held during every September since 1998. Main activities include parade to show royal etiquettes, traditional dances of the Manchu, temple fair, and so on.

  Shenyang West Lake Lotus Festival
  Shenyang West Lake is located in Xinmin City, about 48 kilometers (about 29.8 miles) away from Shenyang City. From every 25th, July to 10th, August, a splendid lotus festival is held. Thousands of tourists will come to Shenyang West Lake to enjoy the fantastic beauty.

  Strange Slope Pagoda Tree Flower Festival
  There are about 25 acres of pagoda trees around Shenyang Strange Slope Scenic Area. In every late May flowers will be blooming in a spirit of competition. It is really a good time and place for you to relax.

  Temple Fair
  Generally speaking, Shenyang Temple Fair is held in every February and gold weeks holidays (Labor Day and National Day holidays). During the temple fair, you can watch folk dances, enjoy folk craftwork and taste delicious local snacks.

  Shenyang International Dragon Boat Race
  International Dragon Boat Race had been held in 2003 and 2004. From 3rd, June to 2nd, July, 2006, the Third International Dragon Boat Race will be held in Wulihe Park, Shenyang. Aside from the wonderful races, there is also a Beer Festival, Food Festival, Dragon Boat Craftwork Exhibition, Photography Competition, and so on.

  Shenyang International Tourism Festival
  In 2006, the International Tourism Festival will be held in September. It is not only a good chance for you to have an enjoyment of mixed beauty of both traditional essence and modern creation, but also a nice moment for you to witness a charming, glistening and fashionable Shenyang. The Floats Parading Performance is the most attractive part.

  Shenyang Korea Week
  Usually Shenyang Korea Week is held each May, aiming to enhance the cooperation and cultural and economic exchange between the two countries. In 2006, Shenyang Korea Week will be conducted from 21st to 27th in May.

  Shenyang International Music Fireworks Festival
  Generally speaking, Shenyang International Music Fireworks Festival is held every August. You can enjoy beautiful music and splendid fireworks as well. It is not exaggerating to say that this festival is a feast for both your eyes and ears.

  2006 International Horticultural Exposition
  2006 International Horticultural Exposition will be held from 1st, May to 31st, October in Shenyang Qipanshan Scenic Area. The opening ceremony will be shown on 30th, April. The mascot for the exposition is pied magpie which is considered a rather propitious symbol in traditional Chinese culture

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• Some useful numbers

  Fire alarm: 119
  Police: 110
  Ambulance: 120
  Shenyang Customhouse: 024-22828275 or 024-22826668
  Taxi Complaint: 024-23577318
  Travel Complaint: 024-22821999
  Consumer Complaint: 12315
  EMS service: 185

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