A Thousand Years of Watching Over: A Guide to the Northern Song Imperial Tombs in Gongyi

Spring has arrived at the Northern Song Imperial Tombs in Gongyi. On March 23, the rapeseed flowers were not yet in full bloom, but the wheat fields were already a vibrant green. The Northern Song Imperial Tombs are divided into four areas: 🔹Xicun Tombs: Yong'an Mausoleum (Zhao Hongyin, father of Emperor Taizu), Yongchang Mausoleum (Emperor Taizu, Zhao Kuangyin), and Yongxi Mausoleum (Emperor Taizong, Zhao Guangyi). 🔹Caizhuang Tombs: Yongding Mausoleum (Emperor Zhenzong, Zhao Heng). 🔹Baling Tombs: Yongyu Mausoleum (Emperor Shenzong, Zhao Xu) and Yongtai Mausoleum (Emperor Zhezong, Zhao Xu). These two tombs are situated amidst fields, offering picturesque views of rapeseed flowers and wheat fields in spring, and golden waves of wheat in summer. They are also the closest to Gongyi South High-Speed Railway Station. 🔹Xiaoyi Tombs: Yongzhao Mausoleum (Emperor Renzong, Zhao Zhen) and Yonghou Mausoleum (Emperor Yingzong, Zhao Shu). These are closest to the city center. Yongzhao Mausoleum is currently the only restored imperial tomb and has been designated as Songling Park. Suggested Visiting Order (from Gongyi South Station): Yongtai Mausoleum➡️Yongyu Mausoleum➡️Yong'an Mausoleum➡️Yongchang Mausoleum➡️Yongxi Mausoleum➡️Yongding Mausoleum➡️Yongzhao Mausoleum➡️Yonghou Mausoleum. If driving from the city center, reverse the order. Yongtai and Yongyu Mausoleums, located in the countryside, offer particularly scenic photo opportunities. Tip: Before your visit, consider watching the documentary "The Imperial Tombs of the Northern Song Dynasty" to gain insights into this period of buried glory and eternity. 📷Photo date: March 23, 2025