Zhaoling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty, Shenyang

Located in Huanggu District, Shenyang, Zhaoling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty is the tomb of the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Taiji, and his Empress Xiaoduanwen. It is also the largest and most well-preserved of the three tombs outside Guanwai in the early Qing Dynasty. As a World Cultural Heritage Site and a national key cultural relics protection unit, Zhaoling Tomb of the Qing Dynasty showcases the unique style of Manchu royal mausoleum architecture. Zhaoling Tomb was built in 1643 and completed in eight years, covering an area of about 160,000 square meters. The mausoleum faces south and has a rigorous and symmetrical architectural layout, divided into three parts: front, middle, and rear. The main buildings include the Zheng Hong Gate, the Stele Pavilion, the Longen Gate, the Longen Hall, the Ming Tower, and the Treasure City. The Zheng Hong Gate is the main entrance to the mausoleum, with a dismounting stele in front of the gate to remind passing officials to dismount and walk to show respect. Inside the Stele Pavilion stands the "Sacred Merit Stele of Zhaoling Tomb of the Great Qing Dynasty" engraved in Chinese, Manchu, and Mongolian. The Longen Hall is the main building of the mausoleum, enshrining the spirit tablets of Emperor Hong Taiji and Empress Xiaoduanwen. Bronze tripods, bronze cranes, and other sacrificial items are placed on the platform in front of the hall. The Ming Tower is the tallest building in the mausoleum, with a stone tablet engraved with the words "Zhaoling" inside. The Treasure City is circular, with the underground palace below, where the coffins of Emperor Hong Taiji and the Empress are placed. The architecture of Zhaoling Tomb combines Manchu and Han styles, with red walls and yellow tiles complementing the verdant pines and cypresses. The mausoleum is full of ancient trees and has a quiet environment. Among them, ancient trees such as the "Sacred Tree" and the "Couple Tree" are hundreds of years old. Traditional sacrificial activities are held here every year during the Qingming Festival. Visiting suggestions: The best time to visit is in the spring and fall. It is recommended to arrange 2–3 hours for the visit. You can take Metro Line 2 to Beiling Park Station and get off. Tickets are CNY 50 in peak season and CNY 30 in off-season. Beiling Park is also nearby and can be visited together. Please note that smoking and loud noises are prohibited in the mausoleum to maintain a solemn atmosphere.