Gongling Tomb of the Tang Dynasty, Imperial tomb complex in Yanshi District, China
The Gongling Tomb is a burial complex built into Mount Liang near Yanshi, where Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian are interred together. Seventeen smaller attendant tombs surround the main chamber to honor members of the royal court and family.
The complex was built after Emperor Gaozong died in 684 and completed before Empress Wu Zetian was also laid to rest there about twenty years later. Wu Zetian was China's only female ruler and left a strong mark on how the empire was run during her time.
Stone statues line the spirit way and show foreign dignitaries and symbolic animals as they were understood during the Tang Dynasty. Visitors can still see these figures today and understand how people of that time viewed rank and cosmic order.
The site sits in hilly terrain and is best explored on foot, with several paths connecting the various tombs for visitors to see. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for some areas becoming slippery if weather has been wet.
Inside the burial chambers lie original treasures of gold and ceramic items along with wall paintings showing scenes from court life. These wall paintings give visitors a rare look at artistic practices and daily luxuries during the Tang era.
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