Yuling Mausoleum, Imperial mausoleum in Zunhua, China
Yuling Mausoleum is an imperial burial site in Zunhua that sits within the Eastern Qing Tombs and consists of several above-ground halls and underground chambers. The complex extends across terraced courtyards with stone archways, pavilions, and a paved processional avenue leading to the entrance of the burial mounds.
Emperor Qianlong had this place built during the mid-18th century and designated it as a resting place for himself, two empresses, and three concubines. Around two centuries later, the tomb was plundered by troops, causing major damage to the original furnishings.
The burial chambers show Buddhist figures and religious writings in different alphabets that speak of the faith practiced at the imperial court. Visitors walk through rooms where stone reliefs and sacred formulas remain.
The site lies east of Beijing in a wide area that holds several imperial tombs and is connected by paved paths. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the underground chambers are reached by stairs and the grounds have gentle slopes.
The underground chambers were partly restored after the raid, but many original objects and decorations remain missing to this day. Visitors therefore see a burial site that shows both its former splendor and the traces of looting.
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