Song Tombs, Northern Song dynasty cemetery in Gongyi, China.
The Song Tombs form a cemetery complex with eight imperial mausoleums distributed across Xicun, Zhitian, and Huiguo in the Gongyi region of Henan Province. The sites feature traditional stone structures and pathways that connect the separate burial grounds across the landscape.
The site originated during the Northern Song dynasty and houses seven emperors plus the father of the dynasty's founder, all interred between 960 and 1127. This period spans the entire reign of the Northern Song until its collapse by external forces.
The complex displays traditional Chinese burial practices of the Song period through the arrangement and design of its structures. You can see how the imperial court honored its deceased rulers through the careful placement and architectural choices at each location.
The grounds are located on Du Fu Road and remain open year-round without admission charges. You can explore the burial sites at your own pace, though researching the layout of different locations beforehand helps with planning your visit.
Each mausoleum carries the prefix 'Yong' in its name, such as Yong'an, Yongchang, and Yongxi. This consistent naming system followed imperial conventions of the era and created a recognizable identity for each burial site.
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