A UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum complex holding the tombs of the Shunzhi, Kangxi, Qianlong and other Qing emperors, along with Empress Dowager Cixi, spread across a walled valley northeast of Beijing.
The Eastern Qing Tombs lie at Malanyu Town in Zunhua, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China, about 125 km north-east of Beijing, and form the largest and most complete imperial mausoleum complex in the country. Construction began in 1663 with the tomb of the Shunzhi Emperor, and the site eventually held five emperors, fifteen empresses, 136 imperial concubines and several princes and princesses. Along with the Western Qing Tombs, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing for Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The complex covers about 80 square kilometres in a valley backed by Changrui Mountain, laid out according to feng shui principles. A long sacred way, lined with stone pillars and carved guardians, leads toward the individual mausoleums. The most visited tombs are the Xiaoling, the mausoleum of the Shunzhi Emperor, the Yuling of the Qianlong Emperor, whose underground palace has carved Buddhist sutras and deity reliefs on its stone doors and walls, and the Dingdongling, the tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi, known for its gilded wood carving and ornate halls. Visitors can descend into some underground chambers, and several tomb complexes contain exhibitions of burial objects and imperial history.
Because the site is spread across a wide area, a visit typically takes three to five hours and benefits from vehicle transfers between tombs. Weekdays are noticeably calmer than weekends and holidays, when tour buses arrive from Beijing. The main sacred way is best photographed in the morning, and winter and shoulder seasons bring quiet and clear air, with off-season ticket prices and shorter opening hours. Visitors should plan to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, and dress modestly in respect of the site's solemn character.
| Admission | Adult ¥108 (~$16) peak season; ¥80 (~$12) off-season, main tomb combo ticket · Child Discounted for children and students; free under 1.2m |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (peak season); shorter hours off-season |
| Typical visit | 3-5 hours |
| Best time | Full-day visit on a weekday; the site is large and spread across several tomb complexes |
| Getting there | Bus or private car from Beijing (about 2.5 hours, 125 km) or from Tangshan/Zunhua |
| Address | Malanyu Town, Zunhua, Tangshan, Hebei (清东陵) |
Location
Malanyu Town, Zunhua, Tangshan, Hebei (清东陵)
40.1889, 117.9661 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the sacred way lined with stone guardians and pillars
- Enter the Qianlong Emperor's carved underground palace at Yuling
- See the ornate halls of Empress Dowager Cixi's Dingdongling
- Visit the Shunzhi Emperor's Xiaoling, the first tomb built here
Tips for visiting
- Plan a full day, as the tombs are spread across a large valley
- Visit on weekdays to avoid tour bus crowds from Beijing
- Use the shuttle or a vehicle between tomb complexes
- Check the combo ticket for access to underground chambers
- Dress modestly and bring water and comfortable shoes
When to visit
Weekdays, ideally spring or autumn, for comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. Arrive early to cover several tombs in daylight.
Accessibility
Sacred way paths are wide and mostly flat, but underground chambers and tomb mounds involve stairs and ramps. Vehicle transfers help reduce walking distances.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Three to five hours is typical, depending on how many of the tomb complexes are visited.
Which tombs are most worth seeing?
The Yuling of the Qianlong Emperor and Dingdongling of Empress Dowager Cixi are the most popular, along with the Xiaoling.
How do I get there from Beijing?
Buses and private cars take about two and a half hours for the 125 km journey.