Tombs of two Qing Dynasty founders lie in Shenyang parks

IN Shenyang, Manchu culture is well displayed not only in the imperial palace, but in the resting places of the Qing Dynasty founding fathers — Nurhaci and Huangtaijii.

Called Zhaoling and Fuling, they were added to the UNESCO listing in 2004. Zhaoling is in Beiling Park in northern Shenyang; Fuling is located in Dongling Park in the east.

Zhao tombs

Zhaoling holds the tombs of Huangtaiji and his empress Bo’erjijite. Construction of the mausoleum began in 1643 and was finished eight years later.

The layout is divided into three parts from south to north by three buildings: the Horse Dismounting Tablet, the Red Gate and the Square City. The first two parts are used for worship and festivities; the third is the burial site.

The main structure consists of the Square City, the Crescent City, the Ming Pavilion and the Treasure Top. The most palatial place is the Longen Hall in Square City. Its floor is covered with gold, which glistens in sunlight.

Address: 12 Taishan Rd, Huanggu District Opening hours: 8:30am-5pm

Admission: 50 yuan (April 1-October 30), 30 yuan (November 1-March 31)

Fu Tombs

Emperor Nurhaci, founder of the Qing Dynasty, and his empress are buried here. The site is much smaller than that of Zhaoling.

Work on this majestic tomb began in 1629 and was completed in 1651. It was built against the backdrop of Tianzhu Mountain.

Like Zhaoling, the natural layout here is divided into three parts from south to north.

The first part is the Frontispiece. On both sides of it stand delicately carved stone lions, ornamental columns, memorial archways and stone tablets.

The second part is called the Sacred Way. Pairs of stone lions, horses, camels and tigers stand on either side of the avenue. At the end is the famous 108-step staircase symbolizing high imperial power.

The third part is the Square Castle, the main structure of Fuling. The castle is about 5 meters high. Small towers sit on its four corners. To the rear is Treasure Castle, which serves as the mausoleum of Nurhaci and his wife.

Address: 210 Dongling Rd, Hunnan District Opening hours: 8am-5pm

Admission: 40 yuan (April 1-October 30), 30 yuan (November 1-March 31)