Qingxiling
Qingxiling
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1661 with the tomb of Emperor Shunzhi, the first Qing emperor to rule China. The site expanded over 250 years, with emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Jiaqing choosing it as their final resting place. Unlike the Eastern Qing Tombs (near Zunhua), which were favored by later emperors, the Western Tombs reflect the early Qing Dynasty’s struggles to consolidate power. The complex survived wars, looting, and cultural revolutions, with restoration efforts in the 20th century preserving its heritage. In 2000, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, honoring its role in China’s imperial history.
Structural Layout
The tombs are arranged in three zones:
Northern Zone: Home to the tombs of Emperor Shunzhi (Xiaoling), Emperor Yongzheng (Tailing), and Emperor Jiaqing (Changling).
Central Zone: Features the tomb of Emperor Kangxi (Jingling) and the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long path lined with stone statues of animals and officials.
Southern Zone: Houses the tombs of imperial consorts and the Muying Hall, a memorial temple.
Key structures include spirit towers, stone bridges, burner towers, and watchtowers, surrounded by pine forests and mountains.
Major Attractions
Xiaoling (Shunzhi Emperor’s Tomb): The oldest tomb, with a stone altar, underground palace, and murals depicting Buddhist heavens.
Jingling (Kangxi Emperor’s Tomb): The largest tomb, featuring a 30-meter-high spirit tower and a stone stele inscribed with the emperor’s achievements.
Sacred Way: A processional route guarded by 18 pairs of stone animals (lions, camels, elephants) and 12 pairs of civil and military officials.
Daming Pagoda: A seven-story brick pagoda near Yongzheng’s tomb, used for Buddhist rituals.
Muying Hall: A wooden memorial hall with intricate carvings and tablets honoring imperial ancestors.
Underground Palaces: Explore the subterranean chambers of Emperors Shunzhi and Yongzheng, filled with jade sarcophagi and Buddhist relics.
Pine Forests: Wander through ancient pine groves, where emperors once hunted and meditated.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Sacred Way → Xiaoling (Shunzhi Tomb) → Jingling (Kangxi Tomb) → Muying Hall → Exit
Highlights: Iconic tombs, Sacred Way, and memorial hall.
Heritage Route (4–5 hours):
Entrance → Sacred Way → Xiaoling → Jingling → Tailing (Yongzheng Tomb) → Daming Pagoda → Pine Forest Trail → Exit
Highlights: Underground palaces, pagoda, and nature walk.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Entrance → Sacred Way → Xiaoling → Jingling → Tailing → Changling (Jiaqing Tomb) → Muying Hall → Imperial Consort Tombs → Pine Forest Trail → Exit
Highlights: All major tombs, pagoda, and serene trails.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program "Western Qing Tombs" (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but limited during peak seasons.
Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥108 (adults), ¥54 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
Combo Ticket (Tombs + Sacred Way): ¥135 (peak season), ¥100 (off-season).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Station (2.5 hours) or Shijiazhuang South Station (3 hours) to YiXian County, then a taxi to the tombs.
Car: Drive via the Jingzhu Expressway; parking available at the entrance.
Tour Group: Join a guided tour from Beijing or Baoding for convenience.
Departure: Exit via the south gate to reach Laiyuan County or Baiyangdian Lake.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., Qingming Festival) are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and clear skies.
Essentials:Wear comfortable shoes (uneven stone paths).
Bring a hat and sunscreen (minimal shade in some areas).
Photography allowed (no flash in underground chambers).
Prohibited items: Drones, smoking, and touching stone carvings.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
