Eastern Qing Tombs

The Eastern Qing Tombs are a major imperial mausoleum complex of the Qing dynasty located in Zunhua, Hebei province, northeast China, established in the 17th century. The site served as a principal burial ground for Qing emperors and members of the imperial family.

The complex comprises multiple tombs, ceremonial causeways, spirit ways lined with stone animals and gateways, and auxiliary halls used for rituals. Paths between the main tombs include long approachways and terraced settings that require walking; some of the larger tomb compounds include multi-room halls and enclosed courtyards.

Construction began in the early Qing period and continued as successive emperors were interred there; the site was used from the 17th century through the end of the imperial era in the early 20th century. Over time tomb compounds were added and some buildings have been restored or conserved in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The tombs sit in a valley framed by low forested hills about 120 km east of central Beijing, near the county-level city of Zunhua. The landscape is rural and the complex is approached by local roads from the nearest towns.

• Scale: The complex contains multiple imperial mausoleums of the Qing dynasty and covers a large funerary landscape of tombs, shrines and ceremonial approachways.
• When to go: Best visited in spring or autumn when temperatures are moderate and the walk between burial mounds and halls is comfortable.