Qing Zhaoling, also known as ‘Beiling’, is located in Beiling Park in the northern part of Shenyang city, and serves as the main attraction within the park. It is the tomb of Huang Taiji, the second founding monarch of the Qing Dynasty, and his empress, Xiaoduanwen, as well as other imperial consorts such as Guanhui Palace Concubine, Linzhi Palace Noble Consort, and Huanqing Palace Noble Consort. Among the ‘Three Tombs Outside the Pass’ (Fuling, Zhaoling, and Yongling), Zhaoling stands out for its grand scale and imposing presence.
Ancient pines tower above, and the halls and palaces exude a majestic aura, reflecting a blend of Ming dynasty imperial tombs and Manchu architectural features. Construction of the tomb began in 1643 and was largely completed by 1651. The layout follows the ‘front court, rear chamber’ design, consisting of three sections from south to north: the front, the middle, and the rear. From the Dismount Stele to the Zhenghong Gate marks the front section, the Zhenghong Gate to the Square City marks the middle section, with stone animals and huabiao symmetrically arranged on both sides of the spirit way, and a stele pavilion in the middle to commemorate the virtues of the tomb’s occupants, housing the ‘Zhaoling Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue Stele’. The rear section includes the Square City and the Treasure City, which constitute the main body of the tomb. The Square City resembles a city within a city, with a main hall and several ancillary halls; the Long’en Hall is the central structure, featuring exquisitely carved granite steps and a roof adorned with golden yellow glazed tiles, exuding splendor. Behind the Long’en Hall lies the Baoding (a large earthen mound), beneath which is the underground palace housing the coffins and burial goods of the tomb’s occupants, yet the underground palace remains unopened to this day. Surrounding the tomb is the recreational area of Beiling Park; visitors only need to purchase a park ticket if they do not wish to enter Zhaoling for a visit. On the west side of the park, there is the Friendship Garden symbolizing Sino-Japanese friendship, as well as the exquisite Fangxiu Garden and Azalea Garden. The east side features an expansive lake, the tranquil Qinfang Pavilion, and a children’s playground. The park is densely wooded, lush with greenery in spring and summer, ideal for outings and cooling off; visitors can also enjoy boating on the lake. In winter, the park presents a beautiful northern snowy landscape. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 all year round. Preferential policies include free entry for children under 1.3 meters in height, free entry for seniors aged 70 and above with valid identification, discounts for seniors aged 60 to 69 with a senior citizen card and valid identification, free entry for active-duty military personnel with valid identification, and discounts for students with student ID cards. Additional information: The above information is for reference only; please check the details disclosed by the scenic spot on the day of your visit. Service facilities include a parking lot: [Zhaoling Parking Lot] with a fee; located at the entrance of the Zhaoling scenic area; the number of parking spaces is subject to the actual situation of the scenic area.
