Hiking photos – Eastern Qing Tombs, 2012/04/08

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To the north-east and south-west of Beijing city there are two sites where the tombs of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) emperors can be found. For this hike, we headed north-east, to the Eastern Qing Tombs, for a hike that took us over the hills to the tombs.

Most of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) tombs are located in the same area in Changping District. The Qing Tombs are spread out between two sites, alternating between emperors after a son thought it would be bad luck to be buried near the father he usurped.

We started the hikes in the hills behind the tomb site, and walked up to a ridge. We followed the firebreak trail along the ridge, through pine forests, with views of the tombs below us.

After walking down to the tombs, we took a good look about, visiting big halls and underground areas, and walking along the Sacred Way, the path that leads into the tombs.

along gravel roads and paths, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

We walked along gravel roads and paths in the hills behind the tombs.

Peacocks, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

Peacocks in a playground.

at one of the carvings in the tombs, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

We stopped to take a look at one of the carvings in the tombs. Usually, in these carvings, a dragon (the emperor) is depicted above a phoenix (the empress). This one was related to the Empress Dowager Cixi, and she reversed the normal order to put the phoenix on top.

a big hall, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

A gate leads to a big hall.

a tunnel, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

Walking through a tunnel.

the underground areas, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

One of the underground areas.

the carved stone, April08, 2012

Details in the carved stone.

An ornate gate, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

An ornate gate, with a large hall behind.

statues of animals and officials, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

The Sacred Way, flanked by statues of animals and officials.

the sculptures, Beijing Hikers Eastern Qing Tombs, April08, 2012

On of the sculptures in the underground area.

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