The Western Qing Tombs: history on the outskirts

by William Wang
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail CRI, June 26, 2012
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Square architecture transforms into the circular curves of heaven at the Western Qing Tombs. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang]

Square architecture transforms into the circular curves of heaven at the Western Qing Tombs. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang]



Similar in style to the constructions of the Forbidden City, square spaces and square structures are a constant until one gets past the final tower. Suddenly observers are soothed by the sweeping curves of a massive circular garden, its entirety elevated up towards the sky. The garden is filled with green grasses and pine trees, akin to a natural forest but hoisted up from the ground. Visitors may not enter, but are treated to a pleasant walk around its perimeter, with the courtyard in the distance below.

Emperor Yongzheng is buried within the circle filled with trees and grasses. Square spaces in the grounds leading up to the tomb represent the earth and its inhabitants, whereas the circular shapes within represent the celestial bodies; hence Yongzheng was symbolically laid to rest in the heavens.

Chang Xi Ling is where the tomb of the Jiaqing emperor is found. The grounds are spacious, a large circular wall focusing on the tomb at centre, which rather resembles a large water tank. The curve of the wall was created in such a way that it unintentionally bounced sounds back toward a focal point just before the tomb. Hand claps, songs and whispers all rebound back towards the center with amazing clarity. This is like the echo wall at the Temple of Heaven, but without people elbowing in to yell hello.

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