History of the Qing Western Tombs

Author: Xu Guangyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The author has been engaged in the study of Qing Tombs for nearly 30 years. Based on a wealth of Qing imperial archives and historical records compiled by the Qing court, as well as repeated field investigations and verifications, this book provides an in-depth and comprehensive study on the origins of the Western Qing Tombs, their fengshui, the layout of each tomb, the construction process, the interred individuals, sacrificial rituals, looting and clearing, as well as the accompanying tombs. It presents some novel viewpoints and many archival materials are disclosed for the first time. The book combines knowledge and interest, making it an essential read for those studying and understanding Qing Tombs.
After the Qing Dynasty entered the Central Plains, the system of mausoleums followed the Ming Dynasty's model while also incorporating reforms and innovations, bringing the mausoleum system of this glorious period to its peak. Qing emperors placed greater emphasis on the quality of the mausoleum environment. They not only conducted strict examinations of hydrology, geology, climate, and light but also paid close attention to the relationship between the mountain and river landscape and the mausoleum architecture. The guiding principle for selecting mausoleum sites and constructing them was "the mausoleum system should harmonize with the landscape" and "adhere to the regulations of rituals while complementing the grandeur of the mountains and rivers." In this regard, Emperor Daoguang articulated it more clearly: "The priority is to achieve perfection in the location, rather than focusing on the magnificence of the palaces to impress the eye."