Fuling Mausoleum (Dongling Park)
东陵公园
The mausoleum of Qing Taizu Nurhaci and Empress Xiaoci, built against Tianzhu Mountain. Its 108 steps and ancient pines give it the most mountain-forest atmosphere of the three Outer Pass imperial tombs.
Fuling Mausoleum lies on Tianzhu Mountain on the north bank of the Hun River, east of Shenyang. Because it lies east of the old Shengjing (Mukden) city, it is popularly known as the “Eastern Tomb.” It is the mausoleum of Qing Taizu Nurhaci and Empress Xiaoci of the Yehe Nara clan. Construction began in 1629, was essentially complete by 1651, and the site covers about 190,000 square meters. Together with Zhaoling and Yongling, it forms the three imperial tombs outside the Shanhai Pass, and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2004. The tomb complex rises from south to north along the mountain's contours. After the Zhenghong Gate and the spirit path lined with stone animal statues, the highlight is the “One Hundred and Eight Steps,” 108 stone steps climbing straight up the mountainside. They symbolize the elimination of 108 kinds of worry, and the views back over the ancient pine forest and the Hun River are spectacular. At the top are the Stele Pavilion of Divine Merit, the square city (Longen Gate, Longen Hall and Ming Tower) and the Treasure Wall with the Treasure Top. Visitors can climb the square city wall and walk around it. The grounds are surrounded by the original pine forest of Tianzhu Mountain. The setting is more secluded than Zhaoling, with far fewer visitors. Admission is about 40 yuan, with discounts in the off-season, and tickets can be bought through the “Eastern Tomb Park” WeChat account or on site. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Getting there: it is about a 20-minute walk from Dongling West Street Station on Metro Line 10, or take the bus to Dongling Park Station. From the Shenyang Imperial Palace, a taxi takes about 30 minutes. It can be visited on the same day as the September 18th Historical Museum. Notes: the 108 steps are steep and slippery in rain or snow. Dining options inside the tomb area are limited, so bring your own drinking water. Mosquitoes are common in the mountains in summer.
Opening hours
About 8:00 am–5:00 pm (closes 4:30 pm in off-season)
Nearby sights
- Shenyang Expo Garden
- Mukden (Hoten) POW Camp Site
- September 18th Historical Museum
- Xiaoheyan Morning Market
- Zhongjie Pedestrian Street
- Qipanshan Scenic Area
- Marshal Zhang's Mansion
- Ci'en Temple (Shenyang)