Zhaoling Mausoleum (Beiling Park)
北陵公园
The mausoleum of Qing Emperor Taizong Hong Taiji and Empress Xiaozhuang Wen. It is the largest and best-preserved of the Three Qing Mausoleums outside the Shanhai Pass, and the ancient pine forest in front of it, together with Beiling Park, is Shenyang residents' backyard.
Zhaoling is located inside Beiling Park in Huangu District. Because it lies north of the city of Mukden, it is commonly called 'Beiling' (North Tomb). It is the mausoleum of Qing Emperor Taizong Hong Taiji and Empress Xiaoduan Wen. Construction began in 1643 and was completed in 1651. It covers about 160,000 square meters and is the largest and best-preserved of the Three Qing Mausoleums outside the Shanhai Pass (Yongling, Fuling and Zhaoling). It was added to the World Heritage List in 2004. Along the central axis, the complex includes, in order: the Dismount Stele, the ceremonial pillars, the stone archway, the Front Red Gate, and the stone statues lining the Spirit Way on both sides, with a pair each of lions, xiezhi, qilin, camels, elephants and horses. The two stone horses known as 'Big White' and 'Little White' are said to have been Hong Taiji's mounts. Continuing on, you pass the Shengong Shengde Stele Pavilion, the Longen Gate, the Longen Hall, the Ming Tower, and the Baocheng walled mound with its Baoding round tumulus, all enclosed by square city walls. You can climb the walls and walk the full circuit for views over the whole mausoleum and the ancient pine forest. In front of the mausoleum, Beiling Park covers 3.3 million square meters. It has large stands of ancient pines (most of the mausoleum's pines are over 300 years old), lakes and lotus ponds, and it is Shenyang's largest urban park and a favorite spot for residents' morning exercise. Tickets: about 6 yuan for the park and about 50 yuan for the mausoleum enclosure (discounts apply in the off season), purchased through the official WeChat account of Beiling Park or on site. Suggested route: from the park's main gate, walk about 15 minutes along the main road to the Front Red Gate of the mausoleum (an electric shuttle cart is available). The mausoleum visit takes about 1.5 hours, and adding a stroll through the park makes about 3 hours in total. Getting there: exit at Beiling Park station on Metro Line 2. From Shenyang North Station, a taxi takes about 15 minutes. Notes: the stairs and walls of the mausoleum can be icy in winter. There are few food options in the park, so bring your own. Keep noise down in the mausoleum area.
Opening hours
Park approx. 06:00–20:00; mausoleum area approx. 08:00–17:00 (16:30 in off-season)
Nearby sights
- Xinle Site
- Shenyang Resist America Aid Korea Martyrs' Cemetery
- North Pagoda & Falun Temple
- September 18th Historical Museum
- Former Site of the CPC Manchuria Provincial Committee
- Shisheng Temple (Huang Temple)
- Xita Korean Street
- Zhongshan Square