Shenyang is the capital of the Liaoning Province, and is the largest city in Northeast China. It is an important cultural and economic centre, and is famous for its colourful history. The city is over 2000 years old, and is the birthplace of the Qing dynasty. The city bears many buildings that have been a witness to the passage of time, and in some places the weight of time is almost tangible. Despite the city’s historic nature, it is an important industrial hub, and is quite modern.
One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Fuling Tomb. Also called the East Tomb, it is located in the eastern part of the city. The Fuling Tomb serves as a mausoleum for Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing dynasty, and his empress. It was once the main site for ceremonies and rituals performed by the imperial family. The entire complex spans nearly 50 acres while the beautiful Tianzhu Mountains form its backdrop.
The complex can be divided into three parts. The first part is the splendid red gate, which is the Frontispiece of Fuling Tomb. Lined with ornamental columns and elegant carvings of stone lions, it makes a fitting entrance. From the Frontispiece, visitors pass into the Sacred Way, which is lined with pairs of stone lions, camels, horses and tigers. The Sacred Way terminates at an imperial stairway. The third part of the Fuling Tomb is called the Square Castle. The Square Castle is typical of Qing architecture. The structure is about 5 metres in height, with towers on each of its corners. Right behind the Square Castle is the Bao Castle (Treasure Castle), which is the mausoleum of Nurhaci, and the heart of the Fuling Tomb.
The Tomb was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and it is a must see for those visiting Shenyang. Travellers staying in Shengyang will not lack for luxurious accommodation. Places like the Somerset Heping Shenyang offer excellent Shenyang Apartments. A fine example of an Apartment Shenyang offers, it provides a delightful alternative to a hotel. Boasting a location right in the centre of Shenyang’s shopping and entertainment districts, it is the ideal place to stay.