Visit the Zhaoling Tomb of Qing Emperor Hong Taiji

In 1643, Hong Taiji died suddenly in the Shenyang Palace. He never got to rule the Central Plains. He was buried in the Zhaoling Tomb, which is the joint tomb of Hong Taiji and his wife, Borjigit. The Zhaoling Tomb is located north of Shenyang, so it is also called Beiling. The Zhaoling Tomb was built in 1643, the year Hong Taiji died, and was completed in 1651. After being expanded and renovated by Kangxi and Qianlong, it became a unique ancient architectural complex. In 1644, the tablet and throne for Hong Taiji were completed. Prince Zheng Jirhalang led officials, princesses, and others to hold a ceremony and sacrifice. In August of the same year, the tomb was named Zhaoling. In 1646, the sacrificial system for the Zhaoling Tomb was established. In 1650, three pairs of huabiao and six pairs of stone statues were built. In 1651, a bridge, stone archway, and red gate were built. The main buildings of the Zhaoling Tomb were completed, and the artificial mountain was named Longye Mountain. During the Shunzhi period, the Long'en Gate, east and west red gates, square city, Wufeng Tower, east and west side halls, east and west side buildings, cleaning room, tea room, fruit room, and ceremonial room were built. The burning pavilion was built between 1643 and 1651, and the east and west courtyards were built between 1651 and 1722. In 1663, the crescent city, glazed screen wall, and treasure top were built. In 1664, the stele, Ming Tower, two-pillar gate, and stone altar were built. The underground palace was completed, and Hong Taiji was officially buried. In 1688, the Shengde Stele and pavilion were built. The Zhaoling Tomb is not only an ancient building with profound historical and cultural heritage, but also an important part of Chinese cultural heritage. Legend has it that when the Shunzhi Emperor visited the Zhaoling Tomb, he saw a giant snake coiled around a stone pillar. He thought it was a guardian spirit, so he ordered a temple to be built to worship it. The Snake God Temple was built outside the red gate. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Snake God Temple collapsed. One day, Zhang Xueliang and Miss Zhao Yidi stayed at the Beiling Villa. Miss Zhao dreamed of a red snake crawling out of her shoe and turning into a giant snake. The snake said it had become a god, but had no place to live. If Miss Zhao helped it, it would help Zhang Xueliang avenge his father's death. Miss Zhao told Zhang Xueliang, but he didn't believe her. However, at Miss Zhao's insistence, he funded the restoration of the temple.