China Guide
Dongbei
The North Tomb
Opening time: Daily 9am–4.30pm
Price: ¥30
Address: Beiling Park: bus #213 from the Imperial Palace, or bus #220 from the South station
The North Tomb is where Abahai is buried, and though it was his father Nurcahi who was the real pioneering imperialist, Abahai certainly got the better tomb. The well-preserved complex, constructed in 1643, is entered through a gate to the south, either side of which are pavilions; the easternmost was for visiting emperors to wash and refresh themselves, the westernmost for sacrifices of pigs and sheep. A drive flanked with statues of camels, elephants, horses and lions leads to the Long En Hall, which contains an altar for offerings and the spirit tablets of the emperor and his wife. Their tree-covered burial mounds are at the rear, where you'll also find a fine dragon screen. Winter in Beiling Park sees snow sculptures, ice skates available for rent, and wooden sleds with blades on the bottom, which you move using two metal ski poles while seated.