Hidden within the verdant embrace of Beibai Forest Park lies the Rongqin Prince Cemetery, a place shrouded in history and whispered secrets. It’s a tranquil oasis amidst the urban sprawl, yet its very name, Beibai, echoes the legacy of the prince whose tomb rests here. Rongqin Prince Cemetery, known locally as “North Palace”, is more than just a burial ground. It’s a time capsule, a link to the opulence and intrigue of the Qing Dynasty. Our story begins with a young prince named Mianyi, the fifth son of Prince Yongchang and grandson of the Qianlong Emperor. Mianyi was born into privilege, but his path was not without its twists and turns. His father died young, and Mianyi became the heir, a heavy mantle for young shoulders. At the tender age of twenty, Mianyi was granted the title of Duoluo Belle and later, in 1799, was promoted to Prince Rongqin.
The Rongqin Prince Cemetery was not built overnight. Mianyi, with an eye for auspicious locations, selected a plot of land in 1804. It was originally known as Apricot Garden and belonged to Zhang Pengnian. Mianyi traded some of his land and properties to acquire it. The geomancer declared it a fortunate site, and construction began. However, the “official work” was notoriously slow. The prince’s tomb was still incomplete when he passed away in 1815 at the age of fifty-two. Even in death, the prince’s influence shaped the area. The extensive construction site associated with the tomb became known as “North Work Above,” distinguishing it from another worksite to the south, “South Work Above.” Over time, “North Work Above” evolved into “North Palace,” lending its name to the surrounding Beibai area.
Mianyi was a man of many talents. A scholar, a calligrapher, a painter, and a musician. He excelled in Manchu literature, archery, and mathematics. He even curated a collection of songs, known as the “Ten Southern Tunes,” a nod to his self-styled title, “Southern Yin Leisurely.” Though he was bestowed with the honorary title of Prince Rongqin, the character “qin” which means “benevolent” was a posthumous honor, a reflection of his character perhaps. Interestingly, Mianyi’s lineage boasts remarkable literary figures. His eldest son, Yihui, was a renowned scholar and the author of Ming Shan Tang Collection. Yihui’s wife, Gu Taiqing, is celebrated as one of the foremost female poets of the Qing Dynasty, known for her evocative work, Tian You Ge Collection. Their cemetery lies to the southwest of Rongqin Prince Cemetery, a quiet testament to their enduring legacy. The Rongqin Prince Cemetery stands as a silent witness to the passage of time, a reminder of the lives and legacies intertwined with the history of Beijing.