Deep within Beijing’s Chaoyang District, lies a hidden gem. It whispers tales of a prince who walked through three emperors’ reigns. This is the Xianqinwang Xingcuo Tomb, final resting place of Prince Xingcuo. He was a prominent figure during the Qing Dynasty. His life intertwined with the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors.
The Xianqinwang Xingcuo Tomb’s construction began in 1771, during the Qianlong Emperor’s rule. Prince Xingcuo’s influence during this prosperous era is reflected in the tomb’s grandeur. It surpasses the tombs of many previous imperial relatives in both scale and rank. The tomb’s yangfang, the main hall above ground, once served as a school, a testament to its size and adaptability. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the tomb served a more practical purpose. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force used it as storage. In 1986, the decaying structures within the tomb’s walls met a new fate. Bricks from demolished buildings were repurposed. Rows of simple houses were built inside the tomb’s enclosure, providing housing for workers. That same year, the Xianqinwang Xingcuo Tomb earned recognition as a key cultural relic site under the protection of the Chaoyang District.
Originally, the tomb boasted an impressive array of structures. These included a main gate, a ceremonial archway, a stele pavilion, east and west side halls, an offering hall, and an underground burial chamber. Sadly, time and neglect have taken their toll. The original layout is largely ruined. Only the east and west side halls, offering hall, and portions of the walls remain. The offering hall itself is a sight to behold. It features a striking green glazed tile roof. Its single-eave construction supports a majestic seven-tiered dougong. The hall stretches 18 meters wide. It has front and rear eaves and is adorned with colorful paintings. In front of the offering hall stands a moon terrace. Beyond the terrace, a spirit way leads to seven-stepped platforms flanking a central staircase. The east and west side halls mirror the offering hall’s impressive roof style but on a smaller scale. These halls, spanning 12 meters wide, also have front and rear eaves. They feature intricate swirling dragon paintings. In 2009 and 2010, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics and the Chaoyang District Cultural Committee respectively funded restoration efforts, focusing on preserving these remaining structures.
The Xianqinwang Xingcuo Tomb stands as a quiet testament to a prince’s legacy. It echoes with the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty, a period of immense cultural and historical significance. Though much of its original splendor is gone, what remains invites us to imagine the past. It beckons us to reflect on the life of Prince Xingcuo and his place within this rich historical tapestry.