Located 125 km east of Beijing, the complex of the Eastern Qing Tombs is the grandest surviving imperial tomb complex in China and houses the tombs of 5 emperors, 15 empresses, many princes, dukes, nurses, and other personalities of the imperial court. Of the 15 tombs covering an area of 80 square kilometers, Qianlong and Cixi tombs are the most impressive.

They are built on the model of the Ming tombs, with successively a bridge of five arches, three pavilions (stone arch), and a bridge of seven arches, a sacred way somewhat different from that of the Ming because lined with pines and cypresses, a gate of the Dragon and the Phoenix. A bridge of three arches was introduced into the enclosure where the tower of the stele bearing the name of the emperor is erected. We then enter the square city with the sacrifice room in the center and the kitchens on the sides. Behind, a porch gives access to the tumulus surrounded by a semi-circular enclosure.