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Lies to the southeast of Qianling is the
tomb of Prince Yide - the first son of Emperor Zhongzong. He died in 701
A.D. at 19 years old. In 705, when Zhongzong returned to the throne he
was awarded posthumously the title of Crown Prince Yide and in 706 his
remains was moved to the Qianling.
A mound and enclosure walls surrounded the
tomb of Prince Yide in a rectangle. To the south of the walls was a pair
of stone lions, stone figures (one was destroyed and only the pedestal
remains), and a pair of obelisks (destroyed and buried in the earth when
collapsed). The tomb consists of a tomb tunnel, three doors, seven air-shafts,
eight niches, tomb chambers. It is altogether 10.8 meters in length.
Over 40 impressive well-preserved mural paintings
in the tomb depict the court life including guards of honor, the Blue
Dragon, White Tiger, city walls, watch towers, musicians, men-servants
and maids of honor, which show Li Chongrun's special identity. For example,
in the Tomb of Princess Yongtai are 12 painted halberds; 14 in the Tomb
of Prince Zhanghuai yet in his tomb, while 48 in an emperor's mausoleum.
The paintings of Eagle Out For Hunting, Maids of Honor, Display of Halberds
rich in color and design are eye-feasted as well.
The carved sketches on the stone outer coffin
are fine and smooth and they give a good expression to the features of
the Tang-style carved sketches: smooth, clear and powerful. More than
1,000 pieces of historical relics have been unearthed from the Tomb of
Crown Prince Yide, including pottery figures, tri-color glazed figures,
earthen wares as well as gold, bronze and iron wares.
Admission: 20 (RMB)
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