Another Shěnyáng highlight is this extensive tomb complex, the burial place of Huang Taiji (1592–1643), founder of the Qing dynasty. The tomb’s animal statues lead up to the central mound known as the Luminous Tomb (Zhāo Líng).
In many ways a better-preserved complex than the Imperial Palace, the tomb site is worth a few hours examining the dozens of buildings with their traditional architecture and ornamentation. Lóng’ēn Hall is a particularly fine structure, and as you circumambulate the base observe the richness of traditional symbols (peonies, vases, lucky clouds) carved in relief.
The North Tomb sits a few kilometres north of town inside expansive Běi Líng Park . With its pine trees and large lake, the park is an excellent place to escape Shěnyáng’s hubbub. Locals come here to promenade, sing or just kick back. Beiling Gongyuan metro station is directly outside the park.
