Crown Prince Zhanghuai-A suicide emperor
There are seventeen accompanying tombs of Qianling Mausoleums, the most important of which are tombs of Prince Yide, Princess Yongtai and Crown Prince Zhanghuai. The underground chambers of these tombs are richly decorated with colorful murals and they are often referred as the Underground Tang Art Gallery.
Zhanghuai-a suicide emperor
As the second son of Emperor Gao Zong and Empress Wu Zetian, Zhanghuai was made crown prince in 675 AD but was abdicated in 680 AD by his mother. Four years later, he was ordered to commit suicide when at the age of 31. He was reinstated posthumously in 711 and then buried along with his wife in the tomb.
Structure of the tomb
Three kilometers (1.86 miles) south east of the Qianling Mausoleum, the tomb is 71 meters (233 feet) long by 3.3 meters (11 feet) wide and 7 meters (23 feet) deep. It consists of a paved path, arches, a patio and two chambers sited one behind the other. Fifty murals in an excellent state of preservation decorate the walls. Covering some 400 square meters, these murals illustrate scenes from the life of the unfortunate prince. One of the most interesting of these is known as the 'Meeting of the Guests'. This mural shows three Tang officials accompanying ambassadors from abroad such as Rome and Korea as well as ethnic groups from north-east China and elsewhere. During the Tang Dynasty Chang'an was a cosmopolitan city with a population exceeding a million. The mural serves to remind us that much of the prosperity of the Tang was due to their international relationships with more than 300 different countries.
Other murals depict parades, dancing, games, female courtiers, ministers and a polo match, the game having been introduced from Persia and very popular among the Tang aristocracy. In addition to the paintings, in excess of 600 terra cotta items and tri-color vessels bear witness to the social systems and customs of the day.
Further stories about Qianling Mausoleum
1.Wu Zetian-the one and only female emperor in ancient China
2.Mysterious stone portraits
4.Princess Yongtai-a beautiful princess died early
5.Tomb of Prince Yide
The Qianling Mausoleum