The tomb of the Jiaqing emperor. (Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang)

Harems of imperial concubines, royal theft, arsenic poisoning, rumors of fratricide and patricide... Today's peaceful sights of the Western Qing Tombs belie the periods of drama and intrigue that absorbed them before.

Beijing may be renowned as the historical and cultural capital of China, but it accordingly has a reputation for drawing large crowds of tourists. All of China is filled with history, and just outside of Beijing there are Qing Dynasty sites which are overlooked too often.

Square architecture transforms into the circular curves of heaven at the Western Qing Tombs. (Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang)

Similar in style to the constructions of the Forbidden City, square spaces and square structures are a constant until one gets past the final tower. Suddenly observers are soothed by the sweeping curves of a massive circular garden, its entirety elevated up towards the sky. The garden is filled with green grasses and pine trees, akin to a natural forest but hoisted up from the ground. Visitors may not enter, but are treated to a pleasant walk around its perimeter, with the courtyard in the distance below.

Classic Qing Dynasty architecture on a sea of tattered stone tiles. (Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang)

The last of the tombs to be completed here was Chongling. Here in the frigid underground palace of Chong Tomb, visitors can see where Emperor Guangxu and Empress Longyu were buried. Visiting the tomb is one way to escape the summer's heat (or winter's bite).

A Buddha stands guard on a door of the underground Chong Tomb. (Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang)

All of the Western Qing Tombs and their accompanying structures are quintessential examples of Qing Dynasty architecture. The history is definitely rich, though the English signage is sometimes lacking. Visitors may consider taking an English tour guide with them. The lack of tour buses going to Yi County may be inconvenient for some, but it definitely helps ensure that visitors can explore the sites and experience the history intimately and at their own pace.

One of three dragon's heads, propping up a pot outside of a tomb. (Photo source: CRIENGLISH.com/William Wang)