Overview of Xixia Imperial Tombs National Archaeological Site Park
The Western Xia Mausoleums (Xixia Imperial Tombs) National Archaeological Site Park is strategically located in the western suburb of Yinchuan, at the East Piedmont of Helan Mountains. This park spans an impressive 57.56 square kilometers. It includes a 40 square kilometer archaeological site and a 17.56 square kilometer buffer zone.
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Archaeological Significance of the Xixia Imperial Tombs
Located on the east side of the 110 National Highway, the Xixia Imperial Tombs Archaeological Site houses 9 imperial tombs and 271 subordinate tombs. This site is notable for its large scale, high level of preservation, and profound historical and cultural heritage from the Xixia Dynasty. The Xixia Imperial Tombs serve as a crucial evidence of the now-vanished Xixia civilization. Moreover, they hold national significance in the demonstration of archaeological site protection and display.
Historical Overview of the Western Xia Dynasty
The Western Xia dynasty, established by the Tangut ethnic group, thrived from 1038 until its conquest by the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1227. Despite its significant historical role, much about the Tangut people remains shrouded in mystery. Among the mausoleums, only No.3 has undergone thorough excavation and research. This mausoleum, attributed to Jingzong, the first emperor of Western Xia, born Li Yuanhao (1003–1048), showcases a unique pavilion-tower architecture that blends traditional mausoleum and temple styles with Buddhist influences.
Exploration and Discovery of the Western Xia Mausoleums
The capital city of Western Xia and its burial complex remained elusive to early 20th-century Central Asian explorers such as Pyotr Kozlov, Aurel Stein, and Sven Hedin. It was not until modern times that the site gained broader recognition, thanks to Wulf-Dieter Graf zu Castell. He captured the first aerial photograph of the site, which he later published in his 1938 book, “Chinaflug.” This marked a significant milestone in bringing the Western Xia archaeological sites to the attention of the global community.
Architectural Innovations at Xixia Imperial Tombs
The builders of the Xixia Imperial Tombs introduced an innovative architectural style known as mausoleum pagodas. They effectively combined two major traditional mausoleum forms from the Central Plain. The entire site stretches to the foot of the Helan Mountains. This design mirrors the mausoleums of the Tang and Liao dynasties, which also incorporated the surrounding mountains into their layouts.
Construction Techniques and Historical Parallels
The main structure of each mausoleum, the mausoleum pagoda, was constructed using rammed earth. This technique is reminiscent of the bucket-shaped tomb mounds found in Han and Song dynasty mausoleums. These features highlight a blend of innovation and tradition in the construction of the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
Additional Historical Sites Near Xixia Imperial Tombs
Near the Xixia Imperial Tombs, researchers have identified approximately 46 sites. These include grotto temples, fortifications, tombs, and ancient architectures. Among these, the Xixia Imperial Tombs and the Khara-khoto Site stand out as the most significant representations of the Xixia civilization.
Significance of the Khara-khoto Site
The Khara-khoto Site, a typical city site of Xixia, serves as a crucial witness to the Xixia civilization. The numerous artifacts and documents unearthed here offer vast historical information, further emphasizing its importance.
High-Grade Temple Sites of Xixia
The high-grade temple sites of Xixia, such as the Twin Pagodas at Baisikou, Hongfo Pagoda, One-hundred-and-eight Pagodas, Square Pagoda at Baisigou, Shanzuigou Grottoes, and Northern Temple Pagoda Complex at Baisikou, are vital representations of Xixia civilization. These sites, located near the Xixia Imperial Tombs around the Helan Mountains, enrich our understanding of the region’s historical and cultural landscape.
Fengshui and the Placement of Xixia Mausoleums
The alignment of each mausoleum at the Xixia Imperial Tombs closely follows ancient Fengshui principles. The axis of each mausoleum aligns with a peak of the Helan Mountain, either visually or conceptually. This integration with the geographical environment reflects the traditional Chinese cultural approach to selecting tomb locations based on Fengshui theory.
Unique Architectural Features of Xixia Imperial Tombs
A notable architectural feature within the Xixia Imperial Tombs is the central platform found in Mausoleums No.1, No.2, and No.5. Positioned in the geometric center of Mausoleum No.1, the platform has a nearly square base, with the upper part tapering gradually. Scattered tiles and eave tiles surround it. This specific structure is unique to the Xixia period, as similar structures are absent in mausoleums from other periods. The distinctiveness of these platforms calls for further research to uncover their specific functions.
Underground Structures of the Mausoleums
The underground architecture of Mausoleum No.1 includes a tomb passage, a path leading to the tomb chamber, and a chamber that connects the sacrificial hall with the mausoleum pagoda. Notably, a mound shaped like a fish back, known as “Fish-back Ridge,” sits above the passage. Unfortunately, early looters emptied the tomb chamber, leaving behind an oval pit. While these underground sections remain unexcavated, insights from Mausoleum No.6 suggest that Mausoleum No.1 likely features a sloping passage and an earthen chamber lined with planks. This construction style marks a departure from the brick tombs prevalent under the Song and Liao regimes.
Tangut Residential Customs
Living in earthen houses was a customary practice among the Tangut people. Ancient literature indicates that in Xixia, all houses were made of earth, and covering a house with tiles required special permission. Consequently, most Tangut residents in Xixia lived in earthen houses, reflecting a distinct cultural tradition within the region.
Purpose of the Sacrificial Hall
The sacrificial hall at the Western Xia Mausoleums served as the primary location for worship and offerings for those interred within the mausoleum. It features ramps on both the southern and northern sides, with the northern ramp positioned against the southern gateway of the tomb passage. This design facilitated the ceremonial practices conducted in the hall.
Architectural Techniques in the Sacrificial Hall
The sacrificial hall of Mausoleum No.1, similar to that of Mausoleum No.6, adopts a square plan. This structure was built using techniques of column reducing and column removing. These methods involved relocating or entirely removing some inner columns to create more space within the building. Such techniques were popular in large Buddhist buildings during the Liao Dynasty and persisted through the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. The application of these architectural techniques in the sacrificial hall not only maximized space but also marked significant advancements in structural engineering. This demonstrates how Xixia assimilated and adapted advanced architectural technologies of the time.
Unique Fortification of Each Mausoleum
Each mausoleum at the Xixia Imperial Tombs features a Yuecheng city, a small-sized fortification located outside the southern gate of the mausoleum city. This design likely mirrors the fortifications found in Xixia cities. Such a fortification is unique among all mausoleums in China, highlighting a distinctive defensive strategy.
Within the Yuecheng City, two rows of platform foundations for stone statues are present on the east and west sides. These platforms are symmetrically arranged along the central axis, with each row spaced 8 meters apart. Scattered around are platform foundations with fragments of stone carvings, adding to the historical richness of the site.
Architectural Diversity in Western Xia Mausoleums
The rammed-earth buildings within the site are categorized into two types based on their floor plans. The more common type features a square plan. However, structures with a circular or octagonal plan are also significant, especially in Mausoleum No.3. This mausoleum includes main buildings such as gate Que towers, stele pavilions, and the mausoleum pagoda, all adopting circular or nearly circular plans. In contrast, other mausoleums typically feature square plans, with the exception of the octagonal mausoleum pagodas. This architectural diversity showcases the innovative building techniques employed during the Xixia period.
Stele Pavilions in Mausoleum No.1
Stele pavilions, constructed to honor the lives and achievements of late emperors, are prominent features in Mausoleum No.1. Positioned between the Que platforms and Yuecheng city, there are three stele pavilions in this mausoleum. This layout is consistent with Mausoleums No.2 and No.5, which also house three pavilions, differing from other mausoleums that typically contain only two. Unlike the circular-shaped pavilions in Mausoleum No.3, all three stele pavilions in Mausoleum No.1 have a quadrangular plan. Additionally, a square building exists in Western Xia Mausoleums No.1 and No.2, though its structure and function are yet to be determined.
Strategic Location and Flood Control Measures
The builders strategically placed the mausoleums on the highlands flanking the ravine, implementing flood control measures in certain areas. This careful planning effectively mitigates the threat of mountain floods. Their adept understanding of the geological conditions within the mausoleum areas has not only facilitated the construction but also ensured the long-term preservation of these historical structures.
Unique Alignment of the Twin Mausoleums
Western Xia Mausoleum No.1 and No.2, known as the Twin Mausoleums, are situated at the southern end of the site. Interestingly, they do not align directly with each other; instead, Mausoleum No.1 in the southeast is positioned diagonally in front of Mausoleum No.2 in the northwest. Despite their diagonal placement, both mausoleums share similar layouts, each enclosed by the outer city wall and comprising a mausoleum city, Yuecheng city, and additional structures outside the Mausoleum City.
Layout Variations Among the Nine Mausoleums
While the basic layout and composition of the nine mausoleums are similar, featuring symmetry along a central axis and core areas constituted by the enclosed mausoleum city and Yuecheng city, variations exist. To the south of Yuecheng city, stele pavilions, Que towers, and other buildings flank both sides of the central axis. However, not all mausoleums include a mausoleum city. Variations also occur in how the walls enclose the mausoleum city, the types of main structures present, and their directional orientation, highlighting a diversity in architectural and planning approaches within the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
Delimiting the Mausoleum Precincts
Archaeological findings suggest three methods to delimit the precincts of the nine mausoleums at the site. Firstly, Mausoleums No.1, No.2, No.7, and No.8 each have an enclosed outer city, which defines their precincts. Secondly, for Mausoleums No.3 and No.4, where no outer city or related structures are present, the precincts are defined by corner platforms. Lastly, Mausoleums No.5 and No.6 are delimited by their semi-enclosed outer cities.
Specific Examples of Mausoleum Delimitations
Mausoleum No.3, which you have just visited, lacks an outer city. Its entrance is marked distinctly by Que towers. In contrast, the precinct of Mausoleum No.1, which we are scheduled to visit next, is clearly defined by an outer city that includes walls on all four sides and a central gate on the southern wall.
Comparative Sizes of Mausoleum Precincts
The area of Mausoleum No.1, enclosed by the outer city, spans 80,000 square meters, roughly equivalent to ten football fields. This size is almost identical to that of Mausoleum No.2 and the estimated area of Mausoleum No.7. However, Mausoleum No.3 is significantly larger, covering an area of 150,000 square meters, as determined by the four corner platforms. This variation in size and delimitation methods highlights the diversity and complexity of the mausoleum structures within the Xixia Imperial Tombs.
Identification of Occupants in the Mausoleums
Among the nine mausoleums, the occupant of Mausoleum No.7 is known thanks to fragments of a stele that were discovered. These fragments indicate that Li Renxiao, the fifth emperor of Xixia, is buried there. This mausoleum is currently the only one among the nine where the identity of the interred is confirmed. The arrangement and precedence of the mausoleums, and whether they were influenced by the Zhaomu system, remain subjects for further investigation.
Discrepancy Between Number of Emperors and Mausoleums
Throughout the 11th to 13th centuries, Xixia had ten emperors. Additionally, two more, Li Jiqian and Li Deming, were posthumously confirmed as emperors by Yuanhao. Despite this, only nine mausoleums have been discovered. The likely explanation for this discrepancy is that the last three emperors were unable to commission their own mausoleums before the empire fell to the Mongol invasion. This historical context highlights the challenges faced by the Xixia dynasty during its final years.
Facilities and Services at the Site
On the west side of the 110 National Highway, the park offers a variety of facilities. These include the Xixia Museum, a Tourist Center, theaters for 3D and 4D experiences, a Tourist Dining Room, a Cultural Creative Hall, and Themed Blocks. These facilities provide comprehensive services such as ticket purchasing, consultations, movie viewings, and various interactive activities.
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Information directly from a visit at the Western Xia Mausoleums
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