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Home > Travel China > China Attractions > Graveyard for Tibetan Kings
Graveyard for Tibetan Kings
China, an East Asian country is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has a vast cultural history of more than five thousand years and an outstanding natural beauty. On the other hand, this country has remained a comparatively isolated and secluded one, and being a land of mystery, this country is not known to the western half of the world. However, China is rapidly developing and has grown in the phase of modernization, with an immense speed and is also welcoming the outer world to interact and do business with them.
The graveyard lies at Chonggye County, 27 kilometers or 16 miles south of Tsedang. Those hill-like mounds are believed to be tombs of Tibetan kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The tops of the mounds are level, which is different with mausoleums in China. Here, in the Graveyard of Tibetan Kings, the largest preserved imperial graveyard in Tibet, the nine recognizable tombs stand as reminders of the rich history and lore of ancient Tibet.
The largest mound is believed to belong to Songtsen Gampo, a most outstanding ruler, whose reign marks Tibetan mythology and recorded history. The tumulus is 13.4 meters or 44 feet high, with a small but charming temple atop. The temple houses statues of Songtsen Gampo, his wives and his chief ministers and monks who is taking care of the tomb. He was believed as a reincarnation of Chenrezi, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, so his tomb is the grandest one. It is very large, having 9 chapels.The king's body was wrapped in gold foils and surrounded by gems.The gate of the tomb faces southwest, where is Sakyamuni's homeland, to show the king's piety to Buddhism.
Before the tomb of King Tride Songsten, which is close to that of Songtsen Gampo, there is an elegantly carved stele on which Tride Songsten's merits and achievements were inscribed. Another stele stands before the tomb of King Trisong Detsen, who is deemed as the second most outstanding king in Tibet, also read the merits and achievements of His Majesty. A couple of lions squat at the graveyard, guarding the highest royal graveyard in the world.
China is a popular travel destination for visitors and globe trotters from all over the world who appreciate its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, delicious local cuisine, hospitality and safety. Quality is China's top priority.
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