Tianshii Royal Tombs

Tianshii Royal Tombs

The Tianshii Royal Tombs are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tianshii Royal Tombs are distributed on the eastern sides of Dinzhu Mountain and Niushan Mountain, about 7.5 kilometers south of the ancient city of Qi in Linzi District, Zibo City, Shandong Province. Within the four corners of Linzi, there are over 150 ancient tombs (mounds), collectively referred to as the "Linzi Tomb Cluster." Most of these ancient tombs are burial sites of Qi state royalty, nobles, ministers, and aristocrats from the Spring and Autumn, Warring States, and Han dynasties. Among them, in the southern part of present-day Qiling Town, six kings of the Tianqi lineage were buried here, and these are known as the Tianshii Royal Tombs. In 1988, the State Council designated them as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The Erwang Tomb, commonly known as the "Two Kings' Tomb," also called the "Qi Kings' Tomb," is located on Dinzhu Mountain south of Qiling Town. The two tombs stand side by side from east to west, with square bases and round tops. They stretch approximately 190 meters from north to south and 320 meters in total from east to west. The western tomb is about 190 meters long, seemingly consisting of three tiers that gradually taper toward the top, with a round mound about 12 meters high. The eastern tomb’s round mound is slightly shorter than the western one. Historical records refer to the "Erwang Tomb" as the burial site of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Jing of Qi. However, upon research, it is now believed to be the tomb of Tian Qi Hou Yan and Tian Huan Gong Wu. The Siwang Tomb, also known as the "Four Heroes' Tomb" or commonly as the "Four Ladies' Tomb," is the burial site of four successive rulers of the Tianqi Qi state: Kings Wei, Xuan, Min, and Xiang. It is located on the eastern side of Niushan Mountain, standing side by side from west to east along the southern foothills. From west to east, they are: the first is the tomb of King Wei of Qi, 30 meters high with a circumference of 140 meters; the second is the tomb of King Xuan of Qi, 34 meters high with a circumference of 157 meters; the third is the tomb of King Min of Qi, 22 meters high with a circumference of 190 meters; the fourth is the tomb of King Xiang of Qi, 23 meters high with a circumference of 130 meters. The four tombs are spaced apart: the first and second are 130 meters apart; the second and third are 105 meters apart; the third and fourth are 160 meters apart, making the total length 541 meters. They look like a continuous range of peaks, creating a majestic and imposing atmosphere.

The Tianshii Royal Tombs are the burial sites of six monarchs of the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The tombs are arranged in an east-west line, stretching continuously, with towering mounds that create a majestic appearance resembling hills. There are also dozens of smaller burial mounds scattered around the area, hence the name "Qi Tombs." The most famous among the burial sites are the Erwang Tomb and the Siwang Tomb.

The Erwang Tomb is located at the eastern foot of Dinzhu Mountain. Legend has it that it is the tomb of Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Jing of Qi from the Spring and Autumn period. Duke Huan, of the Lü clan, named Xiaobai, was a prince of Qi, known as "Prince Xiaobai." He reigned from 685–643 BCE and implemented sweeping reforms under the governance of Guan Zhong, strengthening the state's power and military might. He eventually united the feudal lords nine times and brought order to the realm, becoming the foremost of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period. Duke Jing, named Chuku, reigned from 547–490 BCE and appointed Yan Ying as his prime minister, earning praise for his governance. The two tombs are aligned from east to west, built against the mountain, standing 20 meters high with a circumference of 120 meters.

The Siwang Tomb is situated south of Zhihe Village. Legend says it is the tomb of Kings Wei, Xuan, Min, and Xiang of the Tianqi Qi state from the Warring States period. King Wei reigned approximately from 356–320 BCE and appointed Zou Ji as his prime minister and Sun Bin as his military advisor, leading Qi to unprecedented national strength and making it one of the “Seven Warring States.” King Xuan, named Pijiang, reigned approximately from 319–301 BCE and gathered scholars and orators, founding the Jixia Academy. The four tombs are aligned from west to east, all with tall mounds and circumferences ranging from 100 to 120 meters.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units