Yuan Shikai Mausoleum, Anyang – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highligths

The Yuan Shikai Mausoleum (袁林，袁世凯墓), constructed between the fifth and seventh years of the Republic of China (1916-1918), spans over 9.3 hectares in Anyang. Yuan Shikai (1859-1916) hailed from Xiangcheng, Henan, and rose to prominence as a warlord during the Beiyang Government era, holding key positions in the Qing dynasty government before briefly seizing the presidency of the Republic of China. His attempt to establish a monarchy in 1915 led to his controversial tenure as emperor and subsequent retreat amid public outcry in 1916.

Architecturally, Yuan Shikai Mausoleum blends traditional Chinese and Western styles. The layout follows the pattern of Ming and Qing dynasty tombs, yet incorporates Western architectural elements. For instance, the grand tomb’s platform features three gates, with the central iron gate bearing a distinctly Western appearance reminiscent of a military commander’s headquarters during the early Republic period. This fusion of styles makes the mausoleum stand out, signifying regality while diverging from typical imperial burial sites, thus representing a unique chapter in Chinese tomb architecture.

One of the Mausoleum’s most distinctive features is the imposing screen wall at the southern end, rising approximately 7 meters tall and stretching about 30 meters in length. The wall’s pinnacle showcases glazed tiles, flanked by guardian figures, while the central section displays five glazed brick insignias. Intricate brick carvings adorn the inner face of the screen wall, exuding solemn elegance, making it one of the largest and most finely detailed extant screen walls in China. Beyond the screen wall, a brick-paved Divine Way extends over half a mile, leading to the burial site. At the northern end stands a vaulted stone arch bridge, adorned with jade-carved stone railings on either side.

The mausoleum’s archway, another notable feature, deviates from traditional Chinese brick-and-wood structures, instead employing reinforced concrete with stone cladding, presenting a striking contrast. Flanking the archway are pairs of stone columns and statues carved from white marble. Northward lies a memorial pavilion, spanning three bays, housing an enormous bixie stone carving. Atop the pavilion rests a monumental stele, adorned with coiling dragons, a testament to the extraordinary status of the tomb’s occupant.

Basic Infromation

Location and Transportation

The Yuan Shikai Mausoleum is situated in Taiping Village, on the northern bank of the Huan River, along Shengli Road in Beiguan District, Anyang City, Henan Province. To get there, you can take bus 8, 23, or 56, and get off at Yuanlin Stop (袁林站).