Song Yongzhao Mausoleum

When traveling to Gongyi, you must visit the Song Tombs. The Song Tombs in the city are the Yongzhao Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Renzong of Song, Zhao Zhen, the fourth emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty. The Yongzhao Mausoleum is 551 meters long from Que Platform to the North Gate. Outside the South Gate, there are 13 pairs of stone figures, 2 pairs of stone sheep, 2 pairs of stone tigers, 2 pairs of stone horses, 1 pair of stone horns, 1 pair of stone vermilion birds, 1 pair of stone elephants, and 1 pair of stone pillars. These stone carvings are elegant in shape and delicate in carving. The warriors are tall and brave, with their eyes fixed on the palace gate. The guests are thick and heavy, with simple and clear outlines, holding tributes in their hands, wearing long robes, and the folds of their clothes hanging down to their feet. The stone tigers are majestic and strong, and the stone sheep are quiet and beautiful. The stone vermilion bird of the Yongzhao Mausoleum is particularly exquisite, with a rectangular screen carved with layers of mountains and clouds, setting off the vermilion bird with its wings spread, and the beautiful tail of the bird waving like a fan. The relief highlights the grandeur of the bird, presenting a magnificent and romantic picture. The stone carvings on both sides of the sacred path are vivid, majestic, and lifelike, among which the "auspicious bird" and "horn" are masterpieces in the history of carving, and are considered to be the best in the world.