Tomb of Yuan Shikai [Anyang]

The Tomb of Yuan Shikai (daily 8am to 6pm, ¥30) covers 139 acres and reputedly cost ¥730,000 to build. Following a traditional Ming/Qing plan the tomb is entered via a long bare spirit way that ends at the great Memorial Arch, that blends Chinese and Western elements. Beyond lies the Pavilion of Stele, the twin Wing Houses and the Hall of Sacrifice that now house a dusty collection of Shang Dynasty (BCE1700-1100) artifacts. Behind this lie the great gates and the tomb itself, which was designed to resemble Grant’s Tomb in New York.

With no displays on the man himself and of clearly lower quality than the tombs of preceding emperors there is little reason to make the trip out to this monument other than for kitsch curiosity value.