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A gravesite alive with tradition

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A gravesite alive with tradition

Concubine Xiangfei's mausoleum in Kashgar city in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region hosts not only her remains and ancient relics but also performances and folk artists that keep not only her legacy but also Xinjiang's traditional culture alive. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) concubine Xiangfei's (1734-88) legacy lives on at her gravesite, which has also become a cradle nurturing ancient culture's survival in modern times.

The final resting place of emperor Qianlong's favorite concubine has become a destination for travelers from near and far. They come to learn not only about this historical figure but also the contemporary practice of traditional folk arts.

The grounds house the mausoleum of 72 royals, spanning five generations of the Apaq Xoja royal family, built in 1640. The site also hosts contemporary buildings featuring the ornate Islamic architecture, including geometric tiles, pointed archways and domed roofs, endemic to Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.


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