The Great Wall of China is the countrys most famous tourist attractions. Its probably on the top of your itinerary on vacation in China followed by a visit to the Forbidden City. But there is an unusual tomb that many foreigners have not even heard of. Its the mausoleum of Tian Yi, an imperial court eunuch.
About Tian Yis Tomb
Thousands of eunuchs like Tian Yi served during the Ming Dynasty. Nevertheless, the Chinese Emperor Wanli rewarded him with a royal tomb for his distinguished service. Over the years, the place has been looted and forgotten. Fortunately, it has been rediscovered and serves as a window to Chinas imperial past.
Unlike other Chinese tourist spots, you wont encounter a crowd in this place. If you will come visit the place, chances are youre the only ones there. Before it was open for public viewing, the mausoleum was closed and used as a school. Tian Yi was not royalty but they surely gave him a tomb fit for one.
What to See
The tombs wall carvings are well-preserved and one of the wall shows various big animals carved in stone. You can see two giant statue versions of Tian Yi. One shows him as a soldier while he is dressed as a scholar in the other. You have to walk through the Divine Path gate in order to reach his final resting place.
There is also a museum that demonstrates how the ancient Chinese do castration. There is a display room there that shows four human-like statues. One of them is lying down, obviously the volunteer for the eunuch position. One of the figures is holding him down while the other one is holding a tray. The third figure is the surgeon who will cut the patients genitals. A cabinet nearby shows the grisly tool they use in the operation.
The museum also features the mummified remains of a eunuch. No one knows his name but he is probably a monk based on his appearance. The mummy was discovered in 2006 but it is highly unlikely that its Tian Yi.
Location and How to Get There
Travel information for the Eunuch Tomb and museum. It is around 20 kilometers away from Beijing. You can visit the place any day you like as long as its between 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The exact address is 80 Mishikou Street in the Shijingshan District. You can take the train but you have to get off at the Pingguoyuan station. You have to pay a small entrance fee to get in.
Its a tourist attraction that many would rather skip. Its not exactly a place where you bring your family especially little kids. Its not that youre messing with their impressionable minds but get ready. They will ask a lot of questions that you rather not answer. It is a reminder that once upon a time, poor boys had to undergo castration just to serve royalties. On the other hand, if youre a history buff with macabre tastes, you need to go here.
