Imperial Tombs, Yinchuan, China

Yinchuan was the capital of the 11th century Xixia state (modern-day Ningxia) and was occupied by the Western Xia Dynasty.  The people of Western Xia were originally Tibetan and when the capital was established as part of the empire, the native Chinese were so dissatisfied that the entire population emigrated. 

The city experienced a terrible blow when the Mongols, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, laid siege to it in 1227AD. Yinchuan was under siege for six months when Genghis suddenly died. To keep the campaign on track, his death was kept a secret. A month later, the emperor surrendered and was immediately executed. Genghis’ policy was always to conquer and eradicate those who resisted him. As such, the entire population of Yinchuan was slaughtered and the Western Xia Dynasty fell. 

The few royal members that survived retreated either to Tibet or the far east. Very little is known about this dynasty, since the Mongols pillaged and plundered the capital, leaving very little evidence of its existence behind. 

About 25mi (40km) west of Yinchuan are the Western Xia Imperial Tombs. Located at the foot of the Helan Mountains, the burial complex was only discovered in 1972. Special liquid was sprayed on the excavated relics to protect them from exposure. So far nine imperial mausoleums and 250 minor tombs have been discovered. They have a unique beehive shape and are often referred to as the Oriental Pyramids. 

The largest and most complete tomb is said to belong to Jingzong, the first emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty. The large tomb is 75ft (23m) high and it is believed to have once been a 5-7 storied, eight-sided pagoda. Combining mausoleum and temple styles, it was built in accordance with Buddhist architecture. 

Large amounts of inscribed stele fragments were found in the complex, giving scholars a rare opportunity to learn a little more about the vanished Xixia civilisation.