Emperor Daoguang, who was known for his frugality, built himself the most expensive imperial mausoleum in the Qing Dynasty.
Hello everyone, welcome to Speaking of History. The Daoguang Emperor of the Qing Dynasty has always been known for his frugality and modesty. However, his tomb is the most expensive among all the Qing emperor's tombs, costing 4.4 million taels of silver, far exceeding the costs of other Qing emperors' tombs. Even the Yongzheng Emperor, who had the largest tomb in the Qing Western Mausoleums, did not spend as much money. Emperor Daoguang's tomb, located in the Qing Eastern Mausoleums, was initially supposed to be built there. However, due to flooding issues, he had it rebuilt in the Qing Western Mausoleums. Although Daoguang's tomb appears modest from the outside, it is actually quite luxurious and extravagant on the inside. The extensive use of rare golden nanmu wood in the construction reflects the emperor's lavish taste. The main building in the tomb, Longmen Hall, is adorned with intricate carvings of dragons on the ceilings, showcasing the emperor's attention to detail and opulence. Despite Daoguang's reputation for frugality, his tomb stands out for its lavishness and use of exquisite materials. The intricate details and craftsmanship throughout the tomb highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of Emperor Daoguang.