Scots map the tombs of China’s emperors

AN ANCIENT resting place for Chinese emperors is to be digitally mapped by Scottish experts.

The Eastern Qing Tombs, north-east of Beijing, were in use from 1666 to 1911 and house the remains of emperors, empresses and imperial concubines.

A delegation from Historic Scotland and Glasgow School of Art will travel to the site next year to begin work at the tombs, described as one of the country’s most important heritage sites.

Work will focus on one of the complex’s most famous tombs, that of Xiao Ling, the first built and the biggest.

They will also be recording the Jingling Tomb of Emperor Kangxi, who has been described as the greatest Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

The trip is part of the Scottish 10 project to digitally document all five of Scotland’s world heritage sites and five international sites, including Mount Rushmore in the United States.

The sites are digitally scanned using laser technology to create accurate, 3D records.

Results of the work can be used to monitor changes to the structures and provide the basis for remote access, education and interpretation among a wider audience.