The Western Mausoleum Complex in Hebei Province, built over two centuries, houses the tombs of four Qing emperors. At the entrance to the principal tomb, there is an altar replete with offerings. It is said that the gifts offered on earth can be used by the deceased in their next life. So, naturally, donation boxes were crammed with bills and food rations were heaped in great piles. But then, there were more bewildering provisions: alcohol (all bottom-shelf), a palm-sized covered drum, stationary notepads, a stuffed sheep. And finally, atop a package of breaded pastries, a lone CD: Westlife’s 2001 World of Our Own – all to ensure a pleasant afterlife.
Qingxiling, Hebei, China.