Empress Dowager Cixi's remains disturbed following tomb robbery

The remains of Empress Dowager Cixi underwent a turbulent journey following her death in 1908. After being interred in the luxurious Dingdong Mausoleum in 1909, her resting place was disturbed approximately 20 years later by tomb robbers. During this incident, her body was removed from its coffin and left within the underground palace.

Decades later, the coffin was opened again for inspection, after which her remains were returned to it. Over a 76-year period, Cixi's remains were placed into the same coffin on three separate occasions. Her original burial was characterized by immense wealth, including gold Buddha statues, precious stones, and jade artifacts.