# Empress Dowager Cixi burial and tomb history

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/empress-dowager-cixi-burial-and-tomb-history
> Updated: 2026-09-26T04:08:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The death and burial of Empress Dowager Cixi of the late Qing Dynasty have been marked by both historical mysteries and subsequent disturbances to her final resting place.

Following her death in 1908, a massive five-day funeral was held in 1909. During the procession to the Dingdong Mausoleum, observers noted abrupt weather shifts from clear skies to severe storms, as well as a red liquid leaking from the coffin after heavy rains. While modern science suggests these were results of atmospheric convection and natural decomposition, they were viewed as spiritual omens at the time.

Decades after her interment, the mausoleum was targeted by tomb robbers who removed her body from its coffin. Over a 76-year period, her remains were placed back into the coffin on three separate occasions following various inspections.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Empress Dowager Cixi's funeral marked by historical mysteries

Historical accounts of Empress Dowager Cixi’s 1909 funeral detail unusual events, including sudden storms and liquid leaking from her coffin, which remain subjects of legend and scientific debate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empress-dowager-cixis-funeral-marked-by-historical-mysteries

### 2026-09-06: Empress Dowager Cixi's remains disturbed following tomb robbery

The remains of Empress Dowager Cixi were disturbed by tomb robbers 20 years after her 1908 death and underwent three separate coffin placements over a 76-year period.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empress-dowager-cixis-remains-disturbed-following-tomb-robbery

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Cite as: Empress Dowager Cixi burial and tomb history. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/empress-dowager-cixi-burial-and-tomb-history