Peep into a little-known past

Among Beijing's famous relics related to eunuchs are the Tian Yi Tomb and Eunuch Culture Museum, the Sanbulao Hutong and Li Lianying's residence.

In western Beijing stand two big tomb complexes that were built for Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) eunuchs. The Biyunsi complex includes the magnificent tomb of Wei Zhongxia. Of the badly-damaged West Mountain complex, the Tian Yi tomb is the best preserved.

Tian Yi (1534-1605) was a high-ranking official in charge of court ceremonies, in the Ming Dynasty. Tian Yi's death so distressed Emperor Wanli that he suspended court meetings for three days and later built a memorial hall and pavilions in memory of his good and faithful servant.