Chini ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza, also known as the China Tomb, is a historical site in Agra. It is the tomb of Afzal Khan Shirazi, a scholar, poet, and prime minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Renowned as the first monument built using glazed tiles, it stands out for its predominantly Persian architectural style. The design of this structure sets it apart from typical Mughal designs. This tomb is a must-visit for those fascinated by history and architecture.If you’re exploring the city, you might want to check out our comprehensivelist of agra monuments for more such historic sites.

History of Chini ka Rauza

The tomb of Allama Afzal Khan, was built in 1635 by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor. This 17th-century tomb, with its intricate Persian tile work, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Mughal era. It was built for Allama Afzal Khan, a Persian scholar and advisor. Its name, meaning “The Tomb of Chinese,” is a reflection of the exquisite glazed tilework reminiscent of Chinese ceramics. 

Architecture of Chini ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza was built in Indo-Persian architecture, which makes it stand out from other monuments of Agra. Some interior parts of these monuments are adorned with glazed tiles, known as Kashi and Chini, in turquoise, orange, yellow, and green colors. These tiles are precisely cut to fit the layout instead of square tiles. Paintings of flowers are also a key highlight of this monument. Most of these wall arts are taken from the holy scripture, the Quran. The tomb, on the other hand, is made of white marble giving it the name “Chini Ka Rauza” or “Tomb of China.”

Point of Interest

Afzal Khan Shirazi Tomb

The central chamber which actually houses the tomb is an octagonal chamber that is adorned with inscriptions marked with blue colored tiles.

Bagh Noor Afshan

A lush garden with well-maintained yards and flowers surrounds this monument. Here, you can take a stroll and click some memorable pictures.

Best Time to Visit Chini Ka Rauza 

The best time to visit Chini Ka Rauza is between October and March when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. To enjoy a quieter experience, visiting early in the morning is recommended.

Note: If you are visiting during summer, try exploring between 4-6 PM or early in the morning.

To experience Agra’s rich heritage, consider reading this Agra tour guide to plan your visit.

How to Reach Chini Ka Rauza 

By Air: Chini Ka Rauza is approximately 13 km from Agra Airport and from there, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach this site.

By Road: Yamuna Express way is ideal highway that connect Agra with major Indian cities. Besides that, NH2, NH19, NH44 , and NH43 are other highways that links this city with other Indian towns.

By Train: Agra Cantonment Railway Station is 9.4 km from Chini Ka Rauza,
Local Transport: You can reach the monument within 30 to 40 minutes from the city center using various local transportation options such as auto rickshaws, electric rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws. For a unique experience near the Taj Mahal, consider taking a ride in a tonga.

Places to Visit Near Chini ka Rauza

This funerary monument is situated close to several iconic landmarks and attractions of this city such as:

• Taj Mahal (7.3 Km – 25 minutes)
• Agra Fort (5 km – 15 minutes)
• Itmad-ud-Daula (1.5 km – 5 minutes)
• Jama Masjid (1.4 km – 4 minutes)
• Ram Bagh Archeological Mugal Garden (2 km – 8 minutes) 

For a complete list of things to do in the city, check out the things to do in Agra page.

Travel Tips 

• Hire a experienced guide to get insight into the historical significance.
  • The prices for a guided tour is between INR 300 to INR 700 and it is better to negotiate it. 
• Photography is free so, bring your camera to capture the decorative detailing on the walls. 
• Explore this site with respect as it is tomb and has great religious significance.

For a tailored travel experience, consider checking out Agra tour packages that include visits to the Chini ka Rauza and other significant landmarks.