Ming Tombs - Ming Dynasty - Emperor - What to see

Ming Tombs

The Ming Dynasty began in 1368 A.D. In 1407 the Emperor Yong Le began his project to find a burial place with “good signs” and in beautiful surroundings. The choice was a valley situated at a distance 50 kilometres northwest of central Beijing and the place was so perfect that all Ming emperors but three are buried here.

To reach the tombs you walk along the Sacred Way with stone statues of warriors and heroes guarding. First a marble gateway, then you arrive to the main gate with three archways, the middle one was only used every time an emperor has passed away. Next, there is the Avenue of the Animals, fantastic stone statues of imaginery and real animals.

That Emperor Yong Le has the largest tomb is natural, he made his fantastic vision come true. The Hall of Eminens Favours is one of the biggest wooden buildings in China. Only to transport the timber from south China for the 32 golden pillars to this mausoleum took more than five years.

Another remarkable tomb is Ding Ling where Emperor Wan Li (1573-1620) is buried. To reach the entrance to his tomb, that is an underground palace, you have to walk 91 steps down below.

For more than six years approx. 30.000 workers was building this place. In the museum building at the Ming Tombs you will find most of the original regalias and artefacts, as most of the objects on show in Ding Ling are copies of the original items discovered in 1950.

In 2003 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed the Ming Tombs (Shisanling) on the World Heritage List, as assemblage of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.