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十三陵
The Ming Tombs consist of a vast domain organized according to Chinese geomancy (Fengshui). In this set of hills arranged in a horseshoe shape, 7 km wide and 9 km deep, lie 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The first two emperors, Hongwu and Jianwen, rest in Nanjing, then the capital of the Empire. The last emperor, Chongzen, is buried on Coal Hill, near the Forbidden City. Today, visits mainly focus on the Changling tomb of Emperor Yongle (1403-1424), who had these tombs built, the Dingling tomb of Emperor Wanli (1573-1619), and the Zhaoling tomb of Emperor Zhuzaihou (1537-1572). The other tombs are protected by gates. Visitors arrive at the Ming Tombs via the Spirit Way (神道 ), also called the Sacred Way, which in itself is a very interesting tourist site. The entire set of tombs was protected by a 16 km wall and by several thousand soldiers. Many rituals took place throughout the year, and an entire community lived on the site to maintain it.
Location of the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are located about fifty kilometers northwest of Beijing. Visitors can get there by bus No. 314 from Qianmen (south of Tian'anmen Square) and Deshengmen. It is also possible to take a bus (No. 345 from Deshengmen and No. 845 from Xizhimen in front of the metro station of the same name) to Changping and from there take a minibus to the Ming Tombs, 10 minutes from Changping. Tours often combine a visit to the Great Wall with that of the Ming Tombs, and shuttles run back and forth between the two sites.
Visit to the Ming Tombs
Changling 长陵
This is the tomb of Emperor Yongle and his wife Empress Xu. It has not yet been excavated. Construction lasted 18 years and was completed in 1427. According to historical records, sixteen imperial concubines were buried alive to accompany their emperor in the afterlife. This tomb is located in the extension of the Spirit Way. The complex consists of three courtyards surrounded by an enclosure. A circular mound covers the tomb. The whole occupies an area of 120,000 m². The front is square and the back is round to represent the earth and the sky.
Dingling 定陵
Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Wanli (1573-1619) and his two wives. Work began in 1584 when the emperor was 22 years old and lasted 6 years. As the emperor was only 28 years old, the place remained deserted for 30 years. This tomb is one of the largest with an area of 180,000 m². The front is square and the back is round to represent the earth and the sky. It also consists of three inner courtyards.
Zhaoling 昭陵
Zhaoling is the tomb of Emperor Zhuzaihou (1537-1572) and his three wives.
