Ming Tombs, Beijing

There are 13 tombs of Ming emperors at Shisanling 50 km north of Beijing and 24km from the Great Wall. The visit here is usually done together with the visit to the Wall. Evidently the site fits all the rules of Feng Shui.After entering through a marble portico you approach the Great Red Gate.

Stroll along the Sacred Walk at the Ming Dynasty tombs.

The Ming Tombs, built from 1409-1644 A.D., is where 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, along with their empresses and concubines were buried.

The 7 kilmeter long Sacred Way has 18 pairs of giant stone statues.

The Dingling Underground Palace unveiled in 1956, was the 1st of the 13 Ming imperial tombs to be officially opened to the public. Emperor Wanli (1563-1620) and his 2 empresses were buried at Dingling at his death. These and some of the other 3,000 objects unearthed from this palace are on display in the 2 exhibition halls. The objects include the emperor's crown and robes, jewels and phoenix tiaras.

In the northwestern suburbs of Beijing are tombs of most emperors of the Ming dynasty, who ruled in China from 1368 to 1644. The tombs are approached by a long Avenue of statuesq Animals, lined with marble lions, elephants, camels, and horses. Northwest of the Ming Tombs, within the municipal boundaries, is a portion of the Great Wall.

More...Must See Activities

13 Ming emperors (and empresses and concubines) were buried in this area between 1409-1644. Only the tomb of emperor Wanli (Dingling) is open to the public (it's an impressive size, but there is not too much to see). Some of the objects excavated can be seen in the museum nearby, so it's worth to visit. My favourite part of the complex is the Sacred Way, a path built for the emperors' funeral processions, lined by statues of real and mythical animals and human figues (state officers and warriors).

The Ming Dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644. The first Ming emperor had his tomb built in Nanjing, the town which he had chosen for his capital. As his eldest son died early, he was succeeded by his grandson, who became the second emperor. His fourth son, the Prince of Yan, was guarding the northern frontier near Beijing with an army 100,000 strong. The second emperor attempted to weaken his forces but was met with counter-attacks. After a 3-year war he was ousted and lost track of completely. So, the fourth son became the third emperor, Emperor Yongle, of the Ming Dynasty.
As a frontier commander, he was aware that a peaceful northern frontier was of great importance to the Ming Palace, he chose this valley to build his tomb. All his successors followed his example and had their tombs built here, except one who was dethroned and buried in the western suburb. Out of the sixteen emperors, thirteen lie here with their empresses and concubines.

Some 50 kilometers northwest of the capital, the Ming Tombs are generally combined with a visit to the Great Wall.
Otherwise known as the '13 Tombs, 'this is the burial site of 13 out of 17 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. However, the only one you can get a good look at is the tomb of Emperor Wanli, who reigned from 1573 to 1620. This tomb was unearthed in 1956. There are two others that have been uncovered, but the rest remain illusive.

Pay homage to one of China's Emperor who reigned during the Ming Dynasty here at this ancient Imperial burial ground - the 13TH MING TOMB.

After exploring Emperor Wan Li's tomb (9 floors below), you may also wish to check out the surrounding areas... which is really quite captivating. Oh, and that's me... having a whale of a time here... playing with snow.

P.S. Where I live, there aren't any snow at all. We see sunshine 365 days a year... So, this is definitely a novelty to me.