Ming Tombs

The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China. The first Ming emperor's tomb is located near his capital Nanjing. However, the majority of the Ming tombs are located in a cluster near Beijing and collectively known as the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty.

They are located within the Changping District, about 50 kilometers north of central Beijing, and were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The site was chosen by the Yongle Emperor, who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing and began construction of his own tomb, Changling, in 1409.

The Sacred Way is a 7-kilometer road leading to the tombs, lined with 36 stone statues of animals and officials. Of the 13 tombs, only Dingling (the tomb of the Wanli Emperor) has been excavated, revealing an underground palace with three vaulted chambers. Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, is the largest and most impressive, with its grand Hall of Eminent Favor.