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Ming Tombs

Ming Tomb depicting the Ming dynasty

Here is a personal reminiscence: "Being a native of Beijing, I am fascinated by its past and its present. I still remember how immersed I was in old folktales as a little boy. Strangely enough, aware as I am that people live only in the present, I still can't help recalling things past. Alas! How many days have passed between then and now."

Near Tianshou (Longevity) Mountain, 25 miles (40km) north of the Desheng Gate, lies a large piece of tranquil, secluded wooded land- a blessed spot in terms of Feng Shui - with red walls, yellow tiles, and white bridges. It is the actual site of the tombs dedicated to 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming dynasty, hence its name, the Ming Tombs. These tombs stand in a line at the foot of the mountain, with the Changling Tomb for Zhu Di, the third Ming emperor, at the center.

The first emperor of the Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, was buried in Nanjing, where he had his capital. The burial place for the second Ming emperor is as yet unknown. And the seventh Ming emperor was dethroned and buried in an ordinary tomb near the Fragrant Hill.

Of all the 13 Ming tombs here, the Changling Tomb and the Dingling Tomb are already well-known tourist attractions. A few others, such as the Zhaoling and the Xianling, have also been fully restored. Buried in the Yongling was the famous Ming emperor Zhu Houcong, who reigned for 45 years and died at the age of 59.

In the Qingling tomb, however, rested the emperor of the Ming dynasty who had the shortest reign, Zhu Changlu. During his one-month-long reign, he indulged in sensual pleasures while enduring a series of notorious court cases. He died as a result of these events.

The last Ming emperor was Zhu Youjian, who under the pressure of an uprising of the peasants, hanged himself in despair at the age of 34. Unlike his predecessors, he was buried in the Siling Tomb, the smallest known tomb of any emperor of his dynasty and far away from the imperial cemetery, in Tianshou Mountain.

It is true to say that the Ming tombs lie on the ground, while the history that is related to them is buried in the ground.

Location

The Ming Tombs are located at the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping county, Beijing.

Climate

There are hot summers and cold winters, and the spring (which tends to be dusty) and fall are mild. May, September, and October are the best months to visit.

Of Special Interest

The Ming Tombs are on the World Heritage List. The tombs were constructed over a period of two hundred years beginning in 1409, when the first one was build. They are the last resting places of 13 emperors, 23 empresses, a high-ranking imperial concubine, and dozens of human sacrifices. The best-known tombs are the Changling Tomb and the Dingling Tomb.

Main Attractions

Changling and Dingling Tombs, Zhaoling, and the Sacred Way.

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