Location: 30 mi (45 km) Northwest of Bejing Map
Subway: Xizhi Men then take Bus 845
Tel. (010) 8976 1554
Open: 8am- 5pm daily
The Ming Dynasty Tombs, located approximately 42 kilometers northwest of Beijing, China, are a collection of mausoleums built for 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Known as Shisan Ling (Thirteen Tombs) in Chinese, this UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003 is one of the most significant imperial burial complexes in China, showcasing the architectural grandeur, cultural values, and spiritual beliefs of the Ming era.
The Ming Dynasty, founded by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor),
was a period of cultural and political resurgence in China after the
Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The tradition of constructing elaborate
imperial tombs began with Zhu Yuanzhang, whose tomb, Xiaoling, is in
Nanjing. After the third emperor, Zhu Di (Yongle Emperor), moved the
capital to Beijing in 1420, he selected a site near the city for his
mausoleum, establishing the Ming Tombs complex. Subsequent emperors
followed suit, choosing this location for its excellent feng shui—backed
by the Tianshou Mountains to the north and opening to a plain in the
south, symbolizing protection and prosperity.
Construction of the
tombs spanned over 200 years, from 1409 (Changling Tomb) to the 1640s
(Siling Tomb). Each tomb was built during the emperor’s lifetime,
reflecting his personal tastes and the dynasty’s wealth. The site was
abandoned after the Ming Dynasty fell in 1644, and some tombs suffered
looting during the Qing Dynasty and later periods, including the
20th-century warlord era. Today, the tombs are a major cultural and
historical site, with three open to the public: Changling, Dingling, and
Zhaoling.
The Ming Tombs are situated in a 40-square-kilometer valley at the foot of the Tianshou Mountains in Changping District, Beijing. The site was chosen for its adherence to feng shui principles, which guided Chinese imperial architecture. The mountains act as a natural barrier, protecting the tombs from malevolent spirits, while the open southern plain allows positive energy (qi) to flow. A gentle stream, artificially diverted, enhances the site’s harmony. The layout reflects the Ming belief in the afterlife, with tombs designed as subterranean palaces where emperors would continue their rule.
The Ming Tombs complex is unified by a shared sacred pathway and
individual mausoleums scattered across the valley. Each tomb follows a
similar structure but varies in size and detail based on the emperor’s
reign and resources. The general layout includes:
Sacred Way
(Shen Dao): A 7-kilometer ceremonial path leading to the tombs,
symbolizing the emperor’s journey to the afterlife. It is shared by all
tombs and features symbolic structures.
Tomb Precincts: Each tomb has
its own walled compound with a sequence of gates, courtyards, halls, and
an underground burial chamber.
Feng Shui Elements: Hills, streams,
and artificial mounds (baocheng) integrate the tombs with the landscape,
reinforcing spiritual harmony.
The Sacred Way is the grand entrance to the Ming Tombs, designed to
honor the deceased emperors and prepare visitors spiritually. Key
features include:
Stone Memorial Archway: A five-arched marble
gate, built in 1540, marking the start of the path. It is one of the
largest surviving stone archways in China.
Great Red Gate
(Dagongmen): A triple-arched gate with red walls, symbolizing the
imperial threshold. Only the central arch was used by the emperor’s
spirit.
Stele Pavilion: Houses a massive stele on a tortoise base,
inscribed with the tombs’ significance. The tortoise symbolizes
longevity.
Stone Statues: A 1-kilometer avenue lined with 36 stone
figures, including 12 human officials (civil, military, and scholarly)
and 24 animals (lions, camels, elephants, unicorns, horses, and mythical
creatures). These guardians protect the tombs and reflect imperial
authority.
Dragon and Phoenix Gate: A symbolic gate marking the
transition to the tomb precincts.
The Sacred Way’s serene,
symmetrical design sets a reverent tone, with the statues’ weathered
grandeur evoking the Ming Dynasty’s power.
Of the 13 tombs, Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling are the most
visited and best preserved. Each reflects the emperor’s personality and
era.
1. Changling Tomb (Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, d. 1424)
Overview: The largest and earliest tomb, built between 1409 and 1413,
Changling is the grandest and serves as the complex’s centerpiece. Zhu
Di, who moved the capital to Beijing and commissioned the Forbidden
City, designed it as a model for later tombs.
Key Features:
Hall
of Eminent Favors (Lingen Hall): A massive cedarwood hall, one of the
largest wooden structures in China, used for sacrificial rites. Its 32
pillars and intricate ceiling symbolize imperial majesty.
Soul Tower
(Minglou): A square tower atop a walled mound, housing a stele with the
emperor’s posthumous title. It marks the entrance to the unexcavated
burial chamber.
Circular Mound (Baocheng): A walled hill encircling
the underground palace, symbolizing the emperor’s eternal domain.
Significance: Changling’s scale reflects Zhu Di’s ambitious reign,
including his maritime expeditions led by Zheng He. Its unexcavated
state preserves its mystery.
Visitor Experience: The hall and
courtyards are open, offering a glimpse of Ming architecture, but the
burial chamber remains sealed.
2. Dingling Tomb (Wanli Emperor,
Zhu Yijun, d. 1620)
Overview: The only tomb excavated (1956–1958),
Dingling is the most visited due to its accessible underground palace.
Built between 1584 and 1590, it reflects the Wanli Emperor’s long but
troubled reign.
Key Features:
Underground Palace: A 27-meter-deep
marble vault with five chambers, including the central throne room
housing the emperor’s and two empresses’ coffins. Artifacts like gold
crowns, jade belts, and silk robes were recovered and are displayed in
an on-site museum.
Diamond Wall: A self-locking stone door in the
burial chamber, designed to seal the tomb permanently.
Surface
Structures: Similar to Changling, with a soul tower and sacrificial
hall, though less grand.
Significance: The excavation revealed Ming
burial practices but was criticized for damaging artifacts due to poor
preservation techniques during the Cultural Revolution era. The tomb’s
opulence highlights the dynasty’s wealth but also its decline under
Wanli’s mismanagement.
Visitor Experience: The underground palace is
a highlight, with eerie marble chambers and replica coffins. The museum
showcases original artifacts, though some were lost or damaged.
3. Zhaoling Tomb (Longqing Emperor, Zhu Zaihou, d. 1572)
Overview: A
smaller, restored tomb, Zhaoling was built for the short-reigned
Longqing Emperor. It was opened to the public after restoration in the
1980s.
Key Features:
Sacrificial Hall: A compact but elegant
hall for offerings, with restored wooden beams.
Soul Tower and Mound:
Similar to other tombs, with a stele and circular enclosure.
Double-Layer Wall: A unique defensive feature, reflecting security
concerns.
Significance: Zhaoling represents a transitional period in
the Ming Dynasty, with simpler designs due to economic constraints.
Visitor Experience: Less crowded than Changling or Dingling, it offers a
quieter exploration of Ming tomb architecture.
Other Tombs
The
remaining 10 tombs (e.g., Yongling, Maoling, Deling) are not open to the
public but follow similar layouts. Some, like Siling (Chongzhen
Emperor), are modest due to the dynasty’s collapse. The Qingling Tomb,
for a concubine, and the Eunuch Tomb, for loyal servants, are unique
additions to the complex.
The Ming Tombs embody the dynasty’s Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist
beliefs about death and the afterlife. Key aspects include:
Feng
Shui Mastery: The site’s alignment with natural features reflects the
Ming obsession with cosmic harmony, ensuring the emperor’s spirit would
thrive.
Imperial Symbolism: The tombs’ layout mimics the Forbidden
City, with halls and gates symbolizing the emperor’s continued rule in
the afterlife. The circular mounds contrast with the square courtyards,
representing heaven and earth.
Burial Practices: Emperors were buried
with treasures, consorts, and symbolic items to sustain them eternally.
The underground palaces, sealed with intricate locks, were meant to be
inviolable.
Artistic Excellence: The stone carvings, wooden halls,
and glazed tiles showcase Ming craftsmanship, blending functionality
with aesthetic splendor.
The tombs also reflect the Ming Dynasty’s
political evolution. Early tombs like Changling are grandiose, mirroring
the dynasty’s peak, while later ones, like Siling, are austere,
signaling decline. The complex’s survival through centuries of upheaval
underscores its enduring cultural value.
The Ming Tombs are a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors for
their historical significance and serene setting. The Sacred Way,
Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling are the main draws, with Dingling’s
underground palace being the most unique. The site offers:
Historical Insight: Museums at Dingling and Changling display artifacts
like imperial robes, weapons, and jewelry, illuminating Ming court life.
Scenic Beauty: The valley’s rolling hills and ancient trees create a
peaceful contrast to Beijing’s urban sprawl.
Cultural Events:
Occasional reenactments of Ming rituals or festivals enhance the
experience.
Practical Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Spring
(April-May) or autumn (September-October) for mild weather and vibrant
scenery.
Duration: 3–5 hours to visit the Sacred Way and one or two
tombs; a half-day for a thorough exploration.
Access: Reachable by
Beijing Subway Line 13 (Changping Line) to Changping Dongguan Station,
then a short bus or taxi ride. Public buses (e.g., 872 from Deshengmen)
or private tours are convenient.
Tickets: Combination tickets (around
130 CNY) cover the Sacred Way, Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling.
Discounts apply for students and seniors.
Essentials: Wear
comfortable shoes for walking, bring water, and consider a guide or
audio tour for context.
Nearby Attractions: Pair with a visit to the
Great Wall (Badaling or Mutianyu sections), as both are in Changping
District.
The Ming Tombs face threats from natural and human factors:
Environmental Degradation: Soil erosion, tree loss, and air pollution
from Beijing affect the site’s landscape and structures.
Tourist
Impact: Heavy foot traffic, especially at Dingling, risks wear on
ancient stones and pathways.
Past Damage: Looting in the Qing Dynasty
and mishandled excavations (e.g., Dingling) destroyed some artifacts.
Modern restoration efforts aim to balance authenticity with
accessibility.
Climate Change: Increased rainfall and temperature
fluctuations threaten the underground chambers and wooden halls.
The
Chinese government, in collaboration with UNESCO, has invested in
conservation, including stabilizing structures and replanting trees to
restore the site’s feng shui balance. Only Dingling’s underground palace
is open, preserving the others from potential damage.
The Ming Tombs are a testament to the dynasty’s reverence for
ancestry, cosmic order, and imperial legacy. They complement other
Ming-era sites like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, forming a
triad of Beijing’s imperial heritage. The tombs’ design influenced later
Qing Dynasty mausoleums, though the Ming’s simpler elegance contrasts
with the Qing’s ornate style.
The site also sparks historical
debate. The Wanli Emperor’s lavish Dingling, built during a time of
economic strain, reflects the dynasty’s internal weaknesses, while Zhu
Di’s Changling symbolizes its zenith. As a UNESCO site, the tombs
represent the universal value of funerary architecture, blending
spiritual symbolism with human achievement.