The Ming Tomb (Ding)

The Ming Tombs (Ding) is one of the most attractive travel spots in Beijing. It located about 50 kilometers from downtown Beijing at Tianshou Mountain in Changping District. It was built within a natural basin, butted on two sides by the Yanshan Mountain Range, which was said to stop winds carrying evil spirits into the area. This imperial cemetery covers an area of 40 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors, 23 empresses, many imperial concubines, princes and princesses buried there. These tombs are the best preserved of all Chinese imperial tombs. Entering the Ming Tombs, you could see a guide information about the whole tomb area. Standing in the centre of the Sacred Way is a large pavilion, called the Avenue of Animals, on which rests a collection of enormous stone statues including a huge stone tortoise, a pairs of lions, elephants and camels. Along the sides of the

path are lines of horses and a number of mythological beasts. There are then 12 human statues that represent the deceased Emperors funeral bearers. Carved in 1540, this group is comprised of military officers and worthy officials. Just beyond these statues are the Dragon and Phoenix Gate. On the way to the Dingling, the Sacred Way crosses a river via two bridges, one of five and the other of seven arches. At this terminal point all 13 tombs can be seen in their entire splendor. Hills and groves of trees stretch across the valley floor, intermittent golden tiles providing splashes of color, creating an eternal tapestry of solemn reverence. Ding Tomb is the only one excavated in this graveyard up till now. Zhu Yijun, the thirteenth emperor of the Ming

Dynasty was inhumed together with his two empresses. Constructed between 1584 and 1590, this mausoleum used to have bridges, a stele pavilion, halls and towers and annexes on the ground. Hundreds of years later, only a stone tower, Bright Tower, survives following several fires. Behind the tower is the underground palace, 27 meters (88.6 feet) in depth. Visitors may enter via a tunnel. The stone palace occupies an area of 1,195 square meters (0.3 acre) and has five halls. Gates of the main halls are made of white marble, with fine thrones in the central hall, coffins and burial chests at the rear hall. Some precious articles excavated are on exhibition like crowns, ornaments, and utensils. Here are some guide information for your tour to Ming Tomb (Ding): Address: 50 kilometers from downtown Beijing at Tianshou Mountain in Changping District. Admission Fee: CNY 60 April 1 to October 31 CNY 40 Nov. 1 to March 31. Openning Hours: 08:30 – 18:00. Contact Number: 86-10-60761424