Ming Xiaoling
明孝陵 · 난징시
Mausoleum of the Hongwu Emperor
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Ming Xiaoling2:30
Welcome to Ming Xiaoling, the final resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, and the legendary founder of the Ming Dynasty. As we stand here at the southern foothills of Nanjing’s Purple Mountain, we are entering one…
Listen in the app2The Spirit Path — Guardians in Stone2:09
We begin our physical exploration at the most enchanting part of the complex: the Spirit Path, or 'Shandao.' Stretching 1.8 kilometers, this grand processional route is lined with stone statues that have stood guard for six…
Listen in the app3Sifangcheng — The Square City and Stela of Divine Merit1:52
After completing the Spirit Path, we arrive at the 'Sifangcheng' or Square City. This massive, roofless stone building is a monument to filial piety and political legitimacy. …
Listen in the app4Wenwu Fangmen — The Gate of Civil and Military Officials1:59
Continuing north, we reach the Wenwu Fangmen, or the Gate of Civil and Military Officials. This is the main ceremonial entrance to the inner mausoleum area. …
Listen in the app5The Tablet Hall — 'Governance Surpassing Tang and Song'1:50
In the center of the second courtyard stands the Tablet Hall, or Beidian. This structure was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, specifically under the orders of the Kangxi Emperor. …
Listen in the app6The Sacrificial Hall — Ruins of the Great Xiangdian1:57
Next, we reach the heart of the sacrificial area: the Xiaoling Hall, also known as the Xiangdian or Sacrificial Hall. While the original Ming structure was a massive wooden hall where offerings were made to the emperor's spirit,…
Listen in the app7Fangcheng and Minglou — The Soul Tower's Grandeur1:51
We now approach the most imposing structure of the mausoleum: the Fangcheng, or Square City, and the Minglou, or Soul Tower. The Fangcheng is a massive, fortress-like stone platform that stands 16 meters high. …
Listen in the app8The Baoding Mound — The Secrets of the Underground Palace1:59
Finally, we stand before the 'Baoding' or Treasure Mound. This is a circular, man-made hill approximately 400 meters in diameter, surrounded by a brick wall. …
Listen in the app9Closing1:40
Our journey through Ming Xiaoling concludes where it began, in the shadow of Purple Mountain. We have walked the winding Spirit Path, stood before the massive tablets of emperors, and looked upon the mound that guards the secrets…
Listen in the app
What is Ming Xiaoling?
Ming Xiaoling is a place in 난징시 with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 난징시 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Total length | 17 min 47 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 32.0603, 118.8346 |
| Last updated |
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