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Ming tombs
明十三陵
collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1The Ming Tombs1:47
Welcome to the Ming Tombs, the imperial necropolis where thirteen of the sixteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty are laid to rest. This site, covering over 40 square kilometers on the southern slope of Tianshan Mountain, was…
Listen in the app2The Sacred Way: The Road of Spirits1:30
Our journey begins on the Sacred Way (Shenlu), the main road leading into the tomb area. This 7-kilometer path is designed to be the final journey for the emperor's coffin as it was carried from the Forbidden City. …
Listen in the app3Changling: The Grandeur of the Yongle Emperor1:27
We arrive at Changling, the first and largest of the tombs, built in 1409 for the Yongle Emperor, the man who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing. This tomb is a 'symbol of lifelong pursuit of power,' and its most…
Listen in the app4Dingling: Descent into the Underground Palace1:20
We now descend into the Dingling Tomb, the joint mausoleum of the Wanli Emperor and his two empresses. This is the 'must come' destination at the Ming Tombs because it features the only imperial 'underground palace' that has been…
Listen in the app5Regalia of the Ming: The Gold and Phoenix Crowns1:26
Within the Dingling museum exhibition, we find the 'extraordinary artifacts' that represent the peak of Ming Dynasty craftsmanship. The 'Gold Yishan Guan' diadem, belonging to the Wanli Emperor, is a masterpiece made of…
Listen in the app6The Tragedy of Chongling: The Last Emperor1:25
Not all tombs here are grand; Chongling, the final resting place of the Chongzhen Emperor, is the 'most humble' and tragic. In 1644, as the rebel army of Li Zicheng entered Beijing, the emperor 'died on Meishan,' hanging himself…
Listen in the app7Symbolism of the Underworld: Jade and Eternity1:16
As we conclude our section-by-section exploration, we return to the 'analytical' significance of the materials used in these tombs. Throughout our walk, 'gold and jade' have been recurring themes. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:23
As you leave the 'basin' of the Ming Tombs and pass back through the 'Great Red Gate,' take a moment to look back at the 'Tiger and Dragon hills.' This 'UNESCO World Heritage site' is more than a collection of graves; it is a…
Listen in the app
What is Ming tombs?
Ming tombs is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Activity |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 11 min 34 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.2533, 116.2175 |
| Last updated |