Beijing - Thirteen Ming Tombs Ming Shisanling

The tomb site, measuring about 40sq.km/25 sq.mi lies in a valley of the Tianshoushan hill, almost 50km/31mi to the north of Beijing. It is the ''monumental graveyard'' of the Ming dynasty, where thirteen of the sixteen dynasty's emperors are interred, together with empresses and concubines. In accordance with an old tradition, the rulers had their tombs built during their lifetime. Hence Emperor Yongle (reigned 1402-24) arranged for his tomb site to be decided upon and measured. When choosing the site soothsayers were brought in to arrange, in particular, protection from the wind and against the bad spirits coming from the north. The valley of Tianshoushan was ideal for this purpose, as it is not exposed on the west, north and east sides. Peasants living in the vicinity were forced to leave. This graveyard was used for over two hundred years (1409-1644). During this time the whole area was protected by a surrounding wall and imperial guards. All visitors including the emperor were only allowed to enter the area on foot. A large number of laborers maintained the site.

Each funeral site has, in addition to the actual burial hill, its own sacrificial hall (only preserved for the Changling tomb) and stele pavilion. Until now only the Changling and Dingling tombs have been restored for the public, but the other sites can also be visited.