Ming Tombs

(Local Name: Mingzu Ling) The Ming Dynasty Tombs (Mingzu Ling) on the west bank of Lake Hongzehu, about 150km/90mi southwest of Huai'an, were built at the orders of the first emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) in 1387, so that his ancestors - his grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather - might all have a place of interment befitting their rank. The approach to the tombs is lined with various holy temples and numerous stone statues of riders, officials, soldiers, lions and unicorns, etc.