Nanjing - Tomb of the First Ming Ruler

(Local Name: Mingxiao Ling) On the eastern edge of the city, at the foot of the Purple Mountain (Zijinshan), lies the Tomb of the first Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398). It was built between 1381 and 1383 and is the largest of the 14 Ming tombs (the other thirteen are to be found on the northern edge of Beijing). Over the years the mausoleum has suffered considerable damage.

The burial site comprises the ''path of the soul'', lined with pairs of stone animals and sculptures of military and civilian dignitaries, the main gate, the foundations of the former hall of sacrifices as well as the wooded burial mound and its gate-like entrance which you can climb up to.