The Thirteen Tombs of China is one of the most important cultural heritages of China, located in the Tianshou Mountains, about 50 km northwest of Beijing. This is a complex of tombs of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), built in a large space, showing the grandeur and majesty of ancient Chinese emperors.
Introduction to the Thirteen Tombs of China
The Thirteen Tombs of China (十三陵) are a complex of imperial mausoleums of the Ming Dynasty in China, located about 50 km northwest of Beijing. This is the resting place of 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, built in a quiet valley surrounded by mountains. This complex is one of the important cultural heritages, attracting many tourists to visit because of its special historical and architectural value.
The Thirteen Tombs of China. Photo: @mingshisanling
The Thirteen Tombs are notable not only for their grand scale but also for their exquisite construction, reflecting the majesty of the Chinese imperial power during the feudal period. Each tomb in the complex has its own architectural style, designed according to strict imperial rules with structures such as stone gates, stele inscriptions, shrines and imperial tombs. Among them, the Dingling Tomb, where Emperor Wanli was buried, is one of the most prominent attractions thanks to its excavation and opening to the public.
Not only of historical significance, the Thirteen Tombs are also symbols of belief and feng shui, with their locations carefully chosen according to traditional Chinese feng shui principles. The surrounding mountains and the river flowing through them are considered important factors to protect the peace and prosperity of the deceased emperors. Thanks to their architectural, historical and cultural values, the mausoleum complex has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
This is the burial place of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors. Photo: @daniellamoylesTransportation to the Thirteen Tombs
To get to the Thirteen Tombs from central Beijing, you can choose one of the following means of transport:
Subway: You can take the Beijing Subway Line 13, then transfer to the Changping Line. The nearest stop is Ming Tombs Station (明十三陵站). From here, you can walk or take a bus or taxi to the main tombs in the complex.
Bus: You can take a public bus from downtown Beijing. Bus No. 872 departs from Deshengmen Station (德胜门) in Beijing and goes directly to the Tombs. This is a popular and cost-effective way to get there. The journey takes about 1-2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Taxi or rental car: If you want comfort and convenience, you can hire a taxi or private car to travel from downtown Beijing to the Tombs. The taxi ride takes about 1 hour depending on traffic conditions. However, the price will be higher than public transportation.
Traveling by car or taxi offers convenience, especially if you are traveling in a group or family.
Photo: @fatikhaoulani
The ideal time to visit the Thirteen Tombs of China
The ideal time to visit the Thirteen Tombs of China is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These are the times when the weather is mild and pleasant and the scenery surrounding the mausoleum complex is at its most beautiful.
Spring: The weather is warm, not too hot, trees and flowers begin to bloom, creating a fresh and pleasant scene. This is also the tourist season that is not too crowded so you can visit comfortably.
Autumn: Autumn in Beijing has a cool climate, not too cold, very suitable for outdoor sightseeing. The leaves turn yellow and red, creating beautiful scenery, especially the mountains surrounding the Thirteen Tombs.
Avoid visiting in summer (June to August) as the weather is hot and in winter (December to February) as the weather is cold and dry, which can be uncomfortable for sightseeing. Summer is also peak tourist season, so it can be more crowded.
You should visit here in spring and fall. Photo: @fatikhaoulani_ann_ohaLayout of the Ming Tombs
Chang Ling ('Eternal Tomb') was the first tomb built in the Ming Tomb complex. The next 12 tombs are spread out on both sides of the Chang Tomb and the main avenue. With the exception of Si Ling ('Thinking Tomb'), located alone in the southwest corner, the distance of the tombs from Chang Ling indicates their age and sequence.
The surrounding mountains surround the tombs in a large natural "courtyard" with the main "entrance" being the gap between two mountains. All the tombs share a common road that runs through the middle of the entire area. This road is called the Sacred Road.
The layout of the Thirteen Chinese Tombs is the result of a combination of patriarchal ritual and geomancy.
The Thirteen Tombs seen from above. Photo: @gohuanqiu
Only three tombs are open to the public.
Chang Ling (Tomb of the Yongle Emperor)
Chang Ling ('Eternal Tomb') is the only tomb in the complex that has been excavated for scientific research, and more than 3,000 precious relics have been unearthed. It is the final resting place of the third Ming Emperor Zhu Di and Empress Xu. He ruled China from 1402 to 1422. The Changling Tombs are the largest Ming Dynasty mausoleums.
The main structure of the Chang Ling Mausoleum progresses along a central axis with distinctive structures. First is the main entrance to the mausoleum, elaborately designed with beams and arches made of brilliant colored enamel. Next is the Gate of Great Favor, leading to the Hall of Grace (also known as the Palace of Divine Grace) – the main building of the Chang Ling Mausoleum, where the emperor’s tablets and personal belongings such as clothes, the ‘divine bed’, the throne were kept and where sacrificial ceremonies took place. Behind is the Ling Xing Archway with two carved dragons on top, symbolizing the gateway to heaven. Finally, the Spirit Tower and the Earthen Wall Surrounding Hill, forming a closed circular fortress, where Emperor Zhu Di and Empress Ci were buried.
Tomb of the Yongle Emperor. Photo: @travelmatete.chDingling (Tomb of Emperor Wanli)
Dingling ('Tomb of Stability') is the mausoleum of the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yijun, and his two empresses. He ruled his great empire for 48 years, the longest reign in the Ming Dynasty. Historical documents reveal that the total cost of the tomb amounted to more than 8 million taels of silver (300 tons), equivalent to the entire government's income tax for two years. About 3,000 precious funeral objects were forged. The golden crown and the phoenix crown were the most excellent items. They were crafted from expensive materials, such as gold thread, pearls, and precious stones.
The highlight is the underground stone palace. It consists of five rooms. All of these rooms are built of stone without the use of a single beam or column. The front chamber of the mausoleum is completely empty, creating space leading to the main areas. The middle room houses the 'Eternal Burning Lamp' with two passages on the left and right leading to the side rooms. The rear room, the largest in the entire mausoleum, houses the coffins of Emperor Zhu Yijun and his two empresses. The two side rooms on either side of the main room are of the same size, each with a white marble bed in the middle, creating a balance and solemnity to the interior space of the mausoleum.
Tomb of Emperor Wanli. Photo: @wildgreatwall
Trieu Lang (Tomb of Emperor Long Khanh)
Zhao Ling ('Bright Tomb') is the mausoleum of the 12th Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Zaihou and his three empresses and concubines. The emperor's coffins lie in a unique crescent-shaped area.
What makes Zhaoling stand out is the above-ground architecture, which is the best preserved and has a special crescent-shaped courtyard containing the emperor's coffin.
Tomb of Emperor Long Khanh. Photo: @wikipediaVisiting the Thirteen Chinese Tombs , visitors not only feel the majesty and solemnity of the mausoleum complex, but also have the opportunity to better understand the imprints of a dynasty that contributed to shaping Chinese history .
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