Ming Tombs

Today I want to share about the Ming Tombs that we visited.  This area is out in a mountainous region about 40 km northwest of Beijing and spreads over approximately 40 sq km.  It is quiet and provides a sense of tranquility in keeping with the desire of the Emperors.  The Ming dynasty (1400's onward) have 13 emperors (of 16) buried in this area.  We saw the main buildings. Excavation plans were interrupted in the 50's and later abandoned.  They are now are outlawed. This is a World Heritage site - not to be missed.

This floral arrangement greets the visitors before entering the site.

Leading towards the Hall of Eminent Favour.

A most welcome map showing the overall area.  It helps people appreciate the enormous site and ingenuity of the Chinese people.

Outside the first building was an area set up for offerings to the gods.  There was fresh fruit on the table and as you can see, a large musical instrument.  At certain times, you would see a ceremony at this point.

This huge bronze statue of a Ming emperor graced the first building.  The 4 large wooden columns behind were 14.3 meters high, 1.1.7 meters in diameter and of a single piece of Phoebe (nanmu) wood. There were beautiful jade, silk, calligraphy and other artifacts to see, within this building.

This is a map showing the overall site and location of each of the tombs nestled into the slopes of the Tianshou Mountain.

Overall, a spectacular site to visit - and much more to see if you wish to spend the time.