The Ming Tombs

Ming Thirteen Tombs(明十三陵)

 is located in a naturally- regulated mountainous area. The mountain Tianshou belongs to the rest of Taihang Mountain Range. These

royal tombs

  are an integrated unit where each mausoleum could be an independent one,too. They are all located in front of the mountains and distributed one by one. Under the guideline of Chinese traditional theory of geomantic omen(fengshui ), both the location choice and layout-design of

Ming Tombs

  highly emphasize the harmonization and integration among the mountains, rivers, and plants to pursue the perfect state of design and creativity from heaven and nature and express the philosophical viewpoint of the integration of nature and human. Ming Tombs,as the typical representative of Chinese ancient royal tombs,reveals the deep and sophisticated conception and denotation of Chinese traditional culture.
The unique design and layout has been highly praised by western authorities like Dr.Joseph Needham, a noted historian of United Kingdom, and he once said:" Royal mausoleum is an important breakthrough in the field of Chinese architectures. It is, to some extent, the most meaningful and influential example for the combination of architecture and landscape." He described Ming Thirteen Tombs as the greatest masterpiece of Chinese architecture.

In 2003,

Ming thirteen tombs

  were inscribed on the World Heritage List. The comment from the World Heritage Committee is that according to the theory of geomantic omen, the royal mausoleum of Ming and Qing Dynasties is a perfect example. Its delicate choice of location makes variety of buildings set under the ground. It is the outcome of the human activity to change traditional ideas in architecture and decoration. It also reveals the Weltanschauung and value of powers of feudalistic society of China in the past 500 years.

Sacred Road towards to Ming Tombs	Changling Tomb----the earliest tomb of Ming Tombs

Travel Tips:  

There are three tombs which can be visited by tourists: Changling Tomb, Dingling Tomb and Zhaoling Tomb.Among these three tombs, Changling Tomb is famous for its well-preserved overground architectures and Dingling Tomb is well-known for the underground palacewhich is worth visiting. 

Underground palace of Dingling Tomb	Zhaoling Tomb----one of the three tombs which opens to the public