The China Diary: Day 3, Beijing

Off the beaten Path

The Ming Tombs

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, The Ming Dynasty Tombs is the worlds largest collection of mausoleums with the most emperors buried. Thirteen emperors, twenty-three empresses, and one concubine are all buried in this area. This spot is definitely off the beaten path, most tourists from outside of China may not know much about it, but many of the local Chinese who travel to Beijing, often come to visit this site.

It houses 13 mausoleums from the Ming Dynasty Emperors in Northern Beijing. Construction for the first tomb began in 1409 A.D. at the foot of Tianshou Mountain. Currently, of the 13 tombs, only 2 have been excavated and are open for touring. They are also the best preserved mausoleums in the world.

The tomb we visited was the underground Dingling Tomb of the 13th Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yijun. His tomb was built 27 meters below ground. The entrance hallway of the tomb leads you past 3 stone carved thrones, carved for him and his two empresses in the afterlife. In the adjoining room, you will see the bright red caskets where he and his empresses were buried.

The Sacred Way

Also known as the Divine Road, the Sacred Way leads the path to Heaven in the afterlife. The Sacred Way is lined with large stone statues. There are 12 statues of humans, and 24 statues of animals; some standing, some kneeling. Each of the animals chosen are specific symbols and have special meaning to them. For example, the elephants represent dependability. The human statues represent civil guards, emperors, and sometimes war generals.

This specific Sacred Way was originally built to lead only to the Changling Mausoleum specifically. But after its construction the other 12 mausoleums were built.

Unfortunately when we visited, it was pouring rain. The only upside of that, was that there were NO crowds, literally not a soul to be seen. We had a wonderful and peaceful walk along the Sacred Way.

If you visit Beijing, and want to see something off the beaten path, and more relaxing come stroll along the Sacred Way among the willow trees and the gorgeous stone statues. Have you visited the Sacred Way?