Ming Tombs

Ming Tombs are approximately 50km northwest of Beijing in Changping County. The Tombs are the dynastic burial grounds of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty, and a number of concubines and eunuchs. The burial complex spans 15 square km. The third emperor, Yongle, chose Mount Yan as the site for the mausoleum. He selected the site based on fengshui principles, with Jundu Mountains deflecting bad spirits coming from the north. All of the emperors' tombs were constructed at the foot of a small hill with access to the main road, the Sacred Way, which is decorated with clouds, waves and divine animals. The archway is the best-preserved specimen of its kind and the largest ancient stone archway in China.