Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are the mausoleums of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors after the Ming capital was shifted to Beijing. Located at the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping County, Beijing, the Ming tombs cover an area of about 120 square kilometers. With a plain belt in the middle, the Tombs area is surrounded with mountains and right in front of the Tombs is a winding river. The construction of the first tomb, Ding Ling Tomb, was started on the seventh year in Ming Emperor Yongle's reign (1409) and the construction lasted for a period of more than 200 years. Except for the cultural relics that were unearthed, other things that are exhibited include the Ding Ling Tomb's construction history, process of excavation, the life stories of the emperor and the empress and grand scenes of offering sacrifices to the imperial tomb.