Ming Tombs: the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) have been perfectly preserved. Because of its long history, palatial and integrated architecture, the site has a high cultural and historic value. It is on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO.
Justification for Inscription given by UNESCO:
1.The harmonious integration of remarkable architectural groups in a natural environment chosen to meet the criteria of geomancy (Fengshui) makes the Ming & Qing Imperial Tombs masterpieces of human creative genius.
2.The imperial mausoleums are outstanding testimony to a cultural and architectural tradition that for over five hundred years dominated this part of the world; by reason of their integration into the natural environment, they make up a unique ensemble of cultural landscapes.
3.The Ming and Qing Tombs are dazzling illustrations of the beliefs, world view, and geomantic theories of Fengshui prevalent in feudal China. They have served as burial edifices for illustrious personages and as the theatre for major events that have marked the history of China.
*Ming Tombs and Qing Tombs (tombs for Qing imperial families) are both World Heritage.
Ming Tombs are 48km (31 miles) north of Beijing. Of the 16 emperors who ruled China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), 13 are buried at the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain (hence the name Thirteen Ming Tombs).
3 Ming emperors not buries here: The first emperor of the Ming, Hongwu, is entombed in Xiao Ling, near Nanjing, which was the capital at that time. The location of the second emperor's tomb is uncertain, for he was killed by his uncle (who became the third emperor afterwards). The seventh emperor, who usurped the throne after his brother was captured by the Mongols, was buried near the Summer Palace among the graves of concubines, for his brother who came back from grassland and became the emperor again when the seventh emperor died, did not recognize the seventh emperor as a real emperor. Despite these omissions, this is the most extensive burial complex of any Chinese dynasty.
The entrance to the Ming Tombs, a long and celebrated Sacred Way, is lined with statues of guardian animals and officials. Only three of the Ming Tombs -- Ding Ling, Chang Ling, and Zhao Ling -- have been restored and open to public, and only one (Ding Ling) has been fully excavated.
The Sacred Way, slightly curved to fool malevolent spirits, is lined on either side with willows and remarkable carved stone animals and human figures, considered among the best in China. The statuary includes pairs of camels, lions, elephants, and mythical beasts.
The largest and best preserved of the 13 tombs is Chang Ling, the tomb of the Yongle emperor (reign 1403-1424). The layout is identical to the tomb of the first Ming emperor in Nanjing. It feels like the Forbidden City in miniature, and is perhaps disappointing if you've seen the palace already. Most striking is Ling'en Dian (Hall of Eminent Favors), an immense hall in which the interior columns and brackets have been left unpainted (each of the columns is one piece of old sandalwood tree), creating an eye-catching contrast with the green ceiling panels. Slightly wider than the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Ling'en Dian contains a three-tiered platform and building materials that are superior to those of the Forbidden City.
The 4,000-square-meter (13,000 square feet) Underground Palace at Ding Ling, rediscovered in 1956-1957, was the burial place of the Wanli emperor (reign 1572-1620), his wife, and his favorite concubine. Construction of the burial chamber commenced before the emperor was 20 years old The "palace" is a vast marble vault, buried 27m (88 ft.) underground and divided into five large chambers. The original marble thrones are still there, now covered in a small fortune of renminbi notes tossed by Chinese / Asian visitors showing their respects.
