Ming Xiaoling, Imperial mausoleum at Purple Mountain, Nanjing, China
Ming Xiaoling is an imperial mausoleum at Purple Mountain in Nanjing, stretching across a large area lined with stone statues of lions, camels, elephants, and horses that guard the processional path. The cemetery is carefully laid out and moves through ordered structures toward the main burial areas.
Construction of this imperial tomb began in 1383 under Emperor Hongwu and was completed in 1405 under his son Yongle, representing a massive undertaking that required significant resources. The project reflects the enormous effort invested in creating an imperial monument during that period.
The sacred way features stone guardians, including mythical creatures meant to protect the burial grounds and show how ritual mattered deeply in imperial burial practices. These figures reflect the belief that supernatural forces would watch over the ruler in the afterlife.
Comfortable shoes are essential as you will walk a long path through the sacred way with uneven sections. Arriving early in the day allows you to explore the grounds at a relaxed pace and experience the quiet atmosphere.
To hide the emperor's actual burial location, multiple funeral processions were sent out simultaneously from different city gates. This deception strategy was designed to confuse grave robbers and protect the secret of the burial for generations.
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