Qingling Mausoleum, Imperial mausoleum in Shisanling, China

The Qingling Mausoleum is a burial complex within the Shisanling site where Ming emperors and their consorts were laid to rest. The grounds contain multiple levels with stone pathways, ceremonial gates, and underground chambers, all surrounded by mountainous terrain.

Qingling occupies the site of Shouling, begun in 1456 for Emperor Jingtai's empress Hang, who was buried there that June. After the Yingzong Restoration in 1457, the emperor ordered the tomb dismantled. In 1620 the month-reigning Guangzong died, and his successor Xizong buried him here with empresses Guo, Wang and Liu.

Qingling began as Shouling, the tomb built for Emperor Jingtai and his empress Hang, who was buried there in 1456. After the Yingzong Restoration in 1457, the emperor ordered the tomb dismantled. In 1620 it received Emperor Guangzong, who reigned about a month, with Empresses Guo, Wang and Liu.

Qingling lies at the southern foot of Erling Ridge of Huangshan Temple on Tianshou Mountain, within the Shisanling tomb area. The site is reached from the main Shisanling road; the tomb itself is not one of the regularly opened Ming tombs, so check opening arrangements before setting out. The terrain slopes and paths are uneven.

Qingling began as Shouling, the tomb Jingtai Emperor Zhu Qiyu built for his empress Hang, who died in 1456. After the Yingzong Emperor's 1457 restoration, he ordered the tomb demolished; its unfinished remains were later reused for Guangzong, who reigned barely a month in 1620.