Tailing Mausoleum, Ming dynasty mausoleum in Shisanling, China

The Tailing Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Hongzhi and forms part of the Ming tombs complex near Beijing. It features carved stone sculptures, ceremonial walkways, and landscaped gardens laid out according to traditional geometric and spatial principles.

Tailing was built as the joint burial mausoleum of Emperor Xiaozong (Zhu Youtang, reign 1487–1505) and Empress Xiaokangjing Zhang. It lies 3.5 km northwest of Changling at the foot of Bijia Mountain in the Ming Tombs complex. The tomb follows Ming imperial burial conventions established at earlier Ming tombs.

Tailing is the joint burial of Emperor Xiaozong (Zhu Youtang) and Empress Xiaokangjing Zhang, so the site records a rare imperial couple's tomb rather than a single ruler's. The name Tailing, like the other Ming tomb names, was chosen for the mausoleum itself and is used for the whole walled precinct on Bijia Mountain.

The mausoleum sits outside the main Beijing area and requires planning to reach it. It helps to visit early in the day and wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are more expansive than they first appear.

The stone figures at this site display different roles and positions that mattered in the imperial world. These sculptures tell through their poses and clothing about a distant era and a way of life that has long disappeared.