Changling Mausoleum, Imperial burial complex in Shisanling, China

Changling Mausoleum is the burial complex of the Yongle Emperor and Empress Xu at the foot of Tianshou Mountain. It covers 120,000 square metres, with three rectangular courtyards leading to a circular Treasure City. The Hall of Eminent Favor, built in 1415, stands on a three-tiered marble terrace and has 60 columns of nanmu wood, including four central columns 14.3 metres tall.

Yongle ordered Changling built in 1409 at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, and the underground palace was completed in 1413. The tomb was initially finished in 1427, but construction continued for 130 years, the longest of any Chinese imperial tomb. Yongle was buried here in 1424 with 16 concubines, alongside Empress Xu.

The Sacred Way features stone figures and animal statues lining the path, representing guardians and companions for the emperor's journey into the afterlife.

The mausoleum is open to the public and can be explored on foot without a guide. The axis runs south to north: stele pavilion, Ling'en Gate, Ling'en Hall on its three-tiered terrace, then the Soul Tower and burial mound. The underground palace has never been excavated and is not entered.

The Hall of Eminent Favor stands on a three-tiered white marble terrace with carved balustrades, and its interior uses a post-and-beam frame of whole nanmu logs arranged in a nine-by-five bay grid. Two Ming-era spirit-silk burners flank its front. The underground palace has never been excavated and shows no record of looting.