The well preserved tombs of 13 Ming dynasty emperors (1368 - 1644) are located 50km north of Beijing. The tombs occupy more than 40 square km and are built both above and below ground and are the size of small palaces. The first and grandest mausoleum and necropolis was built on the site by Ming Emperor Zhu Di. Emperors continued to be interred here until the last Chongzhen Emperor hung himself in 1644.

The tombs are laid out according to Feng Shui principals and the entire area is protected by a wall. The surrounding area is also landscaped with statues and smaller structures.

Only three of the tombs have so far been excavated, the last being completed in 1989. One of these, the Dingling tomb has been made into a museum made up of the Underground Palace and two exhibition rooms containing excavated treasures from each of the three tombs.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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