Ming Tombs

Beijing 2016

 The Ming Tombs are the mausoleums of 13 of the 16 Ming Emperors  who were buried here from 1424-1644 AD.   They lie in a broad valley about 50 kms outside of Beijing.

After lunch Vivie took us to walk the Sacred Way which is a section of the 7 km processional route along which the Ming Emperors were carried to their final rest.

As we approach  the Dragon and Phoenix Gate we can see an avenue of stone figures which have kept watch for nearly 500 years.   Among these are human figures representing military, civil and meritorious officials,  as well as lions, elephants, camels, horses and mythological animals.

There are two pairs of each kind of statue who figuratively support the emperors around the clock.... one pair is awake and standing to attention to play their role for half the day;  while the second pair are sitting and asleep or resting until they have to wake and take their turn of duty.   

 Vivie with a standing or "awake" horse

 

Anne with a sitting or "asleep" horse.  Vivie told us the legend that if we came at night, we would see the changing of the guard!

Can I take him home? 

 

Each of these figures was carved from a single piece of stone

 All of the figures are larger than life

 

These pillars are beacons to guide the souls of the emperors along the way.

The Stele or Tablet Gate 

Three tombs are open to the public but only one has been excavated.

In 1956 the mausoleum of Emperor Ding Ling, who died in 1620, was found intact and many treasures were uncovered.  However attitudes of the time (e.g. the Cultural Revolution) and lack of scientific knowledge about conservation resulted in many finds disintegrating.  Several of the pieces on display today are only copies.   The Chinese Government then took the decision that no more excavation would be undertaken until better knowledge of conservation is forthcoming or an urgent rescue operation is required.