One of the places I visited on my first trip to China in 1987 was the Ming Tombs, which are about 30 miles northwest of Beijing. The Ming Tombs refer to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, which ruled China from 1368 to 1644.
The first two Ming emperors ruled from Nanjing in the south of China, but the third emperor, Zhu Di, moved the capital to Beijing. It was Zhu Di who began building the Forbidden City and who built the first of the Ming Tombs.
One of the most unusual of the thirteen tombs is Dingling, the tomb of Zhu Yijun. This tomb in an underground palace complete with a throne room for the spirit of the emperor. I was fortunate enough to be able to tour Dingling.
The tombs are approached along a Spirit Way, also known as the Avenue of the Animals because of the large stone animals and officials who stand guard along the road.
The Ming Tombs are truly fascinating both for the architecture of the structures and for the glimpse they provide of Chinese culture and history. If you are ever in Beijing, the tombs are well worth a visit.
To see larger versions of these pictures and others, click HERE.
Senior Moments 
April 28, 2011 at 7:59 am |
so many memories you have from your trip, that is what photos are all about, lighting those memories.
April 28, 2011 at 8:29 am |
How interesting—-I am sure when I die my great followers will build me a palace complete with a throne–no not THAT kind. LOL MB
April 28, 2011 at 9:04 am |
We had some friends whose Son lived in China to “teach” English to their students. He enjoyed it but when his time was up, he was ever so glad to leave. He said the atmosphere was sooo heavy. I asked what he meant, he said “I am just glad to leave a place where so many do not love Christ” Most of their churches who seek Jesus have to be underground and hidden!
Oh how very blessed we are to worship HIM freely! Great post George!
April 28, 2011 at 11:10 am |
I have heard about these tombs, strangely haunting and misguided. It would really be a sight to see.
April 28, 2011 at 11:31 am |
wish i could visit China someday. I love studying world history and China is country rich with historical symbols.
April 28, 2011 at 11:44 am |
What an interesting place to visit. I love learning about other cultures especially how they ‘preserve’ those who have passed on. Great photo collage George!
April 28, 2011 at 2:53 pm |
so lucky to visit history-laden place like china. i’m sure you remembered the visit just like yesterday.
April 28, 2011 at 10:33 pm |
Wonderful shots! I lived in China for three years about the same time as your visit. Unfortunately, I never got to see the Ming Tombs.
April 29, 2011 at 5:38 am |
Lovely “postcard”. You must have plenty of stunning memories from China; this post verify it.
April 29, 2011 at 11:35 am |
Roger and I watched a documentary called Wild China and really enjoyed it…I was hoping you had photos posted elsewhere…so now I am off to see them.
May 2, 2011 at 7:07 pm |
Such a beautiful country and such good people.