Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Introducing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the largest imperial tomb in Nanjing. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum serves as the final resting place for Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398), the founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and his beloved Empress Ma. Upon her death in 1384, the Empress was laid to rest in the mausoleum, and the emperor bestowed upon her the title “Empress of Xiao Ci,” meaning “Empress of Filial Piety and Benevolence.” Therefore, the mausoleum itself was named in her honor.

The sheer scale of the mausoleum is staggering. Construction began in 1381 and took an incredible 24 years to complete. Its outer wall, stretching over 22.5 kilometers (14 miles), offers a glimpse of the immense effort involved. It’s a testament to the ambition of the project that a workforce of nearly 100,000 laborers was assembled for its creation.

Covering a vast area, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is renowned for its unique design, eminent status, and striking beauty. It stands as a significant milestone in the development of Chinese imperial mausoleums, with its architectural style leaving a profound influence on subsequent tombs. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, along with the Ming Dynasty Tombs in Beijing, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 as part of the “Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties”.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ming Xiao Ling 明孝陵
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Chinese History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 6:30 – 18:30 (Feb – Nov), 7:00 – 17:30 (Dec – Jan)
• Entrance Fee: CNY 70
• Address: No. 7 Shixiang Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

What UNESCO Says on the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming and Qing imperial tombs are located in topographical settings carefully chosen according to principles of geomancy (Fengshui) and comprise numerous buildings of traditional architectural design and decoration. The tombs and buildings are laid out according to Chinese hierarchical rules and incorporate sacred ways lined with stone monuments and sculptures designed to accommodate ongoing royal ceremonies as well as the passage of the spirits of the dead. They illustrate the great importance attached by the Ming and Qing rulers over five centuries to the building of imposing mausolea, reflecting not only the general belief in an afterlife but also an affirmation of authority.

The tomb of the first Ming Emperor, the Xiaoling Tomb broke with the past and established the basic design for those that followed in Beijing, and also the Xianling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty in Zhongxiang, the Western Qing Tombs and the Eastern Qing Tombs. The Three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning Province (Yongling Tomb, Fuling Tomb, and Zhaoling Tomb) were all built in the 17th century for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, integrating the tradition inherited from previous dynasties with new features from the Manchu civilization.

The Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are masterpieces of human creative genius by reason of their organic integration into nature, and a unique testimony to the cultural and architectural traditions of the last two feudal dynasties (Ming and Qing) in the history of China between the 14th and 20th centuries. They are fine works combining the architectural arts of the Han and Manchu civilizations. Their siting, planning and design reflect both the philosophical idea of “harmony between man and nature” according to Fengshui principles and the rules of social hierarchy, and illustrate the conception of the world and power prevalent in the later period of the ancient society of China.

What to expect at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

A visit to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a must for anyone wanting a glimpse into China’s imperial past. It’s not just a tomb, but a sprawling complex of stunning architecture and serene landscapes. As you walk the sacred path to Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s final resting place, you’ll be blown away by the majestic gates, imposing stone guardians, and peaceful courtyards. The way the buildings blend with the natural surroundings is truly breathtaking, and the whole place just oozes history. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Dismount Archway
The journey to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum begins with the majestic Dismount Archway, a solemn reminder of the reverence demanded by the site. Its two imposing stone pillars, reaching a height of 7.85 meters (25.7 ft) and spanning 4.94 meters (16.2 ft) wide, bear a clear inscription in six Chinese characters: “诸司官员下马” (Officials of all ranks dismount here). This decree firmly reminded all officials to dismount their horses and proceed on foot when approaching the Emperor’s tomb. This act of humility profoundly demonstrated respect for the Emperor’s eternal repose.

Great Golden Gate & Square City Pavilion
Dominating the entrance to this historical site stands the monumental Great Golden Gate, its architectural style echoing the Great Red Gate of the Ming Tombs in Beijing. This imposing gateway served as the ceremonial entrance for imperial sacrifices.

Beyond the gate, within the Square City Pavilion, lies a sight of remarkable grandeur: a colossal stone tortoise bearing the weight of the “Stele of Godly Merit and Saintly Virtue.” This intricately carved stele, crowned with entwined hornless dragons, holds an inscription extolling the virtues of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. The sheer size of the tortoise, measuring 5.15 meters (16.9 ft) long, 2.54 meters (8.4 ft) wide, and 2.8 meters (9.2 ft) tall, is awe-inspiring. Unlike its counterpart at the Ming Tombs in Beijing, the Square City Pavilion stands roofless, a casualty of the Taiping Rebellion in 1850.

The Sacred Way
Commonly known as the Stone Statue Road, the Sacred Way spans 615 meters (0.38 miles) along the Square City Pavilion. Unlike the straight processional paths of earlier imperial tombs, this path gracefully winds, following the contours of the terrain and adorned with stone statues that lend an air of solemnity and grandeur.

The Sacred Way is flanked by 12 pairs of 24 majestic stone animals, with each type appearing in two pairs: lions, representing imperial authority; xiezhi, mythical creatures symbolizing justice and righteousness; camels, signifying the vastness of the Ming empire and the emperor’s far-reaching power; elephants, embodying stability and strength; qilin, mythical hooved chimeras symbolizing benevolent rulers and auspiciousness; and horses, representing unification. Each pair is thoughtfully positioned, with one duo standing tall and the other kneeling in reverence, a poignant display of respect for the emperor who rests at the path’s end.

Xiaoling Hall
The heart of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the Xiaoling Hall, often called the Xiang Hall. While the original Ming Dynasty structure was tragically lost to war, its impressive three-tiered white marble base still stands. The base, rising 3.03 meters (9.94 ft) high and spanning 57.3 meters (188 ft) in length and 26.6 meters (87 ft) in width, features 64 large column foundations. Each corner is adorned with intricately carved chiwen heads, mythical creatures believed to ward off evil.

The sheer scale of the base evokes the grandeur of the hall that once graced it. Originally, this hall housed the memorial tablets of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. Today, the existing structure built upon the base serves as a repository for historical artifacts from the mausoleum.

Treasure Mound
The Treasure Mound is a colossal earthen structure, nearly perfectly circular and spanning approximately 400 meters (0.25 miles) in diameter. This impressive mound marks the location of the underground tomb complex of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. The mound’s construction speaks to both its grandeur and enduring strength, with a base fortified by massive stones, ensuring an unshakeable foundation for centuries to come.

How to get to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
• By Bus: Take bus 20, 315 to Meihuagu ximen Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 2 to Muxuyuan Station.

Additional travel advice on Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
• Please wear comfortable walking as the scenic area is large.
• Free audio guide is available at official WeChat Service account (ID: zschina_nj).