Ming Tombs
Location: Beijing
Transportation: Bus service
Culture/History Rating: 4/5
Scenery Rating: 2/5
Hotels: N/A
Summary:
Description:
| Ancestor worship is an aspect of Chinese culture that dates back to the mythological period of the Yellow Emperor in the third millennium BC. From that time it was (and still is) believed that ancestral spirits could intercede in the spirit world to influence the life of their descendants. Should an ancestor's body be well-preserved, its spirit would be more likely to protect the interests of its descendants.
For this reason, in all Confucianist countries, a son (usually the first son) is required to maintain the graves of his ancestors with fitting decorum and respect. It is hard to overstate the importance of such devotion. |  |
 | Since the Emperor was the son of Heaven, building his tomb was an act of national significance. If the Emperor's spirit were to be dissatisfied with the treatment of its body, this might result in the collapse of the dynasty or the Empire or both. Thus, during the Han dynasty, it was common for an Emperor's tomb to consume as much as a third of the state budget. During the Tang dynasty one mausoleum took up an area of 182 square km. Another used a mountain for its tumulus.
The positioning of the tomb was also a matter of great concern. It was imperative to assure these powerful spirits of the best location possible, as defined by the ancient science of fengshui or geomancy. According to this, a tomb should be shielded on its northern side to protect it from evil spirits blown by the northern winds. Water should be located nearby, and there should be a view of mountains of an auspicious shape |
| The Ming Tombs
Lying 50 km north west of Beijing, the Ming Tombs are sheltered from the northern winds by a chain of picturesque mountains. Facing south, they overlook a lush valley which contains numerous streams wending their way through fragrant copses of apple and peach trees. This location was sufficiently impressive to persuade the third Ming emperor Yong Le (r. 1403-1424) to build his tomb there, the first of thirteen such Imperial tombs. Of these, only three have been opened to the public. The other eleven lie in a state of idyllic dereliction awaiting their turn. |  |
 | The Sacred Way
The Sacred Way leads from the Great Palace Gate to the Dragon and Phoenix Gate, from which there are paths to each of the thirteen Imperial tombs. Built for the use of the departed Emperor's spirit, in 1435 the Sacred Way was lined with statues of animal and human figures. The twelve civil, military and meritorious officials signify the popular support of the Emperor, while the 24 animals (lions, camels, xiezhi, elephants, qilin and horses), in different postures symbolise a popular commitment to offer permanent service to the Emperors. |
Climate:
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statistics |
Average values in the latest 20 years |
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month |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
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Highest temperature on the average (centigrade) |
2.0 | 4.0 | 11.0 | 20.0 | 27.0 | 31.0 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | 10.0 | 3.0 |
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Lowest temperature on the average (centigrade) |
-9.0 | -7.0 | -1.0 | 7.0 | 13.0 | 18.0 | 22.0 | 21.0 | 14.0 | 7.0 | -1.0 | -7.0 |
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rainfall (mm) |
5.0 | 5.0 | 10.0 | 20.0 | 35.0 | 75.0 | 205.0 | 180.0 | 5.0 | 15.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |