Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum（明孝陵）

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum [File photo]

Located at the southern foot of Mount Zijin (Purple Mountain) in the eastern suburb of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and his empress. It is the largest imperial tomb in Nanjing City and one of the largest ancient imperial tombs in all of China. After he was installed as emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang spent over 30 years on the construction of the tomb.

The mausoleum covers an area of several square kilometers and its wall runs up to 45 kilometers (27.96 miles) in length. The 600-years-old mausoleum has been severely damaged and many wooden buildings have vanished today. The stone animals situated in front of the imperial tomb are delicately sculptured, demonstrating the remarkable stone carving skills of the Ming Dynasty. Furthermore, the overall environment, and especially its natural scenery, is well-preserved and rather remarkable.

Along with the Ming Dynasty Tombs in Beijing, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum was listed by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Sites "Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties" in 2003.

Admission:70 yuan (US$11.44)/person