Tombs of the Ming Dynasty Emperors

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) had 16 emperors, or which 13 are buried here just north of Beijing.  According to principles of Feng Shui, the location in this valley had mountains to the north  to deflect the cold winds.

Throughout the valley, against the base of the mountains, the locations of the tombs (which actually means a layout of buildings like the Forbidden city).

At this moment only three of the tombs are open.  The most spectacular is the "Ding Ling", or tomb of the emperor Wanli.  This is the approach to the tomb.

In 1956, Ding Ling excavation began. The writing on this stone led the archeologists to the entrance of the underground tomb.

The entrance (current day exit) to the excavated tomb.

When they dug down (about 4 stories deep) they had to dig break through a stone wall many feet thick.

Next, a set of solid marble doors, which were closed from the inside.  So the excavators threaded a wire through the gap between the doors and then used a hook to remove the items keeping the doors closed...and they swung open.

Today, here's the oh so modern way of keeping the doors open!

The underground tomb of Ding Ling has three main rooms along an axis.  In the second room, one finds the throne of the emperor.  Here in the rear vault, these red boxes held the valuables buried with the emperor.

The large coffins held the emperor himself.  Flanking him were his two wives.

The back exit (or the modern day entrance) into the underground tomb.

Chang Ling is one of the other major tombs.  Here's the large Hall of Eminent Favors

Chang Ling is the tomb for the Yongle Emperor, the Emperor that moved the capital to Beijing.

Why the picture of this random hill with trees?  Turns out underneath is the unexcavated tomb of Yongle.  The plan was after the excavation of Ding Ling, the more prominent Chang Ling was to be excavated. However, BOOM, the Cultural Revolution happened.  Then since 1989, the policy has been to leave the tombs unexcavated unless they are under possible harm.

An oven to burn silks, money and other items for sacrifice.