Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is one of the biggest imperial tombs in China. It lies in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing City at the southern foot of Zhongshan (Purple) Mountain. Emperor Chengzu, Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Queen Ma were buried there.
Construction of the mausoleum began in 1381 and was completed in 1431. In 1384, Queen Ma died and was buried there. Emperor Chengzu had bestowed upon her the title 'Queen of Xiao Ci' which means 'Queen of Filial Piety and Kindness.' Hence, the name Ming Xiaoling derives from her title.
The mausoleum consists of two parts; the front and rear, both surrounded by a 45-kilometer stonewall. The mausoleum was heavily constructed and fortified. The front begins from the horse dismounting area commonly used during its inception, and ends at the Sifangcheng (Rectangular City). Visitors can study the stone animals guarding the tomb, a pair of decorative columns, or the couples of ministers and generals that have stood there for centuries to accompany their Majesty along his sacred voyage. The rear includes a portal, a stele inscribed with 4 Chinese characters written by Emperor Kangxi during his third inspection tour, Xiaoling Hall, and Bao City. Emperor Zhu and his queen were buried beneath Bao City.
The sacred way started from Sifangcheng, which was a pavilion where a splendid carved stone stele was inscribed by his fourth son, Zhu Di to praise emperor's contribution. The stele is 8.78 meters high with 2746 words in it. Now, the top of the pavilion was gone, just left the walls.
The red portal of the mausoleum lies in the north and face to the south, which is the best direction for Chinese. The name of the tomb "Mingxiao Ling" was printed on the head of the gate. Two pavilions behind it were destroyed, but you can still imagine the fantastic scale from the relics.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is renowned for its unique design, its eminent status, its amazing beauty and its magnificent scale. It's the milestone in the historical development of Chinese mausoleums. As an extension of the 'Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it is listed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site.
You can take No. 20 Bus, Tourism Bus Route 2 and Tourism Bus Route 3 from Nanjing to the mausoleum.
Admission Fee : CNY 70
Bus Route : 20, Tourism Bus No. 2 & 3