The Ming Tombs

Some 30 minutes away from Beijing, we were brought to tomb sites. Sometimes I wondered at the need. But dad was as excited as a young boy because being an ardent fan of National Geographic, he said " I have watched that documentary!" 

Death is mandatory. Emperors planned hard for that event; well at least for the Ming emperors. They created a complex for themselves to buried upon death. The complexity of the burial grounds is real. It is difficult to describe. But the whole idea is that when they pass on, they will have to be accompanied by wealth, spouses and secrecy. Such is the culture and elaboration of the legendary. Trudging through the hot summer heat, Lily the guide added in superstition as she spoke. Things like you are not to be photographed at this site and that when you leave this place you will have to dismiss the dirt and scent you may have brought on to yourself to shed off all ill fortune ! Also to stamp your shoes and feet on the ground to get rid of all attachments. That serious.

Apparently, there are many grounds for the different emperors of the Ming Dynasty and the one we wee brought to was the Dingling Tomb.

At the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping, the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun (1563 - 1620) and his two empresses. Empress Xiaoduan and Empress Xiaojing were excavated by approved archaeologists and revealed intricacies to the public otherwise would have remained a mystery. Covering a site of 180,00 square meters, this historical revelation is now bringing in great coffers to the state. Tourists, both local and foreign conscientiously walked and walked around the grounds;  with umbrellas of course.

The Beijing heat is real.

Thankful that the grounds were shaded by trees .

Many stopped and rested here before making for that entrance to the burial grounds.

Buried in an underground palace; you remain an emperor whether dead or alive. We were amazed at the complexities of the architecture and the detailing attached to security. 

On the left is the key and lock system to the burial site. When that slab of concrete goes across as latch , it is as good as the chubb brand. No modern technology but mankind is great. When there is a need, there is a solution. The passageway is carefully established and believe me the site is cool as if air-conditioned. So things can be preserved here. I wondered what were?

Center seat is for the Emperor; the ones in front and back for the empresses. Urns for prayers and all other practices for the historical decease. 

 Great archaeology of the then days but still gaining admiration from the public today.

 

 This archway is the last one you go below before leaving its grounds.

Lily said everything unfortunate to be left behind and that we go forward from then on !

The experience of a kind.