Exploring Beijing
The Ming Tombs, about 50km northwest of Beijing, are the burial site of 13 of the 16 Ming Dynasty emperors (1368 - 1644). Built over an area of 40 square kilometers, each tomb is placed at the foot of a separate hill and links with the other tombs by a road called the Sacred Way. The Sacred Way is lined with 18 pairs of stone human figures and animals, which symbolize royal power and eternal strength. The only tomb that has been excavated is Dingling Tomb, which holds Emperor Shenzong, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty.