The Sacred Road
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Located 50 kilometers north of Beijing is the Sacred Road and Ding Tomb. They are part of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs, a huge funerary complex created to hold the remains of the Ming Dynasty’s (1368-1644) 13 Emperors, their wives, and concubines. The entire complex was crafted of the finest materials by the best artisans of the period and is a testament to the architectural and artistic abilities of the ancient Chinese.
The Sacred Road
The seven kilometer long Sacred Road is often called the “Spirit Way”. It is the road that leads from the entrance of the Ming Dynasty tomb complex, to the tombs of the Emperors. The road is lined with 18 pairs of large statues of guardian creatures and government and military officials.
The front gate of the tomb complex is a huge stone memorial archway constructed in 1540 and it is one of the largest stone archways in China. Farther along the Sacred Road is a large stele pavilion which houses a 50 ton tortoise carrying a stone stele on his back. After the pavilion are two tall cylindrical pillars covered with carvings of clouds. They were created as beacons to guide the souls of the deceased Emperors. After the pillars are the 18 pairs of stone creatures and officials. The statues are huge, incredible works of art and were crafted from single pieces of stone. The statues are guardians for the Emperors tombs and represent real and mythological creatures. Located near the tombs themselves are pairs of military and government officials.
Ding Tomb
The only intact imperial tomb to have been excavated, the Ding Tomb is the last resting place of the Emperor Wanli. The tomb was a treasure trove of imperial objects including; silk, textiles, wood, jade, and porcelain. The burial chambers are located underground with a large tomb complex above. The Ding Tomb complex is walled with a three-arc gate entrance. There were two gates and a large hall for paying respects to the emperor located on the way to the tomb itself. The burial chambers are located under a large mound surrounded by a large stone wall. In front of the mound is a large tower.
The tomb has 5 chambers. Located inside the tomb are a white marble coffin bed and a marble throne for the Emperor’s spirit, where incense, candles, and flowers were placed. There is a large blue and white porcelain jar for holding oil lamps to fill the tomb’s lamps located in front of the throne. The rear hall of the tomb was where the Emperor and his two Empresses’ remains were placed. A museum on the site display some of the treasures discovered in the tomb including an solid gold crown, which is one of the most impressive archaeological treasures of China.
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