Everyone will pass away, of course no exception of emperors. However, the death of the royal family is much more mysterious. Nearly 31 miles northwest away from Beijing downtown, the Ming Tomb complex possess the most harmonious mountain and river views. Construction of the necropolis spanned more than two hundred years, almost throughout the entire Ming Dynasty: The first tomb was built in 1409, and the last one in 1644. Altogether, there are 13 emperors buried and it also has a name called “Thirteen Ming Tombs”. Actually, empresses, princes, concubines and a eunuch are also buried. This Ming Tomb is the largest, most well-preserved one with the most emperors all over the word. One thing you may misunderstand that there are all together 13 emperors in Ming dynasty. The truth is there were totally 16 emperors in Ming dynasty yet 3 emperors of Ming dynasty were not buried here. The first emperor’s tomb was set in Nanjing. The second emperor was missed during the political battle. The seventh emperor was not admitted by the following emperor and buried in the west suburb in Beijing.

In ancient China, people believed of after life and they thought much of the tomb address.  Authorities review that Ming Tomb’s location is the most perfect harmony of mountain and river. The back mountain was named Tian Shou Mountain which means Heaven and Longevity while the flanking mountain Mountain Dragon and Mountain Tiger enclose the tomb area like the throne of emperors. A river runs from the east to the west. Standing on the gate tower, you can enjoy the whole view of the valley, where all the architectures and nature combines harmoniously. The most typical feature of the tomb complex is the sacred road, which forms the approach to various tombs. Along the road, there are Memorial Arch (entrance to valley), Grand Red Gate (dismount from horses and carriage place), Stele Pavilion (the largest stele carved the names of passed away emperors) and 36 stone statues. The road behind the Grand Red Gate is called Spirit Way, which turns to be the main road of the tomb area.

Changling Tomb is the earliest, largest and the most well-preserved tomb among the 13 tombs. As the beginning one of the tomb complex, it is the tomb of the third emperor Zhudi. In the sixth year on his royal term, Zhudi began to construct his tomb. This project called for nearly all the workmen in the country and cost large number of valuable materials. Main palace of it is even more luxurious than Hall of Supreme Harmony in Forbidden City, for its whole precious nanmu structure. Upper ground architecture took nearly two years to finish.

Dingling Tomb, owned by Zhuyijun, is the only one that had been excavated. Although it is not the biggest in scale, Dingling boasted for its dainty art. Without single wood, Dingling was build with all stone materials, strong and fire-proof. Its underground palace is open to the tourist and among all the ancient follow bury samples, royal crown and a golden crown are the most attracting. Though people tried best to protect the precious cultural legacy, some of treasures were still destroyed after the excavation. Government made a decision to leave the imperial tombs buried. It is the best way to protect. 

Now, the Ming Tomb Reservoir area is chosen to be the venue for 2008 Olympic Triathlon for its beautiful natural environment. International Triathlon Union described it as “the most environmental-friendly triathlon venue in the world”.