Ming Tombs

The Ming tombs are located on the base of Tianshou Mountain, closely located at the suburb of Changping, about 50 km north-westerly of Beijing. The Ming Tombs represent actually an imperial mausoleum for all 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). The whole annex is a gigantic court and spread over an area of 120 qkm. The tombs of this 13 Ming Emperors appear majestic and grand, from which the Changling, grave of the 3rd Ming Emperor Zhu Di is very likely the most beautiful with the great palace hall Lingendian, resembling the Hall of the Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. It is said, it took 1.000 workers, 5 years of hard labour to bring all the necessary wood to built this hall.

The Summer Palace includes many interesting and spectacular sites. It's best to spend at least an afternoon or morning here in order to really appreciate the beauty of the place and do it justice. There are also shops and various restaurants and tea-houses dotted about the Palace.