Ming Tombs

As usual, Wikipedia has an article on the Ming Dynasty Tombs which explains the purpose and history of the area.

The entrance gate to the Ming Tombs, The Stele Pavilion of Divine Merits and Sacred Virtues, leading to the Sacred Way.

If you look closely, you'll see a series of animal statues line the walk, both real and mythical.

This is a mythical animal, the Qilin. It has hooves, scales and other trans-specific features. It stands out of respect for the Emperor.

This Qilin is seated out of respect for God.

This is a xiezhi, likewise rather genetically confused.

A Chinese elephant, one of Mao's favorites.

A Chinese lion, which for them was also a mythical animal. You can see why Chinese dogs, e.g. the Pekinese, are bred for this look.

The Chinese are true masters of beauty when it comes to designing gardens. This shot was merely for the visual of the hot pink flower beds.

This is Changling (Long Mausoleum), the burial site of Chengzu (1360-1424). Like all major Chinese sites, it is laid out on a N-S axis. The entrance is usually on the south end and the structures rise above each other in sequence. As we see, the tomb itself is a burial mound. We were told this mound has not been excavated, which is remarkable as it is almost 600 years old.

The Gate of Eminent Favor - note the 5 critters on the corner. As in most Imperial Buildings, the central passage was only for the emperor.

Just inside, you'll find a sacred incense burner. Burning prayers on silk were believed to rise to heaven as smoke. The burner is made entirely of glazed tiles.

The Hall of Eminent Favor. It has a Critter Count of 9 and was therefore for the Emperor's own use.

The Ling Xing Gate, which we include because the name is sooo cool...

Finally the Soul Tower. The admiral is on the lower left, shunning her admirer. As you can see, the tower rates 5 critters.

Changling is just one of the thirteen tombs in the area, chosen for its great feng shui. We wanted to see more but the guide had much more to take us to see in one day, so on to the Great Wall!