ChangLing

Great Red Gate

Shen Gong Stele Pavilion

The Sacred Way (1)

The Sacred Way (2)

Chang Ling (1)

Chang Ling (2)

Ding Ling

MingTombs Museum

Finally

Beijing Guide

Introduction to ChangLing Tomb

ChangLing is the largest and best preserved of the 13 Ming Tombs near Beijing. ChangLing, 4km (2 1/2 miles) from the entrance, is the tomb of Emperor YongLe (reign 1403-1424) and empress XuShi. The layout is identical to the tomb of the first Ming emperor in Nanjing and is rather like the Forbidden City in miniature. In addition to the palace, there is an underground burial chamber.

In total, the structures at ChangLing occupy an area of 120,000 square meters. Most striking is Ling'En Dian, an immense hall in which the interior columns and brackets have been left unpainted, creating an eye-catching contrast with the green ceiling panels.

Chang Ling (2)