Beijing - Ding Mausoleum 定陵

7/6/2014 Beijing, Ding Mausoleum (定陵), and Grandpa's Grave (姥爷)



Aaron:

In the early morning, we visited my grandpa’s grave. He passed away one month after I was born. His grave is close to the Ding Mausoleum.

When we were done visiting, we went to Ding Mausoleum, the underground mausoleum of the Emperor Wan Li (神宗万历皇帝). It is one of the thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty (明十三陵). The tomb was excavated in 1958 and has been open to the public ever since as an underground museum.

The way to the Ming Tombs is a road known as the Sacred Way (神道). Its beginning is marked with a marble archway standing long and tall. This archway was carved in 1540. The road is lined with gigantic stone sculptures: 24 lions, camels, elephants, horses, mythical animals, 12 generals, civil mandarins, and courtiers.

stone carving

walkway

At the beginning, there is a creature that looks like a dragon in a tortoise shell.

back of the throne

emperor's throne

When we entered the underground museum, we saw the emperor’s throne. On the back of the throne, there were traditional Chinese stone carving of dragon. Further on, we saw the emperor and his two wives’ tomb. It was so deep down to the underground. The walls were very wet and cold. Ding Mausoleum has great history.

emperor's hat made out of gold wire

empress hat

Gordon:

emperor's throne with full of money

After we saw our grandpa’s grave, we went to Ding Mausoleum. At the beginning, there was a tortoise with a dragon head. After that we saw the diamond hall, which is the short cut entrance to the underground palace. When we entered the underground palace, the walls were wet.  There was an emperor and his 2 wifes from Ming Dynasty buried here. People gave lots of money to respect the emperor. Ding Mausoleum was fun.



exit of the tomb

entrance of the tomb




inside the tomb