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U China Travel specializes in tailor-made travel. We strive to always create a comfortable and relaxing private travel experience for you. We are very experienced in working with family and business travelers. We also avoid the typical tourist restaurants, places targeting travelers. At U China Travel, Quality, Authenticity, and Flexibility are our top priorities.
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MING XIAOLING MAUSOLEUM
Situated along Nanjing's eastern outskirts, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the eternal resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang and Queen Ma, the first emperor and queen of the Ming Dynasty.
Still observed to this day as one of the largest mausoleums ever erected, Ming Xiaoling underwent construction from 1381-1431. When Queen Ma died in 1384 she was buried within the tomb. Known for her piety and kindness, or “Xiao Ci”. Ma became the namesake of the impressive tomb.
The tomb is identified by two distinctive parts, the front and rear sections. A 45-meter high stonewall surrounds the entire tomb. An archway designated for the dismounting of horses and carriages marks the front entrance, while pairs of stone animals stand guard at the entrance of the tomb. Also located in the front section are a pair of decorative columns and a gathering of statue ministers and generals meant to join the emperor in his sacred journey. The front section of the tomb comes to an end at the Sifangcheng, or Rectangular City. The Sifangcheng is in fact a pavilion that houses a stele inscribed by the emperor's fourth son, Zhu Di, noting the emperor's contributions with more than 2,700 words inscribed on its surface. It is believed that the sacred way, the path along which the dead make their sacred voyage, begins at the Sifangcheng.
Facing south, the rear section of the mausoleum contains a portal, a stele inscribed by Emperor Kangxi, Xiaoling Hall, and Bao City. Both the emperor and his queen were buried beneath Bao City. The exterior gate of the rear portal is inscribed with the name Ming Xiaoling.
Distinguished by its magnificent scale and unique design, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is regarded for its historical significance and monumental stature, earning recognition as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
