The Ming TombsMing Tombs are located at Chan Ping County, 31 miles northwest of Beijing. Of the 16 emperors who ruled China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), 13 are buried in elaborate complexes in the valley of the Ming Tombs north of Beijing. Tomb construction began here in 1409 and continued for 2 centuries. The valley was sealed off by a red gate at its only entrance, guards were posted to keep out the people, and no one, not even the emperor, could ride a horse on these grounds. The site of this huge cemetery was chosen by the same emperor, Yongle, who oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City.... Read More
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