Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is the joint tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and his empress. Construction of the mausoleum began in 1381 and was completed in 1405. It took 25 years and 100,000 workers to complete. It is an outstanding example of ancient Chinese imperial mausoleum architecture, and its style and layout had a profound influence on the design of imperial mausoleums for over 500 years. The mausoleum's sacred path is lined with stone statues of animals and people. The main buildings include the Wumen Gate, Stele Pavilion, Sacrificial Hall, Square City, and Ming Tower. The architecture is solemn and elegant, reflecting the architectural style and craftsmanship of the early Ming Dynasty. The mausoleum is surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. It is not only an important historical and cultural site, but also a treasure of ancient Chinese imperial mausoleum architecture. In March 1961, it was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit. In July 2003, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site.