Dingling Underground Palace

Dingling Underground Palace

The Dingling Underground Palace is one of China’s renowned subterranean structures, serving as the mausoleum of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yijun (reigned 1573–1620). It is one of the Thirteen Ming Tombs, located at the southern foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping District, Beijing. Construction began in 1584, and the tomb was fully completed in 1590.

Its underground structure, commonly called the “Underground Palace” (or simply the “Dungeon”), was excavated in 1957. The Dingling complex mainly consists of the Leng'en Gate, Leng'en Hall, Ming Tower, Treasure City, and Dungeon. The Dungeon lies directly behind the Ming Tower and forms the central part of the tomb’s architecture, housing the remains of Emperor Shenzong Zhu Yijun, Empress Xiaoduan, and Empress Xiaojing.

Location

Changping District, Beijing, China – Thirteen Tombs Special Zone, Changling Town