Thirteen Tombs Sacred Way

Thirteen Tombs Sacred Way

The Sacred Way is the first attraction of the Ming Thirteen Tombs, consisting of the Stone Archway, the Great Red Gate, the Tablet Tower, the Stone Statues of Animals and Officials, the Dragon and Phoenix Gate, and more.

The Stone Archway is the largest existing stone archway in China, entirely built in imitation of wooden architecture, featuring five bays, six pillars, and eleven stories. The Great Red Gate resembles a palace gate, with a Horse Dismounting Tablet on each side inscribed with “All should dismount here,” symbolizing the supreme authority of the emperor. The Changling Divine Merit and Sage Virtue Tablet Pavilion houses a tall stele supported by a dragon-headed turtle base, standing 8.1 meters high. The front of the stele bears an inscription of over 3,000 characters written by Emperor Renzong of Ming, Zhu Gaochi, while the back is inscribed with Emperor Qianlong’s poem “Lament for the Ming Tombs in Thirty Rhymes.” On the east side of the pavilion is an imperial poem from the 52nd year of Qianlong’s reign, and on the west side is an imperial text from the 9th year of Emperor Jiaqing’s reign. At each corner of the pavilion stands a white marble ornamental column, each topped with a mythical beast. The one facing south is called “Looking for the Emperor’s Departure,” and the one facing north is called “Looking for the Emperor’s Return.” In total, the columns are carved with 41 dragons.

North of the Tablet Pavilion are arranged large stone sculptures. There are two ornamental pillars, two pairs of seated and standing lions, two pairs of seated and standing xiezhi (mythical beasts), two pairs of standing and lying camels, two pairs of standing and lying qilin (mythical creatures), two pairs of standing and lying horses, two pairs of armoured generals holding clubs, and two pairs of civil officials in formal robes. To the north lies the Lingxing Gate, also known as the Flame Archway or commonly referred to as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate, which has three openings and six pillars. The animal statues are vividly crafted with exquisite detail, possessing significant cultural and artistic value.

Location

Ming Thirteen Tombs Scenic Area, Changping District, Beijing