Live Your Best Lives
At the Ming Tombs in Chuzhou, you can explore the tombs of Ming Dynasty emperors and their consorts, which are located in a scenic area. The site offers a rich cultural experience, with historical monuments, beautiful gardens, and statues. Don’t miss walking along the majestic pathways and visiting the memorial hall dedicated to the Ming emperors.
The Ming Tombs are located seven kilometers south of Fengyang County, Anhui Province. Built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, they initially occupied approximately 20,000 mu (approximately 16,000 mu). Construction began in the 26th year of the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1366 AD) and was completed in the 12th year of the Hongwu reign (1379 AD). In the 2nd year of the Hongwu reign, the tomb was renamed Yingling, and later the Imperial Mausoleum. The Ming Tombs primarily consist of three main sections: the Imperial City, the Brick City, and the Earth City, along with over a thousand halls and houses, a mausoleum mound, and a collection of stone carvings. Since the late Ming Dynasty, human damage and erosion have reduced the palaces and halls to ruins, with only the mausoleum mound and the stone carvings remaining.
The Ming Imperial Mausoleum is of the same system as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing and the Ming Thirteen Tombs in Beijing. Although the Ming Imperial Mausoleum is not an emperor's mausoleum, it has "palaces and halls, magnificent and solemn", with hundreds of halls for worship, fasting palaces, and official rooms. The total length of the imperial mausoleum's sacred road is 257 meters, and there are 32 pairs of stone statues. The inscription on the imperial mausoleum was written by Zhu Yuanzhang himself. The number of stone statues and the exquisite craftsmanship are the best among all the imperial mausoleums of all dynasties. Its artistic style is superb, and it can be regarded as a large-scale stone sculpture art masterpiece that inherits the Song and Yuan dynasties and opens the Ming and Qing dynasties.
North subtropical Jiangbei area subhumid monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Imperial City Ruins
The Imperial City was the innermost wall of the imperial mausoleum. The "Fengyang New Book" records that it was "built of bricks, two zhang high, and seventy-five zhang and five chi in circumference." In the center of the northern wall stood the Golden Gate, with five bays, and in the center of the southern wall stood the Red Gate, with five bays. Today, both the gates and the walls have long been destroyed.
Imperial City Main Hall
The main hall, also known as the "Sacrificial Hall," "Enjoyment Hall," and "Imperial Hall," began construction in April of the summer of the 11th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty and was completed on the 5th day of the 12th year. It was destroyed by fire on the 1st month of the 8th year of the Chongzhen reign. The ruins still exist, still rising above the surrounding ground. Remains on the western side include one 1.6-meter and one 1.3-meter square column base stone, and one dragon-headed stone component. An original column stone with a coiled dragon railing has been removed to Longxing Temple and is on display in the Ming Imperial Mausoleum Cultural Relics Exhibition Room.
Imperial Mausoleum Mound
The imperial mausoleum mound is located 240 meters south of the main hall. It was named "Yishen Mountain" in the tenth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the arborvitae planted there grew into a forest. In the spring of 1983, the county cultural relics management office planted 280 arborvitae on both sides of the tomb passage, all of which have survived. The mausoleum mound is now a large oval mound, 60 meters long from east to west and 40 meters wide from north to south, rising like a hill.
The Ming Emperor's mausoleum is an oval, bucket-shaped, flat-roofed tomb, 5 meters above the surrounding ground. Made of mounded earth, the mound measures 50 meters from east to west and 35 meters from north to south, covering an area of 1,750 square meters.
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
Adult ticket 59 yuan per person
7:00-19:00
The Ming Tombs in Chuzhou are part of the larger Ming Tombs complex, a historical site where several Ming Dynasty emperors were buried. The tombs reflect the grandeur of the period and serve as an important example of Ming-era architecture and burial practices. The site also holds cultural and historical significance, showcasing the legacy of the Ming Dynasty's rule in China.
The Ming Tombs are located in the outskirts of Chuzhou, Anhui Province. You can reach the site by taking a taxi from Chuzhou city center or use local buses. For visitors from other cities, taking a train or long-distance bus to Chuzhou, followed by a short taxi ride, is the most convenient option.
The site is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable. To avoid large crowds, plan your visit on weekdays, preferably early in the morning.
The entrance fee for the Ming Tombs is around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket counter. During peak seasons, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance through the official website or local tourism portals.
Booking tickets in advance is not always necessary, but it’s recommended during public holidays or peak tourist seasons. You can book tickets a few days in advance to ensure entry, especially if you plan to visit during the busy summer months or national holidays.
A visit to the Ming Tombs typically takes about 2-3 hours to explore, depending on your pace and interest in the historical sites. If you prefer a more detailed exploration, you may spend up to 4 hours here.
The must-see highlights include the tombs of the Ming emperors, the impressive entrance gates, and the scenic pathways lined with statues. The memorial hall and the exhibition displays providing insight into the history of the Ming Dynasty are also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in English and other languages, but it’s best to check availability at the entrance. If you're visiting in a group, you can also arrange for private guides in advance.
The best photography spots include the main tombs, the surrounding gardens, and the long avenues leading up to the entrance. The large statues and the memorial hall provide fantastic backdrops for photographs.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the avenue lined with statues, and visit the tombs of the emperors. Don’t miss the memorial hall and the surrounding gardens. You can also take time to explore the quiet, scenic areas around the tombs for a more peaceful experience.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Ming Tombs. However, there may be special cultural events or exhibitions during holidays or festivals, so it’s worth checking the museum’s website or local listings before your visit.
The site can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the summer. To avoid large crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning on weekdays or during off-peak seasons such as spring and autumn.
The Ming Tombs have basic facilities such as clean toilets, rest areas, and a small gift shop. You can also find food and drink vendors nearby, offering snacks and bottled water.
The site is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some areas may require walking up small hills or stairs. The paths are generally easy to navigate, but visitors with mobility challenges should check for accessibility options at the entrance.
Mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at the Ming Tombs. Cash is also accepted, but it's advisable to carry a small amount of cash for minor purchases. Credit cards are generally not accepted at the ticket counter.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the Ming Tombs offering traditional Anhui cuisine, such as stews and tofu dishes. A larger selection of dining options can be found in Chuzhou city center.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants near the tombs. Halal food options may be more limited, but you may find some restaurants offering suitable dishes in Chuzhou city.
There are several hotels in Chuzhou, such as the Chuzhou Grand Hotel and local guesthouses. It’s also possible to stay in nearby areas for more options, but booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
Nearby attractions include the Chuzhou Museum and the picturesque Guxi Ancient Town. These sites can be easily visited in combination with the Ming Tombs for a full day of exploration.
There are souvenir shops near the Ming Tombs where you can buy traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, and Ming Dynasty-themed items such as miniatures of the tombs, statues, and local artwork.
After visiting the Ming Tombs, taxis or rideshare services are the most convenient option to continue your trip. You can also take a bus or train from Chuzhou city center if you’re traveling further.
