Luoyang / Jingling Mausoleum of the Northern Wei Dynasty

Jingling Mausoleum is the mausoleum of Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty and one of the few open to the public. Descending the tomb passage is like slowly journeying through the life of an emperor.

At the bottom, you can see Emperor Xuanwu's coffin, lying there peacefully.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, tomb robbery was rampant, and Jingling Mausoleum was not spared. Numerous jewels were scattered, leaving only the celestial murals at the bottom. This is a uniquely ancient romance.

Just by looking up, I could see the starry sky, as if I were not trapped in this dark place.

Emperor Xuanwu abolished the rule of "killing the mother to establish a crown prince," freeing concubines from the fear of having no sons.

This was my first time descending an imperial mausoleum, and the feeling was indescribable: arriving at the final resting place of a stranger and bidding him farewell with awe.

Post by Lee Lee Sam | Oct 28, 2025