Nanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum...

#ChinaTravel #Nanjing #Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma.
The name "Xiaoling Mausoleum" (孝陵) comes from Empress Ma's posthumous title, "Xiaozi" (孝慈). Construction began in 1381, during Zhu Yuanzhang's lifetime, and took over 30 years.
The construction of the imperial tomb, which began in the early days of the Ming Dynasty, caused financial ruin for the imperial family. Most of the tomb was destroyed during the numerous wars, leaving only a portion of the mausoleum visible today.
It is said that over 100,000 people were mobilized during its construction. On the 800m-long pilgrimage route, only 24 stone statues remain to guard the tomb, and there are four of each type of animal carved: a lion, camel, elephant, horse, giraffe, and haetae.

Post by 으호호 | May 2, 2024