This complex consists of burial sites of emperors from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). The imperial Ming tombs are located approximately 50 kilometers north of the city of Beijing and serve as the final resting place for 13 emperors from that era.
Particularly noteworthy is the Sacred Way, lined with stone animals, leading to the impressive Changling Mausoleum. Completed in 1427, this site is distinguished by its 32 massive teak pillars supporting the tomb and its multi-tiered marble terrace. Emperor Yongle (1403-1423) was buried here, though the tomb itself is empty today.
The Qing Dynasty followed the customs of the Ming but placed even more emphasis on integrating park-like tomb complexes with the surrounding natural landscape of mountains and waters. It was crucial for the Qing to arrange the burials according to generational order and establish a complete system for the tombs of emperors, empresses, and concubines.
The Shengjing Imperial Tombs are located in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. They are the burial place of three Qing emperors who were instrumental in establishing the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty.
In the year 2000, the UNESCO inscribed the imperial Ming and Qing tombs on the World Heritage List.
