China: Ming Dynasty Tombs

Ming Dynasty Tombs north of Beijing is a vast necropolis of royal mausoleums containing tombs with 13 of the 16 Ming dynasty emperors. The entire necropolis was meticulously designed according to the principles of Feng Shui and sits inside a valley protected by high mountains. Dingling Tombs is the only imperial tomb of the Ming Dynasty that has been officially excavated and you can descend and explore the underground space. You need to descend 27m (nearly 90 feet) below ground via a series of staircases. Once inside, you step into a massive cavern carved completely out of solid marble and granite. The entire chamber was built with no pillars or beams – instead, the entire structure relies on stone vaults to hold up the weight of the mountain above. Inside the chambers there are massive marble thrones and lacquered coffins.