Ming Tomb (Ming Xiaoling)

Ming Tomb (Ming Xiaoling) Review

The ancient tomb of the founder of the Ming Dynasty, called Tomb of Filial Piety, is one of the largest burial mounds in China. The emperor Hong Wu, who chose Nanjing for the Ming Dynasty capital, was born a peasant and orphaned early on. He became a monk and eventually led the army that overthrew the Yuan Dynasty. Visitors approach the tomb through a grand entrance of stone animals. The lions, elephants, camels, and mythical creatures kneel in tribute to the emperor and stand as guardians to the tomb. Winding paths behind them make the Ming Tomb area a rewarding place to explore, but as in all Chinese tombs, the entrance is hidden to foil looters. For a detailed history, buy a book at the entrance shop; English signage is sparse.