Doubtless you see the imposing stele before us. This is the \u5341\u4e09\u9675\u00b7\u601d\u9675\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele. It stands within the Thirteen Ming Tombs complex. It silently narrates tales of emperors and dynasties. This stele is more than just a stone monument. It represents history. It embodies culture.
Now gaze upon the \u5341\u4e09\u9675\u00b7\u601d\u9675\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele. It commemorates the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty ruled China for over two centuries. Thirteen of its emperors are buried here in this area. The necropolis covers forty square kilometers. Construction spanned from 1409 to 1644.
The \u5341\u4e09\u9675\u00b7\u601d\u9675\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele is closely associated with Emperor Si Zong. He was also known as Chong Zhen. He was the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty. His tomb Siling is part of this complex.
Notice the stele rests on a stone tortoise. In Chinese culture the tortoise symbolizes longevity. It is also known for carrying heavy loads. Legend says the dragon had nine sons. The tortoise was one of them. Ancient people highly respected tortoises.
The stele itself bears inscriptions. These inscriptions extol the emperors merits and virtues. However the Thirteen Ming Tombs have no inscriptions. Some say the emperors merits were too great. Others suggest officials feared writing flatteries.
According to one source, construction of steles began in 15th year. This was during the Jia Jing reign. Yan Song asked Emperor Shi Zong to write inscriptions. Emperor Shi Zong was not interested. Thus no inscriptions were written.
The spirit path stretches from south to north. It symbolizes the emperors dignity. Stone animals and human figures line the path. Lions elephants and mythical beasts stand guard. Military and civil officials stand in stoic silence.
These stone figures reflect royal power and privilege. Lions are ferocious and ward off evil. Xiezhai are mythical beasts that attack bad people. Horses symbolize transportation. Qilin symbolize auspicious events.
Each mausoleum had special areas. These were called jian yuan and wei. Jian was the residence for officials. Yuan was for the gardeners. Wei was for the guards. These divisions supported the emperor.
The halls in the Ming tombs were built with nanmu. This timber came from southwest China. Lumbermen braved dangerous conditions to gather it. Many died in the mountains. This shows the dedication to imperial projects.
The bricks used in the Ming Tombs were also special. Each brick weighed about 25 kilograms. They were transported from Linqing Shandong. Manufacturers names were printed on each brick. This ensured quality control.
The white marble used is as white as snow. It was used for carving. The marble came from Dashiwu a Beijing suburb. Coolies poured water on the ground in winter. They created icy strips to transport the stones.
The Ming Tombs faced challenges. Grave robbers were a constant threat. This led to tight sealing of the tombs. Modern archaeologists faced difficulties in excavating them. The underground palace remained a mystery.
The first tomb was built for the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di. He was buried in Changling. Later emperors followed. They were buried in this royal necropolis. Empresses and concubines joined them. Some were even buried alive.
The last emperor buried here was Chongzhen Emperor Zhu Youjian. He hanged himself in 1644. The succeeding Qing emperors gave him a decent burial. This shows respect for imperial protocol.
Only three tombs are open to the public. These are Changling Dingling and Zhaoling. Dingling is the only tomb with its underground chamber open. Chinese archaeologists hope to open Changling. They want to find the Great Dictionary of Yongle.
The Ming Tombs follow a traditional layout. This includes a stone memorial arch. It also has a great red gate. There is also a stele pavilion and spirit way. The soul pavilion holds a stele on a tortoise. Finally the tumulus holds the emperors remains.
Thus the \u5341\u4e09\u9675\u00b7\u601d\u9675\u6587\u4fdd\u7891 Stele represents this fascinating history. It tells a story of emperors dynasties and traditions. It reminds us of the grandeur and the struggles of the Ming Dynasty.