Zhu Yuanling

Zhu Yuanling (朱元璋陵), also known as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵), is the mausoleum complex of the Hongwu Emperor (Zhu Yuanzhang), the founder of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress, Empress Ma. Located at the southern foot of Zijin (Purple Mountain) in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, it is one of the largest imperial tombs in China.

The construction of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum began in 1381 and was completed in 1405, during the reign of his son, the Yongle Emperor. It exemplifies the architectural style of the early Ming Dynasty and served as a model for subsequent Ming and Qing imperial tombs.

The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, included as part of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The layout consists of a spirit way, pavilions, halls, and various subsidiary buildings, stretching over a considerable distance. Key features include the Sacred Way (Shendao), lined with stone figures of animals and officials; the Great Golden Gate; the Tablet Pavilion with the "Sacred Merit Stele" (Shengong Shengde Bei); the Soul Tower; and the treasure mound where the emperor and empress are buried.

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is significant for its historical, artistic, and architectural value. It is a popular tourist destination and a valuable resource for studying Ming Dynasty history and culture. The tomb is considered well-preserved despite the passage of centuries and is an important example of imperial burial customs.