The Sacred Way and the Ming Tombs, Spring 2006

 


Here is the entrance to the Sacred Way. The Sacred Way is a pathway leading to the Ming Tombs.
At the beginning of the Sacred Way we saw another Hao sitting on top of a pillar.
Here we see a turtle carrying a large stone upon his back.
It is said that the turtle is also the son of a dragon. However, he is the lazy one, so he is given easy jobs such as this.

Here is the opening of the Sacred Way.
A slightly closer view of the beginning of the Sacred Way.
These pillars mark the beginning of the Sacred Way where the animal statues are.
Another view of the pillars, a little closer this time.

The first figure that we came across was a seated lion. There are animals on both sides of the Sacred Way. So, opposite this seated lion is a second seated lion.
Next to the seated lion is a standing lion. For every animal there is a standing one and a seated one.
It is said that the animals take turns standing guard. Those who are standing watch during the day will rest at night and those who are seated during the day are to take the night watch. Here is a frontal view of the lion.
This animal is called a Xiezhi.

Here is the standing Xiezhi.
A seated camel.
The standing camel.
A seated elephant.

Here is a picture of me and Aunt Alice sitting on the elephant's leg.
The standing elephant.
This animal is called a Qiling. Supposedly a Qiling was able to tell if someone was being dishonest to the emperor.
Here is the standing Qiling. The Qiling is supposed to have the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the hooves of an ox, the tail of a lion and the scales of a snake.

A seated horse.
Here our guide Carol and I stand by the seated horse.
Here is the matching standing horse.
Near the end of the Sacred Way we see some human figures. This is a general.

Here is a resting general.
A close up of the resting general's face.
Here is a civil officer. He is holding a piece of jade that shows his respect and dedication to the emperor.
Here is a close up of the civil official.

Here is a view of the walkway looking toward the exit.
One last pair of officials awaited us near the end of the walkway.
Here is a close up of the last official.
Here is a view of the gate at the end of the Sacred Way.

I believe it was called the Phoenix Gate. I like how it's shaped.
Here is the beginning of the Ming Tombs.
I believe this is a photo of the Gate of Eminent Favor.
Inside the Hall of Eminent Favor were greeted by giant rosewood pillars holding up a decorative ceiling. Inside the hall is an exhibit of artifacts that were excavated from the Ding Tomb. This was the smallest of the Ming Tombs and they opened it to see what kinds of historical artificats would be buried with an emperor.

Unfortunately, once the silk artifacts were exposed to air they immediately began to disintegrate. It was decided that no further tombs would be opened until they found some way to preserve such delicate fabrics. This is the ceiling of the Hall of Eminent Favor.
A large statue of Emperor Zhu di was on display here as well. This was the emperor's given name. Each emperor had three names, their given name, their title name and their shrine name. Zhu di's title name was Young Le "forever happiness." Once an emperor dies they are given a third name that was to summarize their rule. His shrine name is Wen "culture." He ruled China for 22 years and gained power by overthrowing his nephew.
Here is the Ling Xing Gate on the way to the Soul Tower.
Here was an altar for offerings.

This is the Soul Tower.
Here is a photo of Aunt Alice on the Soul Tower.
Here is a view of the Hall of Eminent Favor from the top of Soul Tower.
A second picture of the Hall of Eminent Favor from Soul Tower.

Here is a large stele inside of the Soul Tower. Inscribed on the stone it says "The Mausoleum of Emperor Chengzu."
On the way back down from the Soul Tower we could see a tree growing out of the wall.
Here is one last photo of Soul Tower from an interesting angle.