Photo Gallery

Zhaoling Tomb (built 1572)

Located at the eastern foot of the Dayu mountains, Zhaoling is the joint tomb of Zhu Zhaihou, the 12th Ming emperor (1537-72), and his three empresses.

The underground palace beneath the tomb was built by Emperor Shizong for his parents in 1539. It was abandoned, however, after it was completed. In 1572 the site was selected by the emperor for his own tomb. Buildings were added above ground, and the mausoleum as a whole was completed in the following year. Occupying an area of 34,600 square meters, the mausoleum follows the same general layout as those developed at the Tailing and Kangling tombs. Specifically, the rear of the tomb comprises a tomb mound surrounded by a circular wall with crenellations. To the south of the wall is an imposing Soul Tower containing a large stele. In front of the Soul Tower are several courtyards comprising buildings used in rituals conducted for the departed emperor.

As the Ming dynasty drew to a close, the site suffered serious damage when Qing armies swept through the region. Both the Soul Tower and the Ling'en Hall were burned to the ground. These were later restored by the Qing from 1785-87, but gradually decayed in the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, the government renovated the tombs in 1987 and restored all the structures to their original appearance.

Plan view

Image adapted from signpost located on site.