Details of excavating Dingling of Ming Tombs

DingLing is the only one of the Ming Tombs excavated so far. In early summer of 1956, the Chinese archaeologists began the excavation of the Underground Palace of Dingling. It took two years and was finished in 1958.

Mounds of dirt were indications of where the tomb was located, but there were few clues showing the entrance to the tomb. By chance, the archaeological team found some loose bricks on the right side of a wall outside the Soul Tower. That was their starting point. From there they dug the first trench.

When they opened the second tunnel, a small stone was discovered. Inscribed on it were Chinese characters, meaning, This stone is 160 feet from the sealing wall of the funeral chamber at a depth of 35 feet. According to this clue, they dug a third tunnel and finally found the entrance to the palace.

Beijing Tour Routes Covers Ming Tombs

Photo of Ming Tombs


Photo of Sacred Way