The Great Palace Gate of Ming Tombs was the main entrance to the tomb area, built in 1426. There used to be a 40 kilometre-long (24.8-mile-long) wall stretching out from this Great Palace Gate and surrounding the cemetery.

The Great Palace Gate has three passageways:

• the central one was for the deceased emperor only;
• the living emperors who went to pay respects to their ancestors used the side passages.

As a forbidden place, no one was allowed to cultivate the land, cut the wood in this area, or take away stone or soil from this area. Nobody could enter the Great Palace Gate on horseback. Two stone tablets, each placed on one side of the gate, are inscribed with the words Officials and others shall dismount here. The emperor and court officials had to get off their horses or palanquins at this site.

Beijing Tour Routes Covers Ming Tombs

Photo of Ming Tombs


Photo of Sacred Way