| A Sacred Way is always found in an imperial cemetery. The Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs is 7kilometers long from the Memorial Stone Archway to the gate of Chang Ling. Along the sacred way are Marble Archway, Great Palace Gate, Tablet Tower, Stone Statues and Dragon and Phoenix Gate. The Sacred Way was originally built for Chang Ling, Emperor Yong Le¡¯s tomb, but since the other twelve tombs were also built in this area, either to the right or to the left of Chang Ling, the Sacred Way became the main road for all of the thirteen tombs. Although they were from one group, each tomb is independent from the other. During the funeral ceremony, the deceased emperor was carried over the road. Apart from the Si Ling in the southwest, they are clustered in one area around the Chang Ling. All of the thirteen tombs ranges from 500 meters to 4 kilometers. This layout perfectly embodies the tomb system in the Ming Dynasty. |
