The Ming Tombs have beautiful scenery and were chosen as Feng Shui treasures by Liao Junqing, Minister of Rites of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was born in 1328. His family was relatively poor and he became a monk. During the most difficult period, he begged on the streets. He joined the rebel army at the age of 25, overcame all obstacles and defeated the enemy, and ascended the throne in Nanjing in 1368 and proclaimed himself emperor, starting the 276-year history of the Ming Dynasty.
During these 276 years, 16 emperors were in power in China, namely: Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, Hui Emperor Zhu Yunwen, Chengzu Zhu Di, Renzong Zhu Gaochi, Xuanzong Zhu Zhanji, Yingzong Zhu Qizhen, Jingtai Emperor Zhu Qiyu, Xianzong Zhu Jianshen, Xiaozong Zhu Youtang, Wuzong Zhu Houzhao, Shizong Zhu Houcong, Mu Zong Zhu Zaihe, Shenzong Zhu Yijun, Guangzong Zhu Changluo, Xizong Zhu Youxiao and Sixong Zhu Youjian.
Yongle Emperor Zhu Di was the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang. After seizing the throne from his nephew Zhu Yunwen during the Jingnan Campaign, he planned to move the capital to Beijing. In 1421, the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing was completed, and the Ming Dynasty moved its capital from Nanjing to Beijing.
Before arriving in Beijing, Emperor Yongle's empress Xu had died of illness, so after arriving in Beijing, the emperor sent Liao Junqing, the Minister of Rites, and a group of people to find geomantic treasures around Beijing as their mausoleum.
Emperor Yongle was very satisfied with several places at that time, but after weighing various factors, he finally settled on the current Ming Tombs.
For example: one of the places is called "Lang'eryu", the royal family name is Zhu, it is definitely not allowed for a pig to enter the wolf's mouth; another place is called "Yanjiatai", "Yanjia" and "Yanjia" The homophonic sound is unlucky, so I have to give up.
Finally, "Tianshou Mountain" (formerly known as Huangtu Mountain, yellow is the royal color, which is auspicious) was selected. It is surrounded by Mang Mountain, Hu Mountain, and Long Mountain. This place is in line with the location of the gods of the four directions in the Yin and Yang Five Elements. That is, Qinglong on the left, Baihu on the right, Suzaku in the south, and Xuanwu in the north. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with mountain springs flowing down, and the mountains and rivers are interdependent. It is an authentic geomantic treasure land.
During the Yongle period, it took 4 years to build Changling, the first of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. It cost a lot of money, material and manpower. Zhu Di and his queen are buried inside. It is currently open to tourists. Go in and visit.
As mentioned earlier, there were 16 emperors in the Ming Dynasty, but only 13 emperors were buried in the Ming Tombs. Where did the other three emperors go? Let’s hear the breakdown in the next issue.