Architecture 咖菲论阿柒-In Nanjing

Xiao Ling Tomb is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor ZhuYuan Chang of the Ming Dynasty.With a 600 years of history,most of the timber constructed pavilions are not longer existed, however the overall tomb planning is still visible.

The sacred path  started from the Dismounting Archway (下马坊）where visitors of the past should disount from their horses and pay respects to the tomb owner. The path will continue to the Rectangular city (四方城）which housed the majestic tablet erected by Emperor Zhu Di, the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Following will be the Stone Elephant Road (石象路神道）， 615 meters long formed the first part of the sacred path. 12 pairs of different postures stone carved animals: lions, Xiezhi,camels,elephants,unicorns,and horses lied along the road guiding the tombs.

Rectangular City  called Si Fang Cheng

The top of the pavilion was gone.

 



The second part of the sacred path, Weng Zhong Road  is formed by 4 pairs of generals and ministers (文武官）and a pair of decorative columns known as Hua Biao (华表) .

Leading towards the north-south direction, there is a Dragon and PhoenixG Gate (龙凤门).

The overall planning of the mausoleum.

Civil and Military Gate, the first gate to the graveyard of the Ming Tomb.

Imperial Tablet hall , built under the order of Qing Emperor Kangxi

Sacrificial hall orXiaoling hall was built in 16th year under the reign of Emperor Hongwu for the memorial tablets of Zhu Yuan Chang and his empress and concubines.

Inner Red Gate
Ming Tower (明楼）is  the commanding point of Ming Tomb, built on top of a rectangular citadel , was destroyed during reign of Qing Emperor  Xiang Feng. Now only the rectangular citadel is original. 

Behind the wall was the Ming Tai Zu tomb. （明太祖之墓地）

Every brick which was used to  construct the citadel, has the bricks maker “copyright” cop on all of them.  

Surrounded by the 1000 meters long  tall wall is the Treasure Mound (宝顶) ,a circular mound with 325-400m in  diameters which housed the Emperor Zhu Yuan Chang and his Empress Ma  underground tomb palace.