Description of the attraction
The Xiaolin Mausoleum is one of the main memorial complex in Nanjing, which includes not only the tombs in which the representatives of the Ming and Qing dynasties are buried, but also a unique combination of ancient architecture with the traditions of Chinese architecture. Literally, the name of the mausoleum is translated as “Minsk Tomb of Veneration of Parents”. Indeed, most of the burials belong to the dynasty of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who began his reign in the XIV century. The emperor was close to the idea of eternal life and imperishable existence after death. Therefore, throughout his reign, he periodically erected a mausoleum for relatives and close associates.
The construction of Xiaoling Zhu Yuanzhang began in 1381, choosing a place for this on Mount Zijinshan in accordance with all the rules of feng shui. As a building force, the emperor used prisoners who completed the construction of the mausoleum in 1413. After Zhu's death, Yuanzhang was buried in Xiaoling, and the Yongle Emperor who came to replace him supplemented the architectural ensemble with an original stele made of a single stone. The sculpture was dedicated to the emperor's father and is still considered the tallest in Nanjing.
Today the mausoleum is located on the cleavage of the Zijinshan Mountain in the immediate vicinity of the historical part of Nanjing. On a vast area of 116 hectares, there are numerous buildings of the complex and various statues. Tourists are most attracted by the monumental arches and the Golden Gate, as well as the original Bisi Turtle statue, on the back of which is a stele depicting intertwined dragons. On each tomb, you can see an inscription telling about who is buried in this place.
