The Jingjiang Mausoleum(chinese:靖江王陵,Pinyin:Jìngjiāng wánglíng) is located at the foot of Yao Mountain in the eastern suburb of Guilin. It is a mausoleum for a royal family - the Jingjiang Family in Ming Dynasty whose eleven generations were buried. Moreover, there are more than 300 tombs covering 100 square kilometers, making up the biggest ancient tomb group in south China. The well-preserved tombs have become important relics of culture and history in Guilin.
The Jingjiang Family is comprised of the descents of King Jingjiang, the nephew of a Ming emperor. During the earlier Ming period, to strengthen the centralization of state power, Ming Emperor Taizu (the first Ming emperor) designated his 24 sons as kings to administer different areas in China. King Jingjiang got his title and built his palace at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak. The descendent kings chose this mausoleum site as their burial place.
The site is enclosed by a rectangular red wall. More than 300 tombs are spread over 100 square kilometers. Like most Chinese mausoleums, a grand sacred way leads to the inner palace with various animal and official stone statues on each side. There are three routes on the sacred way. The middle one is exclusive for the emperors while the other two on each side are for officials. At the end of the sacred way inside the inner palace are Xian Dian (Prayer Hall) and Bao Cheng (Treasure City). Religiou and ancestral prayers are held in Xian Dian and Bao Cheng is the resting place for the kings. It will take you around one hour to take a walk inside.
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