Entrance to the Ding Tomb 定陵
Prior to visiting the Ding Tomb, and had no idea what to expect when I visit the 13 Ming Tombs. Adding to my frustration was the fact that I lost my printed material that was supposed to be my guide here. I was under the impression that they were close to each other that visiting all thirteen would be a piece of cake. How wrong was I! The Ding Tomb was only one of the thirteen and then next one is nowhere to be seen. I can see the other tombs on the huge map at Ding Tomb but I should know by now that the tombs are nowhere near each other. In fact, it would be better if you have your own transportation when you visit the tombs as the public buses aren’t convenient to explore the tombs.
Dragon Head at Ding Tomb 定陵
The tombs were built in a very auspiscious location where rivers and mountains meet to produce the perfect place for a tomb. As a result, thirteen emperors now consider this place their final resting ground. The each one of the tombs were grand and would look like small palaces. They also come in different sizes though they mostly come in the same style. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the Ding Tomb and was quite disappointed with it being a UNESCO world heritage site and all. I guess it is I who doesn’t know how to appreciate these things since I am not very familiar with the personalities buried here. Somehow my knowledge of Chinese history fades at the Ming and Qing dynasties. True, being the burial ground of emperors gives this place special meaning and the artifacts that were dug up where only further emphasize the importance of this place even more.
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