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Imperial Tombs of the Ming Dynasty
Despite the Ming Dynasty having ended under the rule of Emperor Chongzhen,
neither the rebels nor the Manchurians who suppressed them to establish the Qing
Dynasty thought ill of him, or disrespected his memory. He was, on the contrary,
considered a capable and upright emperor, but scapegoat for the misdemeanors of
his two predecessors. Prior to Chongzhen, Emperor Shenzong had ruled for 48
years, but for the last two decades of his reign had played hermit and neglected
his duties. Shenzhong's successor, Emperor Xizong, had no interest in state
affairs, preferring to work at carpentry. He filled the role of "emperor
carpenter," and left state affairs in the evil hands of his wet nurse, Ke, and a
eunuch named Wei Zhongxian. On ascending the throne, Chongzhen was faced with
turbulent domestic difficulties as well as troubles on the border. However, he
did his utmost to save the dynasty, and within three months of his enthronement,
had executed and ousted hundreds of Ke's and Wei's followers. He also recalled
formal officials, one in particular being Xu Guangqi, a great scientist, and the
first in China to introduce Western science and technology. Chongzhen ruled for
17 years and worked energetically and conscientiously. However, his reign was
ill-starred. When the rebels finally came, he neither escaped nor surrendered,
but killed himself in self-abasement and remorse - a very rare act for an
ancient ruler.
Tailing and Kangling Mausoleums
Some of the 13 Ming tombs, such as the Changling and Dingling mausoleums,
have been repaired, and are popular tourist destinations. The Changling
Mausoleum lures tourists for being the largest and best preserved of the tombs,
while the Dingling Mausoleum provides a fascinating view of ancient relics both
above and under ground.
The Tailing and Kangling mausoleums, located in the northernmost area of the
site, are rarely visited. Owing to a lack of repair, they are, within the tall
green pines that have guarded them through the ages, in ruins, their surrounding
walls having mostly collapsed into debris. Only the golden dragons atop the
yellow glazed tiles signify the special status of the tomb occupants, as the
color yellow and dragon images were for the exclusive use of the imperial
family.
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