Brief information on Sacred Way  

Sacred Way is the first sight in the Ming Tombs, as it is the main road leading to the thirteen tombs. It is composed of a stone memorial arch, Great Red Gate, stone statues and the Dragon and Phoenix Gate etc.

The Sacred Way is lined with stone statues which are important decorations of the mausoleum. These statues are usually 12 human figures and 24 animals, which are the lion, camel, elephant, xiezhi, qilin, and horse. There are four each of these animals: two standing and two squatting. Lions symbolize absolute solemnity. Camels and elephants stand for vast territory. The Xiezhi is used to ward off evil, and the Qilin is an auspicious symbol. Horses belong to the emperors, and are absolutely indispensable.

It is said that the Sacred Way means the way leading to Heaven, and is very auspicious, so it is a special experience for visitors to approach the Ming Tombs via the Sacred Way.

*You can download the bilingual note to show it to a taxi driver or someone else to find your way to Sacred Way if you plan to visit Sacred Way and have language problems.

   

Chinese Pinyin: Shen Dao
Opening Times: 08:30-18:00
How to Get to: Take bus No. 345 Kuai, 914, 919 Zhi, 925 Qu, 949 to Changping Dongguan, then transfer bus No. 314 to Nanxincun (Nanxin Village)