Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

country. China

year of inscription. 2000 (extensions: 2003, 2004)

criteria. Cultural

This WHS has fourteen component sites in the municipality of Beijing and the provinces of Jiangsu, Hebei, Hubei, and Liaoning. Each component site is a royal mausoleum complex from the Ming (1368CE – 1644CE) or Qing (1644CE – 1911CE) Dynasty. Built between 1368CE and 1915CE, the construct of the tombs take into account feng shui (Chinese geomancy) principles and Chinese social hierarchical rules while featuring Ming and Qing architectural arts. Sacred ways, lined with stone monuments and sculptures, form the path to the tombs, allowing for ceremonies to be carried out as well as forming a symbolic passage for the dead. 

The WHS was first listed in 2000, featuring three mausoleum complexes from both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 2003, another eight sites from both dynasties were added. A year later, the WHS further expanded with the addition of three more Qing burial complexes.

what. stamp (printed on postal card; China, 2006)

what. stamp (Manchukuo, 1942)
 

what. postcard (China, 2011)

what. postcard (China, 2011)