The Xianling Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area is located in Zhongxiang City, Jingmen, Hubei Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering approximately 183 hectares (with a core area of 52 hectares), it is the joint tomb of Zhu Youyuan (posthumously honored as Emperor Gongruixian) - father of Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty - and his mother Empress Zhangsheng. As the largest and best-preserved imperial mausoleum from the Ming Dynasty, it's hailed as "an outstanding representative of Ming imperial tombs".
History and Culture
Construction of Xianling began in 1519 (14th year of Zhengde reign) and completed in 1566 (45th year of Jiajing reign), taking 47 years. Zhu Youyuan was Prince Xing during his lifetime but posthumously elevated to emperor status by his son, resulting in the mausoleum's unique "one tomb with two burial mounds" layout.
While following Ming imperial tomb conventions, Xianling introduced innovations like its dual-mound structure, inner/outer Mingtang ponds, and winding Sacred Way, making it unique in Chinese mausoleum architecture history.
In 2000, as part of the "Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties", Xianling was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming Hubei's first World Cultural Heritage site.
Main Attractions
Sacred Way
This 1,360-meter-long winding path in an "S" shape is flanked by 12 pairs of stone statues including lions, xiezhi (mythical creatures), camels, elephants, qilin, horses, and civil/military officials, all exquisitely carved.
One Tomb with Two Burial Mounds
Xianling's most distinctive feature: the front mound is Prince Xing's original tomb built to princely standards, while the rear mound is the imperial-scale expansion after his posthumous elevation, with the two treasure citadels connected by a Jade Terrace.
Inner and Outer Mingtang Ponds
Xianling features two artificial ponds - the oval Outer Mingtang (18,000m²) and circular Inner Mingtang (12,000m²) serving drainage, fire prevention, and feng shui purposes.
Ling'en Hall Ruins
Once the main sacrificial building (seven bays wide, four bays deep), now only the platform and column bases remain, yet still conveying the original grandeur.
Cuisine
Zhongxiang Coiled Dragon Dish
A Zhongxiang specialty allegedly created by Emperor Jiajing's chefs. Made from finely processed fish and pork resembling a coiled dragon, it's tender and a banquet essential.
Shipai Tofu
A Shipai Town specialty using premium soybeans and mountain spring water, known for its delicate texture and rich bean flavor, suitable for braising, stir-frying or frying.
Rice Tea
A Zhongxiang beverage made from roasted rice, with light yellow color and refreshing aroma - ideal summer drink.
Nearby Cuisine
Area restaurants serve Jing-Chu dishes like claypot chicken soup, stir-fried cured pork with artemisia, steamed pork ribs, plus local snacks like crisp cakes and sesame candy.
Ticket Information
Admission: 65 yuan (peak season Apr 1-Oct 31), 55 yuan (off-season Nov 1-Mar 31). Seniors over 60 and students enjoy half-price with valid ID.
Opening Hours
Open daily 8:30-17:00 (extended to 17:30 peak season). Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested route: From visitor center → Outer Mingtang → Dismount Stele → Sacred Way stone statues → Ling'en Hall ruins → Dual burial mounds → Inner Mingtang → Return. Allow ~3 hours.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From downtown Jingmen via Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway to Zhongxiang exit, then ~20km on Provincial Highway S216 (~1 hour total)
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Jingmen Bus Station (~1.5 hours)
- High-speed rail: To Zhongxiang South Station, then ~30-minute taxi
Must-see Attractions
- Sacred Way: 1,360m "S"-shaped path with 12 pairs of stone statues
- Dual burial mounds: Unique princely-imperial tomb structure
- Mingtang Ponds: Two artificial ponds with practical/feng shui functions
- Ling'en Hall ruins: Former main sacrificial hall showing Ming architecture scale
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: Spring and autumn (Apr-May, Sep-Oct)
- Pre-study Ming Dynasty history for better appreciation
- Wear comfortable flat shoes for extensive walking
- Consider guided tour or audio guide for historical context
- Photographers should bring wide-angle lenses for architectural shots
Precautions
- Protect relics - no touching/climbing ancient structures
- Observe regulations - stay in permitted areas
- Maintain solemn quiet in mausoleum area
- Summer visitors need sun protection and water
- Some areas have weak signal - recommended to visit with company
- Purchase souvenirs from authorized shops only