ThisisBeijing

During the 2024 Mid-Autumn Reception for Foreign Journalists in China, themed “Sharing the Full Moon with You by the Liangma River in Beijing,” foreign journalists and their families came together to celebrate the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Accompanied by beautiful singing and dancing performances, the essence of traditional Chinese culture was vividly showcased on stage, leaving the audience in awe and creating a joyful festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, guests had the opportunity to personally experience intangible cultural heritage activities, such as crafting lacquer fans and appreciating agarwood, alongside traditional Chinese activities like mooncake making and wearing Hanfu, allowing them to truly feel the unique charm of Chinese culture. 🌙✨

They are the guardians of the imperial cemetery.✨

An emperor of Ming Dynasty fell in love with a cougar?! Wan’niang fen Village in Beijing’s Changping District is steeped in an ancient, timeless love story. Here lies Lady Wan, the concubine of Emperor Xianzong (Zhu Jianshen). She was 17 years older than the emperor and was once a maid of the Empress Dowager. She raised the emperor from the age of two, like a mother and an elder sister, accompanying him throughout his life. Click picture to learn more.

Obsessed with the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)? A journey back through the Ming Dynasty’s splendour, savour Beijing’s enduring charm. Here’s what awaits you: -Marvel at priceless Ming treasures! -Witness a Ming Dynasty fashion show! -Immerse yourself in short dramas! -Learn from history experts! -Crack the code in the “Ming Palace Banquet” detective game! Don’t miss out! The #2024MingDynastyCultureForum lands July 13! #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Jade Bowl with Gold Tray and Hollowed Gold Lid ✨ This jade bowl is extraordinary. Remember the “gold and jade” medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympics? Actually, 400 years ago, Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty already had items made of gold and jade. Unearthed from his tomb was a hollowed gold-covered jade bowl with gold tray, a rare combination of gold and jade in ancient times. The jade bowl is made of precious fine tallow jade, while the lid and tray are crafted in gold, with the lid’s top adorned with a ruby, showcasing the luxury of imperial artefacts. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Golden Goblet:✨ Why was this wine vessel buried with the emperor? Numerous gold wine vessels were unearthed from the tomb of Emperor Wanli, indicating his fondness for drinking. The most exquisite of them is the jewelled golden goblet with a golden stand. During the emperor’s later years, he neglected court affairs and indulged in the pleasures of the harem, often drinking wine. This golden goblet was his favourite item, so much so that it accompanied him to the grave. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Fashion comes full circle!✨ Two jade hairpins unearthed from the Ming Tombs in Beijing give us a glimpse into the romantic lives of court women over 450 years ago. For centuries, Chinese women have had a tradition of adorning their hair with flowers to enhance their beauty. This evolved into the creation of exquisite hairpins combining jewels, jade, and precious metals, influencing fashion to this day. Modern women now sport floral hairpieces to please themselves. Click picture to learn more.

Ever wonder what was trendy for men 400 years ago? Emperor Wanli (1572–1620) of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yijun, was the “superstar” of his time. Not only was he handsome, but he also had a unique taste. His imperial belongings were all treasures. These dazzling belt buckles were among his many treasures, adorned with jewels and gemstones. ✨ #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

How many treasures can compensate for a woman’s entire life?✨ In #China’s Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the phoenix crown (凤冠) was the top-tier headgear for imperial women, with the Twelve-Dragons and Nine-Phoenix Crown (十二龙九凤冠) being the highest specification. Surprisingly, the owner of this phoenix crown, discovered in the Ming Tombs, led a tragic life. Although she was the biological mother of a crown prince, she spent her days in the cold confines of a secluded palace. It wasn’t until her grandson ascended the throne that she was posthumously honoured as Empress Dowager Xiaojing, one of Emperor Wanli’s consorts. The Twelve-Dragon and Nine-Phoenix Crown was one of her burial items after this posthumous honour. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Elephants: Imperial Rides! In Chinese culture, elephants symbolise auspiciousness and strength. Even in death, emperors were accompanied by these majestic creatures, with the stone elephants lining the Sacred Way, a popular spot in the Ming Tombs for selfies and photos today. Back in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), Kublai Khan (r. 1260–1294) rode these giants in a special carriage called a “xiang nian” (“象辇”). Beijing’s Jishuitan (“积水潭”) was once called Xixiang Chi (“洗象池”) or “Elephant Washing Pond”! During the summer, this was where the emperor’s ceremonial elephants would cool off. Click picture to learn more.

Behold, the world’s one-of-a-kind pure gold hat!✨ Crafted from 518 gold threads, each measuring a mere 0.2 millimetres in diameter, this magnificent crown is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Intertwined and woven over countless times, these delicate threads form a regal crown weighing just 800 grams. The extraordinary piece belonged to none other than the Ming Emperor Shenzong or Zhu Yijun (r. 1572–1620), a ruler with an unparalleled passion for gold and jewelleries. Adorned with two majestic dragons playfully chasing a pearl, the crown’s intricate design showcases traditional goldsmithing techniques. The dragons’ bodies, formed from thick gold threads at both sides, are meticulously welded to create a mesmerising openwork scale pattern, resembling a high-relief sculpture. It is one of Zhu Yijun’s most treasured possessions. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

This has to be the most extravagant custom-made garment in history!✨ It took 100 embroiderers 13 years to complete a single robe! The dragon robe was the standard attire for emperors in ancient China, and the most exquisite type is called a “Gunfu” ceremonial robe. Emperor Zhu Yijun (r. 1572–1620) of the Ming Dynasty owned a yellow Kesi silk Gunfu with twelve emblems symbolising prosperity and good fortune. This luxury garment from 400 years ago was woven extensively with gold threads and peacock feathers, making it the most prestigious imperial custom-made garment in China. After Zhu Yijun’s death, this ceremonial robe was buried with him, but its replica is now on display in a museum. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Amidst the grand design of Ming Emperor Chengzu or Zhu Di, A grand Sacred Way, stretching 7 kilometres north to south, forms the backbone of this imperial necropolis, connecting the various tombs.

In ancient #China, the emperors’ imperial guards stood in solemn ranks before the palace halls during their lifetime. Upon their passing, these guardians underwent a remarkable transformation. They became the stone figures lining the spirit paths, or “Sacred Way,” of the imperial mausoleums. The Ming Tombs offer a stunning example of this stone entourage. Here, majestic elephants, symbolising good fortune and strength, stand alongside camels, embodying unwavering loyalty and far-reaching virtue. The upright Xiè Zhì, a mythical creature representing justice and fairness, joins the procession alongside solemn civil officials grasping their “huban” (tablet-like sceptres) and valiant military officers clad in full armour. The Sacred Way serves as a grand entrance, the main passage leading to the imperial mausoleums. Even in this realm beyond, the emperors remained the “first among equals.” #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

History remembers Emperor Chongzhen (r. 1627–1644) or Zhu Youjian of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) as a dedicated ruler. He toiled day and night for his country, sacrificing sleep and meals. Free from greed and indulgence, he devoted himself entirely to his duties. Yet, fate dealt a cruel hand. The ailing Ming Dynasty crumbled in his grasp, leaving him as the dynasty’s final emperor—the “king of the subjugation.” His resting place, the Siling Tomb, stands as a stark contrast to the other 12 imperial tombs. Described as “shabby,” it lacks the grand temples, instead offering only a silent landscape of ruins and pines. This somber scene evokes a powerful sense of the impermanence of power and the passage of time. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture

Hidden among the Ming Tombs, the Jingling Tomb might seem small, but don’t be fooled! Zhu Zhanji, who’s buried there, was anything but ordinary. He was basically destined to be emperor from birth—his grandpa, the legendary Emperor Yongle (r. 1403–1425), even named him Crown Prince early on. This Zhu Zhanji dude was impressive. He mastered both academics and martial arts, basically ruler material from a young age. Sadly, his reign (1425–1435) was cut short, but those 10 years were epic for the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). But wait, there’s more! Zhu Zhanji was also a super talented artist and calligrapher, and even had a hand in designing the famous Xuande censers.  On top of that, he loved crickets and earned the nickname “The Cricket Emperor” because of it. What a legend! #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #History #Culture

Unearthed from the Dingling Tomb, one of the Ming Tombs in Beijing, the Dalu Belt was a favourite of Ming Emperor Wanli (1572-1620). This over 450-year-old sash served not just as an accessory, but as a symbol of rank within the Ming Dynasty. From emperors to officials, belts designated status and position. Today, the Dalu Belt is on display at the Dingling Museum. #SplendidMingDynasty #MingTombs #Beijing #History #Culture