The Ming Dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644. The first Ming emperor had his tomb built in Nanjing, the town, which he had chosen for his capital. As his eldest son died early, his grandson succeeded the throne, and he became the second emperor.
His fourth son, the Prince of Yan, was guarding the northern frontier near Beijing with an army 100,000 strong. The second emperor attemp0ted to weaken his forces but was met with counter-attacks. After a 3-year war he was ousted and lost track off completely. So, the fourth son became the third emperor, Emperor Yongle, lf the Ming Dynasty. As a frontier commander, he was deeply aware that a peaceful northern frontier was of great importance to the Ming regime and the unification of the country. Yongle moved the capital to Beijing in early 15th century. Along with the construction of the Imperial Palace, he chose this valley to build his tomb. All his successors followed his example and had their tombs built here, except one who was dethroned and buried in the western suburb. Out of the sixteen emperors, thirteen lie here with their empresses and concubines. The site was chosen with the greatest care, with geomancy (geomancy refers to the superstition that the location of one’s fortune. The geomancers claim to be able to tell whether a particular site and its surroundings are auspicious) taken into account. The tombs are located about 44 kilometers to the north of Beijing. They are scattered over a basin approximately 40 square kilometers in area, screened by mountains on three sides and open to the Beijing Plain in the south. The road leading to the tombs is guarded by the Tiger Hill on the left and the Dragon Hill on the right. It was a forbidden ground except for those who were officially in charge of its upkeep. It was not allowed to cultivate land, cut wood or to take stones from here. No one could enter it on horseback, even the emperor himself had to dismount at the gate.