Large scale repair work on Ming Dynasty Maoling Tomb begins

Maoling Tomb

The Maoling Tomb covers 25,600 square meters. It is the location of the group burial of Zhu Jianshen, Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty, with his empresses Wang, Ji and Shao. The tomb was built more than 500 years ago in 1487.

What principles will be followed during the renovation process?

Replicated bricks will never be used to make it look good

“The renovation will be conducted based on the principle of ‘maintaining its original appearance.’ The original wooden materials, bricks and tiles of the tomb will be numbered and the office will decide whether they should be reused according to degrees of age and damage. Any original materials that can be used will be reused as much as possible. Replicated bricks will never be used simply to make it look good,” said an official from the Ming Tombs Special Area office, adding that emergency repairs to the Maoling Tomb aim at recovering its original state as much as possible, rather than rebuilding or building a new one. As a result, the guiding principle for the restoration process will be to use as many of its original materials as possible.

However, he estimated that half of the original materials from the Maoling Tomb will be replaced due to severe damage. The craftsmanship and new materials will be as close to those of the Ming Dynasty as possible.

Will it be open to the public after renovation?

It will not be open to the public after the repairs

The Maoling Tomb restoration project is due for completion next year, but it will still stay closed, and will not open to tourists for the present, said Zhang Yong, Director of the Ming Tombs Special Area office. He said that emergency repairs aim for conservation, rather than opening it to the public. Due to various factors such as incomplete infrastructure, the Maoling Tomb is not suitable for receiving tourists after renovation. Blindly opening it to the public will only aggravate the damage to the historical relics.

Translated by LOTO