Jade Factory and one Emperor's Tomb

As well as the Great Wall, the tour guide took us to the tomb of one of the 13 Ming Emperor's tombs that are located in Beijing (16 Ming emperors in total -only 13 are buried in Beijing). But first we visited a jade factory...words fail me to describe some of the pieces...

An intricate ship, complete with rigging so and exquisitely carved dragon details

This carving of Pi Xiu (9th son of the dragon which brings luck and prosperity) is about 25" long and 18" high...very heavy piece out of a clear dark piece of jade

Only part of the market floor...all jade and all magnificent

I picked out my own smaller Pi Xiu and this gal is stringing it with jade beads to make a braclet- a lovely piece and I'm'a liking it!

On to the tombs - yet another gate to walk thru. The middle arch is always for the royal procession, and that is no different for the funeral places. It is very bad luck to walk on the middle section...or so it is believed

One of the braziers where they burned the silk clothes inscribed with the emperor's full name and stats...as well as a detailed description of all his accomplishments. Now, people toss in paper money to be burned (?) as an offering for good fortune

Larger than life statue of the big guy Chengzu himself...

Final gate before the actual tomb. 

Huge stone carved with the full name, set above the tomb - in the soul tower 

Everything is the China red color, but only Royal buildings are allowed the gold colored roof tiles

A tree is growing out the side of the wall above this archway to the lower level of the tomb

As a wonderful bonus to the day, we were taken to the Institue of Chinese Medicine and students gave us a welcomed foot and leg massage ... after the Wall and walking the tomb, it was a pleasure indeed!