Why Are the Ming Tombs Also Called the Thirteen Tombs?

Many visitors to Beijing are curious about one question: why are the Ming Tombs also called the Thirteen Tombs?
After all, the Ming Dynasty ruled China for nearly 300 years. So how many emperors were there in the Ming Dynasty, and why are only thirteen tombs located near Beijing?

The answer lies in a combination of political history, civil war, and unusual imperial successions.

How Many Emperors Were in the Ming Dynasty?

The Ming Dynasty had 16 emperors in total, from its founding in 1368 to its fall in 1644.
However, not all Ming emperors were buried in the same area, and this explains the difference between the number of emperors and the number of imperial tombs near Beijing.

Why the First Ming Emperor Was Not Buried Near Beijing

The founder of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongwu, established the capital in Nanjing, not Beijing.
When he died, his imperial tomb was therefore built in Nanjing, where it still remains today.

As a result, he is not included among the tombs near Beijing.

The Mystery of the Second Ming Emperor’s Tomb

The second Ming emperor, Emperor Jianwen, presents one of the greatest mysteries in Chinese history.

During the famous Jingnan Campaign, he was defeated by his uncle, the Prince of Yan, who later became the Yongle Emperor.
According to one theory, Emperor Jianwen died in a palace fire, leaving no identifiable remains.
Another popular theory suggests he escaped and lived the rest of his life as a Buddhist monk in Southeast Asia.

Because there is no confirmed burial site, the question “where is the tomb of the second Ming emperor?” remains unanswered.

Why One Emperor Was Buried Outside the Ming Tombs

Another exception involves the eighth Ming emperor.
After the seventh emperor was captured by Mongol forces, his younger brother ascended the throne.
Later, when the original emperor returned and reclaimed power, the younger brother lost imperial status.

When he died, he was buried as a prince rather than an emperor, in the western suburbs of Beijing — not within the Ming Tombs area.

Why Are There Thirteen Ming Tombs?

When all these historical facts are considered, the answer becomes clear:

• 16 emperors ruled the Ming Dynasty

• 1 emperor was buried in Nanjing

• 1 emperor disappeared with no confirmed tomb

• 1 former emperor was buried as a prince

That leaves thirteen emperors buried near Beijing, which is why the site is known as the Thirteen Ming Tombs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding why the Ming Tombs are also called the Thirteen Tombs helps visitors appreciate the complex and dramatic history behind this UNESCO-listed site.
It is not just a burial ground, but a silent witness to power struggles, family conflicts, and unresolved mysteries of imperial China.