What is the difference between the Ming Tombs and the cemeteries of previous dynasties in plane layout?

The Ming Tombs are not only a unified whole, but also an independent unit, with similar specifications. Each mausoleum was built in front of a mountain. As little as half a kilometer and as much as eight kilometers between the tombs. Except for Siling, which is located in the southwest corner, the others are fan-shaped and located around Changling (see figure). Under the guidance of China's traditional geomantic theory, from site selection to planning and design, the Ming Tombs paid great attention to the harmony and unity of mausoleum architecture with natural mountains, rivers and vegetation, and pursued the perfect realm of "heaven and earth" to reflect the philosophical view of "harmony between man and nature".

The Ming Tombs, as an outstanding representative of the ancient Mausoleum of China, showed the rich connotation of China traditional culture. This layout of the mausoleum built on the mountain has also been appreciated by foreign experts. For example, Joseph Needham, a famous British historian, said: The imperial tomb is a great achievement in the architectural form of China, and the content of its whole pattern may be the greatest example of the combination of the whole building and landscape art. He rated the Ming Tombs as "the greatest masterpiece". His experience is that "you can enjoy the scenery of the whole valley from the gatehouse, and meditate on its solemn scene on an organic plane, in which all the buildings are integrated with the scenery, and a kind of people's wisdom is well expressed by the skills of architects and builders." British urban planner Edmund Bacon also spoke highly of the artistic achievements of the Ming Tombs. He thought that "the most magnificent example of' moving' in architecture is the mausoleum of the Ming emperor." He pointed out that the layout of the mausoleum buildings built on the mountain "is so magnificent that the volume in the whole valley is used as a memorial to the dead king." They vividly describe the organic combination of Ming tombs architecture and natural landscape.