Shihsanling

(literally, “13 imperial graves”), a necropolis of emperors of the Ming dynasty (15th to 17th centuries), located near Peking. Each of the 13 tombs comprises an underground mausoleum and a surface temple complex. These outstanding examples of palace and temple architecture were partially destroyed after Peking was captured by Manchu troops in 1644, but they were restored and rebuilt in the mid-18th century. In 1956 excavations were undertaken in the Tingling mausoleum (underground palace), the burial site of Emperor Shen-Tsung (1573–1620), which is now a museum.