The Vassal Kings - Inside the Jiangjiang Tomb Complex

Located at the western foot of Yaoshan Mountain, the Jiangjiang King Tombs Complex spans over 100 square km's and serves as the final resting place of the Ming Dynasty royal family, who ruled China from 1368 to 1644. This vast and historically rich burial site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of one of China’s most powerful dynasties, with its sprawling layout and deep cultural significance reflecting the status and influence of the royals interred here.

There are 11 generations of princes buried within the imperial tomb mounds of the Jiangjiang tomb complex, each laid to rest with elaborate rites and in accordance with Ming Dynasty funerary traditions. Surrounding these main tombs are over 320 additional burial sites dedicated to royal clan members, kinsmen, concubines and high ranking officials who served the dynasty. These tombs are spread across the landscape in carefully planned formations, reflecting the strict hierarchical structure of the imperial court. The entire area is steeped in symbolism, from the orientation of the tombs to the intricate carvings and stone guardians that still stand watch today.

The area between the main gate and the inner palace is called a "sacred way". It is guarded by carved stone officials and mythical animals

Adjacent to the royal complex lies a vast cemetery that holds the graves of over 60,000 common folk, including servants, soldiers and residents who lived in the shadow of the Ming court. This communal burial ground paints a more intimate picture of the lives intertwined with the dynasty, offering a contrast to the grandeur of the royal tombs. This cemetery is still in use today, serving as a living connection between past and present. The continued use of the site speaks to the enduring reverence for the land and the legacy of those buried there, bridging centuries of tradition to a single, sacred place.

The mausoleum was built according to Feng Shui principles, a defining feature of Ming era architecture. The burial grounds are enclosed by a red, oblong shaped wall that follows a strict north-south axis, with Solitary Beauty Peak standing as a natural focal point to the north. At the heart of the complex, a grand central sacred way runs from the main entrance gate all the way to the inner Chengyun funerary palace. This central path was reserved solely for the prince and members of the royal family. On either side of the sacred way, two flanking routes were designated for officials, reinforcing the clear social order that defined the Ming court.

Zhu Zuojing, posthumously honoured as Prince Zhuangjian of Jingjiang, was the third generation of Jingjiang vassal kings and one of its most influential figures. He ruled under the Ming Dynasty’s system of enfeoffment - a political arrangement in which sons or close male relatives of the Emperor were granted hereditary titles and territories but held limited power under imperial authority. As a vassal prince, Zhu Zuojing sat on the throne for over 58 years, making his reign the longest among the Jingjiang line. His governance ushered in a period of stability and cultural growth in Guilin, where he played a key role in developing infrastructure, education and civic life. Under his leadership, the city flourished and solidified its position as a vital regional centre in southern China.

Beyond his political achievements, Zhu Zuojing was deeply involved in the promotion of literature, the arts and religious life. He was known for encouraging scholarly pursuits at court, fostering a refined atmosphere that attracted poets, artists and thinkers. His interest in religion was also evident through his support of local temples and his engagement with both Confucian and Buddhist traditions, which played a role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the region. The Vassal King died in 1469, likely of natural causes after more than five decades on the throne. Upon his death, he was interred with full honours in the imperial burial mound within the Jiangjiang King Tombs Complex. His wife, whose death remains unrecorded in detail like his, was buried beside him. Their joint tomb stands as a central monument in the necropolis, reflecting both his stature and enduring legacy in Guilin’s history.

A small museum now occupies the main palace hall, displaying invaluable relics excavated from Zhu Zuojing’s tomb. Among the rare treasures are Ming vases, calligraphy tablets and ancient burial artefacts. Today, the Jingjiang Mausoleum is a government protected cultural site and recognised as the largest and best preserved seigniorial tomb complex in China. As of May 2025, only the joint tomb of Prince Zhu Zuojing and his wife is open to the public.

Location : Jingjiang Road, Qixing Ditrict, Guilin

How to get there : Apparently bus 24 can drop you near here from the city centre, however a didi taxi is dirt cheap and much less hassle.

Attraction Info : The mausoleum is open from April to November between 8:30am & 5pm and from December to March between 8:30am & 4:30pm. Tickets cost 25 yuan per person and must be paid via Alipay, as they don't accept cash. Entry to the museum is included. Half an hour is plenty of time to walk through this quiet site. Given the historical importance of this site, I was surprised to see NO ONE here.

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