The Chinese emperors believed themselves to be the Sons of Heaven, who had come to Earth via the Sacred Way, by which they would also return to Heaven when they died. Thus a Sacred Way is an integral part of most imperial tombs.

China’s civilization and society is much older and richer than another in the world. The lineage of emperors and eras of various dynasties that have contributed to building China as we see it today are varied. One of the most prominent of these dynasties was the Ming era. The emperors of this dynasty got a lot of buildings constructed, repaired as well as restored. Many parts of the Great Wall of China were built under this dynasty.