"The Ming Tombs, one of the other great sites to be seen near Peking. The approach to the 13 tombs is made along an impressive avenue of stone animals and figures to the sumptuous Hall of Eminent Favors. Then 91 steps take you down below ground to the enter Dingling, tomb of Emperor Wanli. This tomb was the only one we were able to visit at the time. This whole fascinating area took 30,000 workers six years to build, and was completed around 1427. I made this visit with the group on the same trip as the Great Wall, and in the evening, on our return to Peking, to complete what had been a most fascinating day, we were taken as guests of the Chinese Tourist organisation to the 'Peking Duck', one of the best restaurants in town, for a meal I will never forget." - MH