Located in the Songlin Mountain about 4.7 miles to the east of Zhongxiang City, Xianling Mausoleum is the joint mausoleum built by of the Emperor Jiajing for his parents - the Emperor Gong Ruixian and the Empress Zhangsheng during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Covering an area of 183 hectares, it is a magnificent ancient architectural complex which looks dazzlingly splendid in glittery golden and green.
 
Strictly following traditional Chinese Fengshui theory, Xianling Mausoleum combines the surrounding mountains and rivers as its necessary parts. The mausoleum is composed of over 30 large building complexes. It is divided into the inner and outer parts connected by a 1,422-yard sacred way. On both sides of the sacred way, there is an orderly display of stone statues; pairs of animal carvings such as lions, camels, kylins, horses and elephants, and two stone figures including civil officials and generals. Inside the Red Gate, there are Xiama Bei (a stele erected to remind people to dismount to show respect in the past), Imperial Tablet Pavilion, Ming Tower, Heavenly Gate, Imperial River, White Marble Stone Bridge and other attached buildings, all of which are supremely exquisite, reflecting the high level of ancient Chinese constructional craft.
 
Due to its abundant underground cultural relics, unique environment, ingenious layout and important historical value, Xianling Mausoleum has been added to the China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List in 2000.

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