The Sacred Path, the passage leading to the tomb, is lined with more than 30 lifelike stone figures and horses, all sculptures based on a single huge rock. It is the first attraction of Ming Tombs. Each emperor's tomb was constructed at the foot of a separate small hill but they all share a main road called the Sacred Way. This path leads into the complex, lined with statues of guardian animals and officials, with a front gate consisting of a three-arches, painted red, and called the "Great Red Gate".

Alongside the Sacred Way are 18 pairs of marble figures lined up in antithesis, these marble figures, sculptured from whole stones, were erected over 500 years ago, the traditional way of putting over marble figures as guard of honor in front of the mausoleum began in the Han Dynasty which signified the dignity of the emperor, symbolizing the good fortune and warding off evil influence. This Sacred Way starts with two hexagonal columns called Wang Zhu on either side, they are carved with a cloud design. Their tops are shaped like a rounded cylinder.

Following this are on each side are lions, Xiezhi, camels, elephants, Qilin, horses. All six animals have two kneeling, two standing, 12 animals on each side and 24 animals in all. They were supposed to change guards at midnight. A slight turn of the Sacred Way leads to the human statues. Even this slight turn is in conformity with the principle of Feng Shui. On each side stand two generals, two civil officials and two “retired” government officials, 6 on each side, and 12 in all. They are larger-than-life-size human statues. The avenue of stone animals and statues ends at Ling Xing Gate, better known as the Dragon and Phoenix Gate.

There are red leaves trees along the path which made it an ideal place to appreciate red leaves in the autumn. As a quiet and unknown place for red leaves appreciation, the Sacred Path is never crowded even in weekends. So, come here and experience walking in red leaves.

Transportation:

Take Bus No. 345 to Changping Tiwei at Deshengmen Station then transfer to Bus No. 22 to the Sacred Path.

By Car: Beijing Madian Bridge – No. 16 Exit Of Badaling Expressway – Xiguan Crossing – Sacred Path