The Soul Tower at Beijing Dingling Tomb
Built in the 15th year of emperor Wanli (1587), the Soul Tower is the symbol of the tomb. The pattern and materials are similar to those of Yongling. It’s a building with hipped gable roof and brick arches inside. All the components, such as corbel brackets, tie-beams and eave-rafters are made of stone, with colored paintings on the surface. Thus it looks exactly like a wooden structure. Inside the tower stands a stele which bears the inscription “the mausoleum of Emperor Shenzong of Great Ming”.
