Private tombs a growing problem in Jinjiang Royal Mausoleum

Jingjiang Royal Mausoleum in Guilin, a city in southwest China’s Guangxi, is a protected cultural relics and archeological site. However, despite its protections, the park is now being disturbed by the invasion of private tombs.

Jingjiang Royal Mausoleum has over 300 tombs of important officials from the Ming Dynasty. It is the largest and best preserved royal mausoleum in China. Nevertheless, in 2004, the number of private tombs built in the protected zone was less than 30,000; by 2012, there were over 60,000 private tombs. Many villagers who live nearby actively promote the private tomb industry in order to turn a profit — 10,000 yuan extra to be buried with kings. (Photo/Xinhua)