Yangshan Gravestone, also known as Xiaoling Gravestone, remains in the northwest corner of Tangshan Town(famous for its natural hot spring resort), the eastern suburbs of Nanjing. This spot had been an ancient quarry ever since the pre-Ming dynasty period.

In 1405, in order to sing the praises of his father Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming emperor Zhu Di decreeded to collect thousands of artisans nationwide to dig three huge timber monuments in Yangshan hillside. Yangshan Gravestone which was excavated from the very intact and enormous Qixia limestone is constituted of there parts: the pedestal, the top, and the body. One of them is pedestal of the monument (height: 17 meters, width:29.5 meters, thickness:12 meters and weight:16250 tons); the second one is the main monument (height: 51 meters; width: 14.2 meters, thickness: 4.5 meters and weight: 8799 tons); and the third part is a stele (height: 10 meters; width: 22 meters, thickness: 10.3 meters and weight: 6118 tons).

Three parts formed a complete giant monument, its height is 78 meters that equivalent to a 28-storey modern building. And its total weight is up to 31,167 tons which is extremely rare to see in the world. No wonder a famous poet named Yuanmu in the Qing dynasty once marvelled at Yangshan Gravestone in his works, saying "like swords blockbuster lean on monuments, a hundred thousand of camels could not even pull it over".

Itinerary Recommanded: Yangshan Gravestone is a remarkable scenic spot to visit after enjoying a spa at the famous Tangshan Hot Spring Resort at eastern suburbs of Nanjing.