Among the imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty, the Huangling Tomb, belonging to Zhu Yuanzhang’s parents, and the Zuling Tomb, belonging to Zhu’s ancestors one to three generations back from Zhu’s parents, still followed the imperial tomb system of the Tang and Song Dynasties; only the Xiaoling Tomb initiated a new system. The Xiaoling Tomb, having three courtyards aligned along a central axis, was built resembling an imperial palace including a court in front and bed chambers in the rear, and initiated a system in which the Sacred Way (Shendao) to the first-generation emperor’s tomb was also used by his posterity. The three imperial rivers in the Xiaoling Tomb area are connected by imperial bridges, creating diverse spaces and landscapes. In terms of architectural design, the Xiaoling Tomb initiated the practice of building the Fangcheng (Square City) and the Minglou (Stele Tower) in front of the main tomb mound, the Baocheng (Treasure City). Also, the Xiaoling Tomb, situated in picturesque landscapes, achieves “harmony between man and nature,” and is an exceptional example of the harmonious integration of traditional Chinese culture and architecture in a natural environment.