The magnificent Longquan Mountain in OVC. [Photo/Optics Valley of China]

It only takes 40 minutes to drive from the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) to the Longquan Mountain scenic area.

The refreshing air and rich vegetation on the mountain are appealing to visitors, but what makes the scenic area famous is the Mingchu King's Tomb, which made the list of the first group of provincial heritage parks in September 2021.

Mingchu King's Tomb includes the mausoleums of nine Mingchu kings. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]

Nine Mingchu kings (nine sons and grandsons of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder and first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)) were buried there, hence the name. They are said to have defended the city of Wuchang for 263 years.

Zhu Zhen, the sixth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, as well as the first Mingchu King, was closely related to Wuhan, and his home 600 years ago was situated at the foot of Sheshan Mountain. He lived in Wuhan for 43 years, and left many historical relics to the later generations.

Antiques unearthed from the Mingchu kings. [Photo provided to chinaopticsvalley.com]