Danyang

Danyang is a county-level city under the administration of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, China. However, it is actually located about halfway between Zhenjiang and Changzhou, and is easier to reach from Zhenjiang than Changzhou. During the Southern Dynasties it was the home town of the royal families of both the Southern Qi and Liang Dynasties. As a result, many of the emperors and princes of these royal families were buried here in elaborate tombs. Nowadays it is better known for its production of optical lenses used in sunglasses and eyeglasses. During the period of the four Southern Dynasties (Nan Chao) from 420 to 589 A.D. when China’s national capital was in Jiankang, Danyang was the hometown of the emperors of the Southern Qi (479-502) and Liang Dynasties (502-557), who were buried in the countryside outside the city. Today 11 of these Southern Dynasties imperial tombs can still be found to the east and northeast of the city. They are notable for their unique stone statues of mythical animals marking the sacred way (shen dao) leading to each imperial tomb.