![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Spirit_Way_Pass_Through_Emperor_Pavilion_in_Thirteen_Tombs_of_Ming_Dynasty.jpg/640px-Spirit_Way_Pass_Through_Emperor_Pavilion_in_Thirteen_Tombs_of_Ming_Dynasty.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Sacred way
Ornate road leading to a Chinese tomb of a major dignitary / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A sacred way, spirit way, spirit road,[1] spirit path, etc. (神道, shéndào) is the ornate road leading to a Chinese tomb of a major dignitary. The sacred way is lined on both sides by a succession of statues, pillars, and stelae. The statues along the spirit way depict real and mythical animals, as well as civilian and military officials.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Spirit_Way_Pass_Through_Emperor_Pavilion_in_Thirteen_Tombs_of_Ming_Dynasty.jpg/640px-Spirit_Way_Pass_Through_Emperor_Pavilion_in_Thirteen_Tombs_of_Ming_Dynasty.jpg)
Not to be confused with various specific "Sacred Ways" in other contexts, or Sandō, similar paths in Shinto shrines