Dingling Tomb Beijing
Explore the vast underground palace and grand temples of the Dingling Tomb, a Ming Dynasty emperor's mausoleum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Dingling Tomb Beijing
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast underground palace and grand temples of the Dingling Tomb, a Ming Dynasty emperor's mausoleum.
"Step back in time and marvel at the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty's imperial burial."
Combine with Great Wall
Pair Dingling Tomb with Mutianyu Great Wall for an efficient day trip. :bus: Tours often bundle these.
Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Palace
Subterranean chambers
Explore the vast underground palace, a marvel of Ming Dynasty architecture and engineering. Witness Emperor Li's burial chambers.
Sacrificial Hall
Main temple complex
Admire the impressive main hall, a grand structure dedicated to rituals and ceremonies for the deceased emperor.
Stele on a Turtle
Entrance area
See the iconic stone tablet supported by a mythical turtle, a common symbol in Chinese imperial tombs.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Ming Tombs
Getting to Dingling Tomb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Great Wall
Pair Dingling Tomb with Mutianyu Great Wall for an efficient day trip. :bus: Tours often bundle these.
Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance. :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the underground palace. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water & snacks
Options can be limited inside the complex. Stay hydrated! :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Great Wall
Pair Dingling Tomb with Mutianyu Great Wall for an efficient day trip. :bus: Tours often bundle these.
Book tickets online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance. :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially in the underground palace. :athletic_shoe:
Bring water & snacks
Options can be limited inside the complex. Stay hydrated! :water_wave:
Consider a guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the scale and historical significance of the Dingling Tomb, particularly its well-preserved underground palace. The opportunity to explore ancient burial chambers and see imperial artifacts is a major draw. However, some find the journey to the site a bit time-consuming and wish for more extensive on-site amenities.
"it has an underground palace, and it had a path to walk that you able to see other mausoleum"
Terence
"Ding Ling is the only imperial mausoleum excavated by the government in China. The 13th Emperor Shenzong Zhu Yijun (AD1563-1620, reign name Wanli) of the Ming Dynasty was buried in there, along with Empress Xiaoduanxian and Empress Xiaojing. It is a pity that due to the backward technical conditions in 1958, after the mausoleum was opened, the silk, satin, ancient books, calligraphy and paintings inside were instantly wiped out due to oxidation reaction after contacting the air, leaving only jade, gold and other hard objects. This was a heavy lesson in the history of archaeology. Since then, Chinese officials have not allowed any ancient emperor's mausoleum to be opened. It was March when I went there, the cold air in the underground was overwhelming. In fact, there was nothing to see there. The things dug out from the mausoleum before were exhibited in the nearby Ding Ling Museum."
Chris Ramires
"Still trying to finger out how they managed to dig a underground tomb during those days?
Well, if you are planning to visit this majestic tomb, do remember what the local advise us;
1. Don't take photo while you are inside the tomb.
2. Don't look back when you are existing.
I follow exactly what they told me!"
Jackie Sim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Changping subway line to the end and then a taxi to Dingling Tomb. Alternatively, many organized tours combine the Dingling Tomb with the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is a more efficient way to travel between these sites. +1
Yes, taxis are usually available at the Changping subway station, but it's advisable to have your destination written in Chinese or use a ride-hailing app for convenience.
Travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic and your mode of transport. By car or tour, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, it's a popular combination. Many visitors opt for a guided tour that covers both the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Ming Tombs, including Dingling Tomb, for a full day trip. +1
While direct buses might be limited, public transport options exist, often involving transfers. For a more streamlined experience, consider a tour or private car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission to the Dingling Tomb complex is reasonably priced. It's recommended to check the official website or reliable travel platforms for the most current pricing.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
The tomb typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to verify the exact hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
Usually, a single admission ticket grants access to the main surface structures and the underground palace. Confirm this when purchasing your ticket.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or children. It's advisable to inquire about potential discounts when purchasing your tickets or check the official ticketing information.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the Dingling Tomb, including the underground palace. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain sensitive areas to protect artifacts.
The grand sacrificial hall, the entrance to the underground palace, and the stele on a turtle are popular photo spots. The surrounding landscape also offers scenic views. 
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical and cultural sites like Dingling Tomb to ensure the safety and preservation of the monuments. Always check local regulations.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the architecture and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the underground palace.
While casual filming for personal use is usually allowed, commercial filming or professional video shoots may require special permits.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Dingling Tomb is famous as the mausoleum of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty and is notable for its well-preserved underground palace, which was excavated and opened to the public.
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the surface structures and the underground palace thoroughly. If combining with other sites, plan for a full day.
Yes, official guides are often available at the site, or you can hire a private guide. Many organized tours from Beijing also include a guide.
Inside the underground palace, you'll find the emperor's and empresses' coffins, burial artifacts, and chambers that showcase the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty.
The surface structures are generally accessible, but the underground palace involves many stairs and uneven surfaces, which may pose challenges for visitors with significant mobility issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Engage with stories: Look for information or guides that can tell interesting stories about Emperor Wanli and the tomb's discovery.
* Comfortable shoes are a must: Kids will be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
* Pack snacks and water: Keep energy levels up, especially during longer explorations.
* Consider a guided tour: A good guide can make the history more accessible and entertaining for younger visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Budget tips:
* Public transport: Utilize the subway and local buses/taxis for the most economical travel.
* Pack your own food: Avoid expensive on-site dining options by bringing your own snacks and water.
* Focus on key areas: Prioritize exploring the underground palace and the main sacrificial hall to get the most impact for your ticket price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Photography tips:
* Capture the scale: Use a wide-angle lens to convey the vastness of the underground chambers and surface buildings.
* Look for details: Focus on intricate carvings, the imperial symbols, and the textures of the ancient stone.
* Consider lighting: The underground palace can be dimly lit, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod (if permitted) can be beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of the Underground Palace
Inside, you'll find various chambers, including the main hall, side chambers, and the burial chamber itself. The artifacts discovered here, such as golden crowns and jade bowls, highlight the immense wealth and status of the emperor. The experience of walking through these ancient, dimly lit halls is often described as awe-inspiring and a little eerie, providing a tangible connection to history.
It's important to note that the descent into the underground palace involves numerous steps, so comfortable footwear is essential. The air inside can also be cooler than outside, so a light layer might be advisable. The preservation efforts have made it possible to experience this historical marvel firsthand, making it a must-see for any visitor to the Ming Tombs.
Historical Significance of the Ming Tombs
+1The construction of the Dingling Tomb began in 1584 and took six years to complete, showcasing the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of the time. The tomb complex includes not only the underground palace but also surface structures like the Sacrificial Hall, the Ling'en Gate, and the Ling'en Palace, which were used for memorial ceremonies. The sheer scale and intricate design of these structures reflect the power and prestige of the Ming imperial family.
+1Visiting the Dingling Tomb provides a deeper understanding of Chinese imperial history and the rituals surrounding death and remembrance for the ruling class. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ming Dynasty and offers a fascinating historical perspective that complements visits to other imperial sites in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
To avoid the largest crowds, aim to visit on a weekday and try to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Some visitors suggest that tour groups tend to thin out by mid-afternoon, offering a more peaceful experience.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring both above-ground structures and descending into the underground palace. Bringing water and snacks is also a good idea, as amenities within the complex can be limited.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit