Ming Tombs Beijing
Vast imperial burial ground of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, featuring the grand Sacred Way and impressive tomb architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Ming Tombs Beijing
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast imperial burial ground of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, featuring the grand Sacred Way and impressive tomb architecture.
"A journey into imperial history, the Ming Tombs offer a glimpse into the grandeur and rituals of China's past."
Combine with Great Wall
Pair your visit with Mutianyu or Juyongguan for efficiency. :bus:
Book tickets in advance
Consider purchasing tickets online to save time, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Changling Tomb
Central area of the Ming Tombs
The largest and most impressive tomb, offering a glimpse into imperial burial grandeur.
Sacred Way
Entrance to the Ming Tombs complex
An awe-inspiring avenue lined with stone statues of officials and mythical creatures.
Dingling Tomb
Underground Palace
The only imperial tomb excavated, revealing a vast underground burial chamber.
Planning Your Visit
Combine with the Great Wall
Manage Expectations for Tomb Interiors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Great Wall
Pair your visit with Mutianyu or Juyongguan for efficiency. :bus:
Book tickets in advance
Consider purchasing tickets online to save time, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Consider a guided tour
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the tombs. :guide_dog:
Ming Dynasty Tombs
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Great Wall
Pair your visit with Mutianyu or Juyongguan for efficiency. :bus:
Book tickets in advance
Consider purchasing tickets online to save time, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Consider a guided tour
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the tombs. :guide_dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Ming Tombs for their historical significance and the impressive scale of the complex, particularly the Sacred Way and the architecture of Changling Tomb. However, some find the interiors of the accessible tombs to be sparse, with much of the original treasure long gone, leading to mixed feelings about the value proposition for individual tomb entry.
"Incredible historical treasure. A large number of tombs and buildings scattered over a large valley, 3 of these have been restored and can be visited. We came on a cold November day and had the place to ourselves, no crowds !
From Beijing, take the subway to Ming Tomb station, walk 30 min to sacred way, visit the sacred way site, then take a local taxi to the 3 tombs."
Christoph Erben
"Nice to see the history still preserved. Would have been nice to see more workers names on the bricks preserved"
Juanya Williams
"The UNESCO world heritage site of the Imperial Ming Dynasty is such a beautiful place with a rich history. I first visited the palace and tombs in May of 2016 with a tour group organised through the Great Wall Marathon. There's a lot of info for visitors to read through about rulers, their spouses, wars, looting, etc. Also this encompasses a vast area so DO wear good walking shoes and be careful as there are lots of uneven paths. If you are visiting in the warmer months wear sunscreen and bring water."
Marysol
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the subway to Changping Station on Line 5 and then catch a local bus or taxi to the Ming Tombs. Alternatively, many visitors opt for organized tours or private drivers, especially if combining the visit with the Great Wall.
While taxis are available, it's often more convenient to arrange transport in advance or use ride-sharing apps, especially for the return journey. Some Redditors suggest combining the trip with other attractions to optimize travel.
Yes, it's a popular combination. Mutianyu and Juyongguan Pass are relatively close to the Ming Tombs, making it feasible to visit both.
The two sites are about an hour apart. Many tours include both, or you can hire a private car. Public transport between them can be time-consuming.
While direct buses might be limited, local buses from subway stations like Changping are available. It's advisable to check current routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on which tombs you wish to enter. Changling and Dingling are typically the most popular and have separate admission fees. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, pre-booking tickets online is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
The Ming Tombs generally open in the morning and close in the late afternoon. Specific hours can vary by season and individual tomb, so it's wise to confirm before your visit.
Yes, tickets are usually available for purchase at the entrance of each accessible tomb. However, buying in advance can streamline your visit.
Sometimes, combination tickets that include entry to multiple tombs or attractions might be offered. Inquire at the ticket office or check online for package deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The complex includes the Sacred Way with its impressive stone statues, and several imperial tombs, most notably Changling and the underground palace of Dingling.
Many find the historical significance and scale of the complex impressive, though some note the interiors can be sparse. It's a good option if you're interested in imperial history and combining it with other sites.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore one or two main tombs and the Sacred Way. If combining with the Great Wall, plan for a full day.
Yes, guided tours are often available on-site, or you can book one in advance. They can significantly enhance your understanding of the history.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the large area. Dress in layers as the weather can change, and wear sun protection.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sacred Way with its statues offers iconic photo opportunities. The grand architecture of the tombs themselves, especially Changling, is also very photogenic.
Photography rules can vary inside the tombs. Generally, flash photography is prohibited, and in some areas, photography might be restricted altogether. Check for signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and a more atmospheric feel for your photos, especially along the Sacred Way.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and cultural sites in China. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues.
The expansive views from the entrance of the Sacred Way looking towards the tombs are excellent. Exploring the grounds around the tombs can also yield unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tomb interiors might be less exciting for younger kids, the sheer scale of the complex and the stories of emperors can spark curiosity. To make the visit more enjoyable for families, consider bringing snacks and plenty of water. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for everyone. If possible, opt for a guided tour that can make the history more accessible and interactive for children. Combining the visit with a more visually stimulating attraction like the Mutianyu Great Wall section can also help keep younger attention spans engaged.
🏛️ History Buffs
Consider researching specific emperors buried here, such as Emperor Wanli (whose tomb is Dingling), to add depth to your visit. Reading up on the history of tomb raiding and the controversies surrounding the excavation of Dingling will also enhance your appreciation of the site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Ming Tombs
While the tombs were intended to be inviolable, many were unfortunately looted during periods of unrest and invasion. The Dingling Tomb is unique because it's the only one that has been excavated, revealing a vast underground palace. This excavation, though controversial, provided invaluable insights into Ming Dynasty burial practices and artifacts.
For history enthusiasts, the Ming Tombs offer a profound connection to China's imperial past. Understanding the context of the Ming Dynasty, its emperors, and their beliefs about death and the afterlife enriches the visitor experience. It's a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the era, designed to last for eternity.
Navigating the Ming Tombs Complex
When visiting, it's crucial to decide which tombs you want to explore, as each has a separate entrance fee. Changling Tomb is the largest and most well-preserved, offering a look at the main burial hall and surrounding structures. Dingling Tomb is famous for its underground palace, which was excavated and can be explored, providing a unique subterranean experience.
Comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be doing a considerable amount of walking. Consider the time of year for your visit; spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. While the sheer size can be overwhelming, focusing on the key highlights like the Sacred Way and one or two tombs will provide a fulfilling experience without feeling rushed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit