Beijing Afternoon tour to Ming Tombs and Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival

Beijing , China

Beijing Afternoon tour to Ming Tombs and Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enhance your experience of two of Beijing’s most spectacular attractions with a private day trip to the Ming Tombs and the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, gain fascinating insight into the Dingling at the Ming Tombs. While Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival provides a fantastic visual experience when illuminated at night. This private day tour includes tasty local lunch, entrance fee, an English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle. Seasonal tour is offered January through end of February.

Available options

Private Tour

Your English speaking guide will meet you in your hotel's lobby by holding your name sign<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Lunch or dinner depending on your start time

Bottled water

Round-trip private transfer

Hotel pickup and drop-off (For hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing City)

English Speaking tour guide

Fuel surcharge

Entrance fee

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Following a pickup from your accommodation in Beijing city center at your selected time, meet your private guide and hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle, heading directly to The Ming Tombs. Your professional tour guide will give you an explanation of the Ming Tombs and the related Chinese history and culture on the way. You will also enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery on the way.

You will visit the Dingling at Ming Tombs. Dingling Tomb, the only underground palace which was open to the public. Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun, the longest ruling period of all the 16 Ming emperors. The construction started when he was only 22, and it took 6 years to finish. It was completed in 1590. After he died, he was buried in Dingling with his two empresses. Your guide will give a detailed stories about the Ming dynasties history and tell the life story of the owner of this tomb. You will be amazed by the complicated burial culture in the Ming Dynasty.

Stop 2 Pass by

After lunch at the local Chinese restaurant, heading to Longqing Gorge (About 30minutes drive).

The Longqing Gorge ice and snow festival starts from mid-January and runs until end-February. Over 400 ice sculptures, carved by both Chinese and foreign artists, are exhibited here. Each year has a different theme. When illuminated at night, these brilliant sculptures create a fantastic visual experience. The mountains around the gorge are also illuminated, a beautiful background for the winter wonderland in the middle basin. Besides the ice sculptures, there are fireworks ceremonies, folk dancing, and minority ethnic songs, all presented on the central stage. You can try their hand at ice-fishing, tobogganing, ice-slides, skating, or one of numerous other ice or snow sports. There is also a human-sized ice maze to get lost in. There is something on offer for all age groups, making for a thrilling excursion for the whole family.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing. (2 hours driving time).

What's not included

Gratuities to drivers and guides

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is smart casual

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience