In-Depth Visit of Ming Tombs: Sacred Way, Dingling and Changling

Beijing , China

In-Depth Visit of Ming Tombs: Sacred Way, Dingling and Changling

Active

(1 reviews)

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

Join a knowledgeable guide to explore the significant Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site that is the most extensive imperial burial complex of any Chinese dynasty and one of the best-preserved works of 15th-century Chinese art and architecture. This private tour, which also includes lunch, offers an engaging experience to learn about Ming Dynasty history, imperial mausoleum construction and Feng Shui, along with stories of Ming emperors, covering three key sites: the Sacred Road (known as "the road leading to heaven"), Changling Tomb (the mausoleum of Emperor Yongle, who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1420) and Dingling Tomb (the only underground imperial palace open to the public).

Available options

Private Tour

Your guide will pick you up at 8:30am in your hotel's lobby.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

Professional guide

Bottled water

Lunch

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

Transport by private vehicle

Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, are the most extensive imperial burial complex of China’s Ming Dynasty and a treasure trove of 15th-century art and architecture, and this tour is designed to help you deeply unlock the history of the Ming Dynasty and the stories behind these tombs.

Your day will start with your guide and driver picking you up from your hotel; during the drive to the Ming Tombs, the guide will share interesting insights and knowledge about the Ming Dynasty, giving you a preliminary understanding of the era before you arrive.

Upon arrival, your exploration will begin with the Sacred Road–also known as "the road leading to heaven," this path was once used for imperial processions to the tombs, and along it, you’ll see a row of exquisite stone statues; the guide will walk you through the stories and symbolic meanings behind each stone statue, letting you grasp the imperial etiquette and cultural connotations of the Ming Dynasty.

Stop 2

After the Sacred Road, you’ll head to Dingling Tomb, the only underground imperial palace in the Ming Tombs open to the public; first, you’ll visit the museums on both sides of the tomb entrance, where you can view cultural relics unearthed from Dingling, such as imperial costumes and daily utensils, and then follow the guide down into the underground palace – here, you’ll see the original burial chambers, the stone coffins of Emperor Wanli and his two empresses, and gain a close-up understanding of the Ming Dynasty’s imperial funeral system.

Next, your tour will take you to Changling Tomb, the mausoleum of Emperor Yongle, who moved the Ming Dynasty’s capital from Nanjing to Beijing in 1420; at Changling, you’ll be able to admire the grand Ling’en Hall (one of China’s largest existing wooden structures) with its imposing golden nanmu pillars, and the guide will briefly share key stories about Emperor Yongle, linking the mausoleum’s architecture to the emperor’s legacy.

After finishing the visits to the tombs, you’ll enjoy a local-style lunch near the Ming Tombs, savoring authentic regional flavors to round out your experience.

Stop 4 Pass by

Finally, the driver will take you back to your hotel; if there’s no traffic jam along the way, you’ll pass by the Olympic Green (including the Bird’s Nest), where you’ll have the chance to stop and take photos to capture the contrast between ancient heritage and modern architecture.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

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