Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs lie in a valley in Changping district, about 42 kilometres north-north-west of central Beijing. Thirteen emperors of the Ming dynasty are buried here, starting with the Yongle Emperor, who chose the site after the Forbidden City was completed in 1420. His own tomb, Changling, was finished in 1424. The tombs are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Four parts of the site are open to visitors, each with its own ticket: the Sacred Way, Changling, Dingling and Zhaoling. The Sacred Way is a ceremonial road about seven kilometres long, lined with 18 pairs of large stone statues of animals, mythical creatures and officials. It is the most atmospheric part of the visit and a pleasant walk in good weather.

Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, is the largest of the open tombs. Dingling, the tomb of the Wanli Emperor, is the one where you can go underground: its burial chamber, known as the underground palace, was excavated and is open to visitors. There have been no further excavations of the tombs since 1989. Zhaoling, the tomb of the Longqing Emperor, is also open. Although thirteen emperors lie in the valley, only these three tombs are open to the public, so plan your day around them.

According to the Beijing government's attraction listing, no reservation is required and tickets can be bought on site. The tombs open at 8.30am and close at 4.30pm in the off season and 5.30pm in the peak season. The site holds a 5A tourist attraction rating.

Because the open sites are spread out, a car or tour is the easiest way to see more than one. Like Mutianyu, the tombs lie north of the city, so they can be paired with a Great Wall section on a long day trip from Beijing. Allow at least half a day for the Sacred Way and one or two tombs.

The tombs suit history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Chinese imperial ritual. The underground chamber at Dingling and the statues of the Sacred Way are the parts that most visitors remember, and families can walk the Sacred Way at their own pace.