Ming Dynasty Tombs

The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China, collectively known as the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. The sitting of the Ming dynasty imperial tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui (geomancy) principles. They cover an area of about 120 square kilometers. Only 3 tombs open to the public and the Changling Tomb is the largest and oldest one while the Dingling Tomb is the only excavated one.

Dingling Tomb

Dingling, one of the tombs at the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty site, is the tomb of the Wanli Emperor, his empress consort and the mother of the Taichang Emperor. It is the only Ming tomb to have been excavated. The burial chamber opens to the public so you can learn about the funeral custom of the imperial family. Besides, a variety of cultural relics are displayed in the hall as well.

Admission Fee: 60 RMB (April 1 – October 31)

40 RMB (November 1 – March 31)

Admission Hours: 8:00 – 17:30 (April 1 – October 31)

8:30 – 17:00 (November 1 – March 31)

Changling Tomb

Changling Tomb, the tomb of Emperor Yongle and his empress Xu, is the first of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. At the largest scale, it covers an area of 120 thousand square meters.

Admission Fee: 45 RMB (April 1 – October 31)

30 RMB (November 1 – March 31)

Admission Hours: 8:00 – 17:30 (April 1 – October 31)

8:30 – 17:00 (November 1 – March 31)

How to get there?

Depart from Beijing

If you depart from Beijing, you can take bus No.897 at Qianmen (前门). Subway Line 2 passes through Qianmen Station.

Back to Beijing:

Take bus No. 872 and take off at Deshengmen West Stop (德胜门西站). It takes about 3 hours and 10 RMB.

You can also get off at Longze (龙泽) and transfer subway line 13 which is bound for Xizhimen Station (西直门).