Ming Tombs
The burial complex of 13 of the 16 Ming emperors, set against the forested mountains 50km north of Beijing. Visit the Sacred Way's stone animals and the excavated Changling and Dingling tombs to see imperial burial at its grandest.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
The Ming Tombs are where imperial China's burial grandeur is laid out at full scale — 13 of the 16 Ming emperors buried in a vast complex against the forested mountains 50km north of Beijing. The Sacred Way's avenue of stone animals alone is worth the trip, and it pairs perfectly with a Great Wall visit since the tombs sit on the same northern route.
It is the quieter, more atmospheric half of the classic 'Great Wall + Ming Tombs' day trip — less crowded than the Wall, and a chance to see the excavated underground palace at Dingling, where you walk down into an actual imperial tomb.
What to Expect
The Ming Tombs site has two must-see parts. The Sacred Way is the ceremonial approach — a 7-kilometer avenue lined with 36 enormous stone animals and officials in pairs, built to guard the spirits of the emperors. It is eerie, beautiful, and nearly crowd-free late in the day.
Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor (who built the Forbidden City), is the largest and most impressive above-ground tomb — its great hall is held up by 60 huge nanmu cedar pillars that smell faintly of wood and feel like standing inside a forest.
Dingling is the only tomb actually excavated — the underground palace was opened in the 1950s, and you descend a long staircase into the stone burial chambers to see where the emperor's coffin and treasures lay.
The tombs are spread over a large site with shuttle buses between the main sights. Allow three to four hours, and pace it: Dingling first (it fills up), then Changling, then the Sacred Way in late afternoon.
The Sacred Way's avenue of stone animals at sunset, with long shadows falling across the avenue — dramatic and nearly crowd-free in late afternoon.
| Ticket Price | CNY 40 – CNY 60 |
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Best Season | Spring, Autumn |
| Best For | Adults and active travelers |
Must-See Highlights
- Sacred Way stone sculptures
- Changling (largest tomb)
- Dingling underground palace
- Mountain scenery
How to Get There
This attraction is best reached by bus or taxi. See the route details in the table above.
Beijing subway operates from approximately 5am to 11pm daily. Fares range from CNY 3 to 9. English signage and announcements are available on all lines.
How to Spend Your Time
- 1
Visit Dingling first, before the tour groups arrive (from 10am).
- 2
Walk through Changling's great hall with its nanmu pillars.
- 3
Take the shuttle to the Sacred Way and walk the avenue of stone animals.
- 4
Time the Sacred Way for late afternoon light and smaller crowds.
Insider\u2019s Tip
Combine the Ming Tombs with a Great Wall visit — the tombs are on the way to Badaling and Simatai. See Dingling (the excavated underground palace) first, then walk the Sacred Way in late afternoon when the tour buses have left.
A Bit of History
The Ming Tombs (Shisanling) were built between 1409 and 1644. Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, is the largest and its grand hall has huge nanmu (cedar) pillars. Dingling is the only tomb opened — its underground palace was excavated in 1956-58, revealing thousands of burial artifacts.
Beat the Crowds
Sacred Way is emptiest late afternoon. Dingling fills from 10am to 2pm with tour groups — reverse the usual order and see it first.
Where to Eat Nearby
The visitor complex has basic canteen-style restaurants. Better: eat a filling breakfast in Beijing before you leave and bring snacks, or stop in the small town of Changping for noodles on the way back.
Best Photo Spot
The Sacred Way's avenue of stone animals at sunset, with long shadows falling across the avenue — dramatic and nearly crowd-free in late afternoon.
Good to Know
- Entry is CNY 40-60 depending on which tombs you visit.
- There is no direct subway — go by taxi, tour bus, or as part of a Great Wall tour.
- The tombs pair naturally with Badaling or Simatai on the same northern route.
- The site is spread out — wear walking shoes and use the shuttle buses between sights.
- Bring water and snacks; the on-site canteens are basic.
Ming Tombs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Ming Tombs?
There is no direct subway. The easiest options are a taxi (about 1 hour, CNY 150-200), a guided Great Wall + Ming Tombs tour, or a bus to Changping then a local taxi. The tombs sit on the same route as Badaling, so they pair naturally.
Is the Dingling underground palace worth it?
Yes — it is the only excavated Ming imperial tomb, and walking down into the actual stone burial chambers is the most atmospheric part of the site. Go first, before the crowds.
How long should I spend at the Ming Tombs?
Three to four hours covers Dingling, Changling, and the Sacred Way. Combined with a Great Wall morning, it makes a full but classic day trip.
Which tomb should I see if I'm short on time?
Dingling for the underground palace, plus the Sacred Way for the iconic stone-animal avenue. Skip Changling if you must cut something.