DK Travel : Beijing : Ming Tombs

Ming Tombs

No one has rated this yet.

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

The resting place for 13 of the 16 Ming-dynasty (1368–1644) emperors, this is China’s finest example of imperial funerary architecture. The site was selected because of its auspicious feng shui alignment; a ridge of mountains to the north cradles the tombs on three sides, protecting the dead from the evil spirits carried on the north wind. The tombs are spread over 15 square miles (40 sq km). Three (Chang Ling, Ding Ling, and Zhao Ling) have been restored and are always busy. Unrestored, the rest are open but quiet.
For more daytrips out of Beijing See Trips Out of Town

Top 10 Features

1. Memorial Arch

1. Memorial Arch

Marking the entrance to the site is a magnificent five-arched gate, built of white marble, and erected in 1540. At 40 ft (12 m) high and more than 92 ft (28 m) wide, it is the largest of its kind in China, and boasts beautiful bas-relief carvings.
2. Stele Pavilion

After the Memorial Arch the road passes through the Great Palace Gate and the tunnel-like arch of the Stele Pavilion. Here the largest stele in China projects from the shell of a giant bixi (dragon-tortoise) and bears the names of the emperors buried at the site.
3. Spirit Way

3. Spirit Way

Part of the 4-mile (7-km) approach to the tombs, the Spirit Way is lined with 18 pairs of giant guardians – stone statues of court officials, imperial warriors, animals, and mythical Chinese beasts.
4. Chang Ling Tomb

4. Chang Ling Tomb

The resting place of the Yongle emperor, the builder of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, is the oldest and grandest tomb. It has been well restored, but the chamber where Yongle, his wife, and 16 concubines are buried has never been excavated.
5. Hall of Eminent Favor

5. Hall of Eminent Favor

One of China’s most impressive surviving Ming buildings, this double-eaved sacrificial hall is the centerpiece of the Chang Ling tomb complex. It stands on a triple-tiered marble terrace and 32 gigantic cedar columns support the roof.
6. Ding Ling Treasures

6. Ding Ling Treasures

In addition to an impressive statue of the Yongle emperor, the Hall of Eminent Favor also contains artifacts from the Wanli emperor’s tomb (the Ding Ling). These include a crown of golden wire topped by two dragons.
7. Spirit Tower

Rising up from the third courtyard of the Chang Ling complex, the tower marks the entrance to the burial chamber. This takes the form of an earthen tumulus girdled by a wall half a mile (1 km) in circumference.
8. Ding Ling Tomb

This is the tomb of the longest-reigning Ming ruler, the emperor Wanli (1573–1620). His profligate rule began the downfall of the dynasty. Building his tomb involved 30,000 workers and took six years to complete.
9. Ding Ling Burial Chamber

9. Ding Ling Burial Chamber

This is the only burial chamber to be excavated and opened to the public. Visitors descend to a central throne room and a rear annex with three red-lacquer coffins, belonging to Wanli and his two wives.
10. Zhao Ling Tomb

The resting place of the 13th Ming emperor, Longqing (1537–72), who gained the throne at the age of 30 and died six years later. It has an attractive triple-bridge over a stream.

Practical Information

There are snack kiosks at the site. The Ming Tombs are most conveniently seen as part of a trip to the Great Wall at Badaling. Many hotels arrange tours for less than ¥100. The government operated Tour Bus 2 leaves regularly for the tombs and wall from just east of Qian Men on Tian’an Men Square every day from 6:30am onwards; the fare is ¥50 per person. 30 miles (45 km) NW of Beijing 6076 142 Bus 845 from Xizhi Men (near subway) to Zhengfa Daxue in Changping, then a taxi or bus 314 to Da Gong Men Open: Apr–Oct 8am–5:30pm daily. Nov–Mar 8:30am–5pm Admission: Spirit Way ¥30. Chang Ling ¥45. Ding Ling ¥60. Zhao Ling ¥30