MY TRAVEL INFO: THE 13 MING TOMB, BEIJING

The Ming Tombs (Ming Shisan Ling) are a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003 and a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) near Beijing, China. The complex houses the remains of 13 of the 16 Ming emperors and is renowned for its grand architecture and historical significance.

Construction began in 1409 with the burial of the third Ming Emperor Zhu Di (Emperor Yong Le), and the complex was used for over 230 years.

Located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of central Beijing in the Changping District, the site was chosen based on the principles of feng shui, with mountains screening the area on three sides and a river flowing through the front.

Key Attractions: 

Only a few areas of the vast complex are open to the public:

• The Sacred Way (Shen Dao): The main entrance avenue to the mausoleums, lined with 18 pairs of imposing, larger-than-life stone statues of animals and human officials, symbolizing a guard of honor for the emperor's soul on its journey to heaven.
• Changling Tomb: The largest, earliest, and best-preserved tomb, it is the burial place of the Yongle Emperor (the third Ming emperor who moved the capital to Beijing) and his empress. Its Ling'en Hall is a magnificent structure made of precious nanmu wood, comparable in grandeur to the Forbidden City's halls.
• Dingling Tomb: The only Ming tomb to have been fully excavated, it is the burial site of the Wanli Emperor (the 13th emperor) and his two empresses. Visitors can descend into the 27-meter-deep (88 ft) underground stone palace and view a museum displaying thousands of unearthed relics, including imperial crowns and gold vessels.
• Zhaoling Tomb: The mausoleum of the twelfth emperor, Zhu Zaihou, and his three empresses. It has been extensively restored and offers a complete representation of a Ming tomb complex in a quieter, more peaceful setting compared to Changling and Dingling.

Visiting Information

• Location: Situated in a valley at the foot of Tianshou Mountain,Changchi Road, Changping District, Beijing. It is about 50 km from Beijing.
• Getting There: Public transport is available, with special tourist buses running from central Beijing, though many visitors opt for a private tour or taxi for convenience due to the distance between sites within the complex.
• Tickets: Tickets for the Sacred Way, Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling are sold separately or as a package. Prices vary between peak and off-season.

While there are thirteen tombs in total, only a few are open to visitors:

Site Name	Emperor Buried	Key Feature
Changling Tomb	Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di)	The largest, earliest, and best-preserved tomb. It features the majestic Hall of Eminent Favor (Ling'en Hall), one of the largest wooden buildings in China.
Dingling Tomb	Emperor Wanli (Zhu Yijun)	The only tomb that has been fully excavated and where visitors can descend into the Underground Palace. A museum nearby displays thousands of unearthed artifacts, including imperial crowns.
Zhaoling Tomb	Emperor Longqing (Zhu Zaihou)	A fully restored mausoleum that offers a quieter, more complete view of a typical Ming tomb complex.
The Sacred Way (Shenlu)	Access for all 13 tombs	A magnificent 7.3 km grand avenue that leads to the tomb area. It is lined with 18 pairs of stone statues—animals and human figures—which served as imperial guardians.

The Ming Tombs offer a profound look into China's imperial past and a unique example of ancient architectural and burial traditions.

Reference:

1. My Beijing China: Ming Tomb
2. China Odyssey Tours: Ming Tomb: Resting Place of 13 Ancient China Emperors.

15 December 2025: 10.22 p.m