Ming Tombs

Overview

The Ming Tombs are the burial grounds of 13 of the 16 Ming-dynasty emperors, set in a feng shui-perfect valley ringed by mountains about 50 km northwest of central Beijing. The UNESCO-listed complex spans 120 square kilometers.

Highlights

• Sacred Way: A dramatic 7-kilometer processional avenue lined with 36 massive stone animal and official statues that served as guardians of the tombs.
• Dingling Underground Palace: The only excavated tomb, descending 27 meters underground through five vaulted marble chambers where Emperor Wanli and his two empresses were buried.
• Changling: The largest and best-preserved of the tombs, with a vast sacrificial hall supported by 32 massive nanmu wood columns.

History

The site was chosen in 1409 by the Yongle Emperor, who consulted feng shui masters to find the ideal geomantic setting. Construction continued across 230 years as each succeeding emperor added his own mausoleum.

Visitor Tips

• Combine with Badaling: The Ming Tombs are on the same road as the Badaling Great Wall, making them easy to combine in a day trip.
• Focus on Two: Changling (grandest) and Dingling (underground) are the most worthwhile; the others are less accessible.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.