Ming Tombs in Beijing | Travel through the Ming Dynasty

| Travel through the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Tombs, located at the foot of Tianshou Mountain in the northern part of Changping District, Beijing, are the burial sites of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. After Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty established his capital in Beijing, he began to choose the location for the tombs in Beijing for political and strategic considerations. This move, which was full of strategic intentions, played a crucial role in consolidating the regime and completely eliminating the remnants of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. The construction of the Ming Tombs began in the seventh year of Yongle (1409) and lasted for more than 230 years until the early years of the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. A total of 13 splendid imperial tombs were built in succession, including the Changling Tomb of Emperor Chengzu, the Xianling Tomb of Emperor Renzong, the Jingling Tomb of Emperor Xuanzong, the Yuling Tomb of Emperor Yingzong, the Maoling Tomb of Emperor Xianzong, the Tailing Tomb of Emperor Xiaozong, the Kangling Tomb of Emperor Wuzong, the Yongling Tomb of Emperor Shizong, the Zhaoling Tomb of Emperor Muzong, the Dingling Tomb of Emperor Shenzong, the Qiling Tomb of Emperor Guangzong, the Deling Tomb of Emperor Xizong, and the Siling Tomb of Emperor Yizong. In total, the tombs area contains the remains of 13 emperors, 23 empresses, one imperial noble consort, and dozens of concubines who were buried alive with the deceased. In addition to the emperor's tombs, there are also seven tombs of Ming Dynasty concubines, one eunuch tomb, and several auxiliary buildings such as the Divine Road, the Sacrificial Office, etc., forming a complete, grand, and majestic group of mausoleum buildings, which has become the most complete and largest imperial burial site in the world. ✅ Sacred Way: Commonly, it is just an ordinary road, said to be the place where coffins were carried in ancient times, so when you visit, remember to walk through the side gates! 🔔 Friendly Reminder: There are many people on the Sacred Way, telling you that this is not the tomb, the tomb is above, suggesting you to take their car, just ignore them; 🚶🏻‍♂️Route: Walk to the end of the Sacred Way, turn right for about 200 meters, and you can take bus 872 to Changling. ✅ Changling: The mausoleum of Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, located on the main ridge of Tianshou Mountain, is also the largest mausoleum among the Ming Tombs! 🚶🏻‍♂️Route: After coming out of Changling, take bus 872 at the gate to Dingling. ✅ Dingling: The tomb of Emperor Wanli, Zhu Yijun, who reigned the longest during the Ming Dynasty, is also the only tomb among the Ming Tombs where the underground palace has been opened, and you can visit the underground palace, which is quite cold, so it is recommended to wear more! 🚶🏻‍♂️Route: After coming out of Dingling, walk to Zhaoling (you can also choose to take a taxi, but I think it is unnecessary, it's very close, about a 20-minute walk) ✅ Zhaoling: The tomb of Zhu Zaihou, Emperor Muzong of Ming. The third son of Emperor Jiajing, and the father of Emperor Wanli! 🚶🏻‍♂️Route: Finally, walk from Zhaoling back to Changling, and take bus 872 from Changling to Deshengmen! 🕐 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00, entry stops at 16:30, it is recommended to visit in the morning. 🎫 Ticket Reservation: Divided into off-peak and peak seasons, a combined ticket for the three tombs is 89 yuan per person (if you plan to visit all three tombs, it is recommended to buy a combined ticket, individual tickets are available for separate attractions) 🛣 Transportation: 🚐 Self-driving: The tombs are far apart from each other, self-driving is recommended. (Parking at the Sacred Way is free, Changling and Dingling cost 5 yuan/day) 🚌 Bus: Take bus 872 from Deshengmen in the city to the Sacred Way, Dingling, and Changling 🚇 Subway: Get off at the Ming Tombs station on the Changping line, you can take a taxi or bus after getting off 🔅tips: 1️⃣ There is a QR code in the scenic area, scanning it at the attractions can provide free explanations, or you can find on-site guides. 2️⃣ The underground palace of Dingling is quite cool, remember to bring a coat 3️⃣ It is recommended to start visiting the Ming Tombs in the morning, as there are more group visitors on weekdays and during peak seasons Ming Tombs