Historic site · BEIJING · UNESCO
Ming Tombs and Sacred Way
明十三陵 · Míng Shísān Líng
About
Burial complex of 13 of the 16 Ming-dynasty emperors, north of Beijing. The 7 km Sacred Way is lined with stone-statue guardians.
The Ming Tombs sit in a horseshoe valley in the Tianshou Mountains about 50 kilometres north of central Beijing, chosen by the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century for its fengshui properties — mountains to the north providing protection, a watercourse flowing south in the traditional auspicious pattern. Thirteen of the sixteen Ming dynasty emperors are buried here across the valley; the three exceptions died before they had completed a tomb or were buried elsewhere for political reasons.
The approach to the tomb complex is via the Sacred Way (Shen Dao), a 7-kilometre ceremonial avenue beginning at the Great Red Gate. The walk from the Great Stone Memorial Archway past the Gate of Divine Merit through to the Dragon and Phoenix Gate is lined with 36 stone figures — pairs of lions, xie (mythical animals), camels, elephants, horses, officials, and generals. The scale of the stone carvings and the atmospheric avenue of ancient trees has changed little since the 15th century. Of the thirteen tombs themselves, only two are formally open to visitors: Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, where the original above-ground structures including the Ling'en Hall (larger than the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City) remain intact; and Dingling, the tomb of the Wanli Emperor, whose burial chamber was excavated in 1956 — controversially, as the archaeologists lacked the conservation techniques to preserve the contents. The underground chambers at Dingling are now open but many of the original objects were damaged or lost.
The standard itinerary combines the Sacred Way with Changling and Dingling in a half-day, then continues to the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling for an afternoon. Private drivers typically run this combination. Public bus 872 from Deshengmen runs to the tombs but is slow. Allow 40 minutes minimum for the Sacred Way walk alone.
How to get there
Tourist bus 872 from Deshengmen, or driver-tour combined with Wall.
When to visit
Spring and autumn. Avoid Wall + Tombs combo on weekends.
UNESCO inscription
“It represents the addition of three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning to the Ming tombs inscribed in 2000 and 2003. The Three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning Province include the Yongling Tomb, the Fuling Tomb, and the Zhaoling Tomb, all built in the 17th century. Constructed for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, the tombs follow the precepts of traditional Chinese geomancy and fengshui theory. They feature rich decoration of stone statues and carvings and tiles with dragon motifs, illustrating the development of the funerary architecture of the Qing Dynasty. The three tomb complexes, and their numerous edifices, combine traditions inherited from previous dynasties and new features of Manchu civilization.”
Gallery
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does Ming Tombs and Sacred Way cost to visit?
- Adult entry to Ming Tombs and Sacred Way is ¥130, ¥65 for children. Combined ticket Sacred Way + Changling + Dingling.
- When is Ming Tombs and Sacred Way open?
- Ming Tombs and Sacred Way opening hours: 8am–5:30pm Apr–Oct; 8:30am–5pm Nov–Mar.
- How long do you need at Ming Tombs and Sacred Way?
- Allow 3–5 hours for Ming Tombs and Sacred Way. Add buffer time if you plan to visit at peak season or include nearby sights in the same trip.
- When is the best time to visit Ming Tombs and Sacred Way?
- Spring and autumn. Avoid Wall + Tombs combo on weekends.
- How do you get to Ming Tombs and Sacred Way?
- Tourist bus 872 from Deshengmen, or driver-tour combined with Wall.
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