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Ming Tombs

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

historical-site

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The Ming Tombs, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, serve as the final resting place for 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The site was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, with the surrounding mountains providing a natural barrier against evil spirits from the north. Covering an area of approximately 40 square kilometers, the necropolis is approached via the 'Sacred Way,' a ceremonial path lined with massive stone statues of guardians and animals. The grandest of these structures is Changling, the tomb of the Yongle Emperor, who also commissioned the Forbidden City. Dingling, the tomb of the Wanli Emperor, is unique as it is the only imperial tomb in the complex to have been scientifically excavated, revealing a magnificent underground palace open to the public. These tombs reflect the imperial authority and architectural sophistication of the Ming era, characterized by the use of rare Nanmu wood and intricate stonework. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, they offer a profound insight into Chinese imperial ancestral rites.

Location: China
Top sights: leaky · Sacred Way exit · Diamond Wall

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Ming Tombs are open to the public and offer a deep insight into the history of the Ming dynasty. Both the extensive outdoor grounds and some of the restored tomb chambers can be visited.

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Typical hours

The site is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. Exact hours may vary by season and by individual tomb.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas and inside some tomb chambers. Flash photography may be restricted to protect artifacts.

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Time needed

A thorough visit takes about half a day to a full day. Plan extra time for travel from Beijing.

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Combine with

Combine your trip with the nearby Great Wall at Badaling or the Sacred Way. These sights form a classic day tour from Beijing.

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Getting there

From Beijing, the tombs are about 50 kilometers northwest and can be reached by bus or car. Public buses depart from Deshengmen Gate.

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Insider tip

Arrive early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Bring water and snacks as facilities on site are limited.

Geography

Coordinates

40.25000, 116.22000

Facts

The construction of the complex spanned from 1409 to 1644.
The 'Sacred Way' leading to the tombs is 7 kilometers long.
Over 3,000 artifacts were recovered during the excavation of Dingling.
Changling is the largest and oldest tomb in the entire necropolis.
The underground burial chamber of Dingling is 27 meters deep.
Officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2003.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Old Summer Palace Ruins15 km · NEExplore →

Marco Polo Bridge20 km · EExplore →

Beijing Zoo20 km · NEExplore →

Beihai Park24 km · NEExplore →

Forbidden City26 km · NEExplore →

Temple of Heaven28 km · NEExplore →

Happy Valley Beijing36 km · NEExplore →

Zhoukoudian Site42 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ming Tombs (8)

leaky🌿 nature

A viewpoint in the hills offering a broad vista over the valley of the Ming Tombs.

Sacred Way exit 📍 landmark

The northern end of the ceremonial way, marked by magnificent stone columns with dragon and phoenix motifs.

Diamond Wall 📍 landmark

The protective stone wall at the entrance to the underground palace of the Dingling tomb.

Beijing Waxworks Palace of Ming Dynasty 🏛 museum

A museum featuring wax figures depicting key emperors and historical scenes of the Ming dynasty.

Mangshan National Forest Park🌿 nature

A national park known for its massive 9.9-meter-high Buddha statue carved from stone.

The Sacred Way of Ming Tombs 🏺 historical

A seven-kilometer ceremonial path flanked by 18 pairs of monumental stone figures.

Zhaoling Tomb📍 landmark

A restored imperial tomb featuring a distinctive circular wall and a central sacrificial hall.

🕒 Apr - Oct 08:00 - 17:30; Nov-Mar 08:30 - 17:30

Gouya Scenic Area🌿 nature

A natural area known for its jagged, rocky mountain peaks that resemble dog teeth.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many emperors are buried here?

Thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty are buried in the Ming Tombs.

Which tomb can be seen from the inside?

Dingling is the only tomb that has been officially excavated so far and is accessible.

What is the 'Sacred Way'?

A 7 km long path lined with impressive stone figures of animals and officials.

How far are the tombs from Beijing?

About 50 km northwest of Beijing in the Changping district.

When should you visit the tombs?

Spring and autumn are the best times climatically to explore the outdoor sites.

Ming Tombs: where is it located?

Ming Tombs is located in China.

Ming Tombs: what is there to see?

Highlights include leaky, Sacred Way exit, Diamond Wall.

Ming Tombs: why is it worth visiting?

The Ming Tombs, located about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, serve as the final resting place for 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

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