The Ming Tombs, located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, are one of the most significant historical and cultural attractions in China. With a variety of tombs, including the famous Dingling and Changling tombs, visitors can explore ancient imperial burial sites while enjoying beautiful scenery. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get to the Ming Tombs, how to get around between different tombs, and the best tips for a smooth visit.
Transportation to the Ming Tombs
Traveling to the Ming Tombs is relatively easy with both public transportation options and taxis available. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get there:
- From Changping Subway Station to Ming Tombs Subway Station
Take Line 13 from Changping Subway Station to Ming Tombs Subway Station. The fare is approximately 3 RMB, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. - Ming Tombs Subway Station to the Sacred Way
After arriving at the Ming Tombs Subway Station, walk for about 5 minutes to Changping Jiantou Village Station (昌平涧头村站). From there, take buses 314, 872, or 879, and travel for about 20 minutes to the Sacred Way, the ancient path leading to the tombs. - Sacred Way to Zhaoling Tomb
Once you’ve finished exploring the Sacred Way, head towards Changping Huzhuang Bus Station (昌平胡庄公交站), where you can catch buses 67 or 78 (2 RMB) for a 30-minute ride to Zhaoling Tomb. - Zhaoling Tomb to Dingling Tomb
Walk about 500 meters to Zhaoling Station (昭陵站), then take bus 78 (or 67) for around 5 minutes to reach Dingling Tomb. - Dingling Tomb to Changling Tomb
To get from Dingling to Changling, take buses 314, 827, or 78. The combined walking and bus ride takes less than 20 minutes. - Changling Tomb to Ming Tombs Subway Station
To return to the subway station, take bus 78 directly to Changping Jiantou Village Station (昌平涧头村站), then walk for about 6 minutes to reach the subway.
Best Way to Get Around Between Tombs
If you’re feeling energetic and have time to spare, you can choose to walk between Zhaoling and Dingling, as these two tombs are relatively close to each other. However, for the other tombs, it’s better to rely on public transportation or taxis due to the distances involved.
Taxis or ride-sharing services are also a good option for a more convenient and faster trip between the tombs, with a typical fare of around 15 RMB for a direct ride. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider taking public buses, which cost about 2 RMB per ride.
Time Required for a Visit
You’ll need around four hours to fully explore the Ming Tombs. Starting from Ming Tombs Subway Station, you’ll have enough time to visit the key tombs, including Dingling, Changling, and Zhaoling, and still make it back to the subway station on time.
For those pressed for time, it’s advisable to focus on the most valuable tombs—Dingling and Changling. Dingling is the only tomb with an underground palace, and Changling is the largest and one of the most significant, as it is the burial site of Emperor Zhu Di. Zhaoling is smaller and less developed, so you can skip it if you’re running short on time.
What to Expect Around the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are surrounded by small villages where you’ll find basic amenities like restaurants and snack shops. While food prices are relatively moderate, expect to pay slightly more in this tourist area compared to other parts of Beijing. You can bring snacks like biscuits if you prefer, as the visit won’t take too long.
If you’re a cat lover, Dingling Tomb is a great spot to encounter friendly stray cats that aren’t afraid of humans. You can bring some food to feed them and enjoy some cute interactions.
Tips for a Successful Visit
- Not all tombs are open to the public: Only Dingling, Changling, Zhaoling, and the Sacred Way are open for visitors. The Sacred Way, in particular, is an important part of ancient burial culture and is worth exploring.
- Time and accessibility: The Ming Tombs are located in the outskirts of Beijing, so traveling there can take a while. If you’re visiting from central Beijing, half a day should be sufficient. If you’re coming from Tianjin, a day trip will be enough.
- Traffic on weekends: The area tends to be crowded on weekends, especially with families visiting nearby rural areas. The narrow roads can lead to heavy traffic, which may slow down your trip. It’s best to avoid peak hours, or simply take public transport to avoid the hassle.
- Public transport or taxis: If you’re only planning to visit the Ming Tombs, public transportation or taxis will be your best bet. Public buses are more economical, but if you prefer a quicker and more comfortable experience, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services.