Ming Tombs

Chang Tomb Lingen Gate

Stone Sculptures of Ding Tomb

Thirteen of the 16 Ming dynasty emperors are buried in the Ming Tombs (Ming Shisanling), which are located in a valley about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Beijing. Three tombs in the valley are open to the public, Changling, Dingling and Zhaoling.

Changling
Changling is the first tomb ahead. Considered the most important in the valley, it is the tomb of Emperor Yongle, who died in 1424. Although the tomb itself has not been excavated, you can visit the imposing Hall of Sacrifice, which is supported by 32 huge pillars, each of which was carved from a single tree and transported from Yunnan Province.

Dingling
Dingling, the tomb of Emperor Wanli and his two concubines was excavated in 1958. The excavation team found a number of underground vaults and around 300 garments and many pieces of jewelry, curios, and porcelain packed in 26 lacquer chests all of which are now displayed in tow exhibition halls outside.

Zhaoling
Zhaoling is the tomb of Ming dynasty Emperor Longqing.
The remainder of the tombs is awaiting excavation. Due to the locatiojn of Ming Tombs that adjacent to Beijing Great Wall as well as the unique characteristic of Chinese imperial tombs, Ming Tombs are hot destinations for Beijing Great Wall Tour too. On the other hand, Beijing to Xian Tour will enable you to visit Tomb of Qinshihuang too.

Sacred Path Dagongmen

Sacred Path - Stone Sculpture

Sacred Path (Spirit Way)
After an emperor died, his body was placed in a coffin and carried to this tomb along an impressive pathway called the Spirit Way (Shendao or Lingdao). The body was accompanied by 24 carved stone statues: six pairs of animals – lions, xiechi (a mythical beast), camels, elephants, unicorns and horses – and three pairs of humans – scholars, administrators and soldiers.
In order to reach the tombs, you must also walk along the Spirit Way, which begins beneath a stone portico with five carved archways and continues through the Great Red Gate (Dahongmen). The gate’s central archway was reserved solely for the coffins of deceased emperors. Next is the Stele Pavilion (Beiting), which holds a large stele eulogizing the Ming dynasty emperors. The Spirit Way comes to an end at the Dragon and Phoenix Gate (Lingxing Men and Longfeng Men), which the dead emperor passed on his way to the tomb. After crossing the arched bridge, you can visit the tombs, which are scattered around the valley.

Tours might suit your interests
	Beijing Day Tour to Great Wall, Sacred Path & Ding Tomb Tour Code: BJPDT1003 Highlights: Great Wall, Sacred Path & Ding Tomb
	Beijing Day Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Sacred Path & Ming Tomb Tour Code: BJPDT1007 Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Path & Chang Tomb
	4 Days Beijing Classic Tour Tour Code: BJPPW4002 Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Ding Tomb & Beijing Great Wall
	2 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Hotel Tour Code: BJPPH2002 Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Ming Tombs & Mutianyu Great Wall
	3 Days Beijing Highlight Tour with Hotel Tour Code: BJPPH3002 Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs & Mutianyu Great Wall