A Deep Dive into the History and Architectural Beauty of the Ming Tombs: Discover the Hidden Secrets
Exploring the Ming Tombs: Off the Beaten Path, but Absolutely Stunning!
I always thought the Forbidden City and the Great Wall were the epitome of "royal vibes" in Beijing, until a friend dragged me to Changping on May Day—Ming Tombs! Honestly, there weren't that many people! The sun was mild, and the wind rustled through the treetops. I walked along the 7-kilometer Sacred Way, stepping on stones that are over 600 years old, flanked by 24 stone beasts and 12 stone figures lined up perfectly. The sense of grandeur hit me right away—I instantly understood what "less people, more charm" meant.
I wandered from the stone archway to the Changling's En Shrine, looking up at the glossy black camphor wood beams, and I felt a thrill: this really is the vibe of the Ming Dynasty. After strolling around Changling, I headed to Dingling. Going down to the underground tomb, a cold draft hit my neck; the light shone on Emperor Wanli's golden camphor wood coffin, and a quick snap on my phone looked amazing. The taxi back to the city cost just over 50 RMB—who understands this kind of value?!
Why Isn't It More Popular? I’m Here to Defend the Ming Tombs
- Weak promotion: Chances of seeing the Ming Tombs on short-video platforms are about as likely as winning the lottery.
- Distance: It’s over 20 kilometers from downtown, taking a little over an hour via subway and bus on the Changping Line, which many people find too much effort.
- “Tomb” label turns people off: In reality, the surface architecture is even larger than the Forbidden City, and the lush greenery feels completely welcoming.
- Only Dingling gets the spotlight: Changling, Zhao Ling, and the Sacred Way are treasures, but 90% of people only know about Dingling's underground tomb.
How to Experience the Ming Tombs? Just 3 Hours is Enough
| Route | Time | Highlights | My Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Archway → Big Red Gate → Stele Pavilion | 30min | The largest stone archway in the country, free area | Photos can be dull without sunlight, wait for the sun |
| Walk the entire Sacred Way | 1h | Pillar → Stone Lion → Lingxing Gate | Non-slip shoes are a must; the stones are polished and slippery |
| Changling En Shrine | 40min | 32 solid camphor wood pillars, same as the Forbidden City | The main entrance is closed, so you have to go around the side |
| Dingling Underground Tomb | 45min | Emperor Wanli's coffin + 26 burial items | The tomb is cold; I almost froze in just a T-shirt |
| Zhao Ling (optional) | 30min | Newly restored Ming building with painted colors | The small shop at the exit charges too much for ice cream; bring your own water |
In short: No backtracking—start at Changling, then Dingling, and finally Zhao Ling; it lines up perfectly for the subway back home.
My Practical Tips (Quick Version)
- Tickets: Changling 45 RMB, Dingling 60 RMB, Zhao Ling 30 RMB, combo ticket 95 RMB. Buy in advance on the "Changping Cultural Tourism Group" WeChat account, scan the QR code for entry. Buying on-site also avoids long lines, tested it on May Day.
- Transportation: Take the Changping Line subway to [Changping Xishankou] station, exit A and catch the 67 bus directly; if driving, navigate to "Ming Tombs - Changling Parking Lot," parking is 10 RMB for the day.
- Food: At the entrance of Changling, "Kangling Spring Pancake Feast" is 40 RMB per person, filling and tasty; you won't be hungry for more exploration afterward.
- What to Wear: No matter the month, bring a jacket! The tomb is usually around 15℃, and a skirt won't cut it for girls.
- Photography Spots:
- At the sixth pair of stone lions, crouch low, angle the camera up 45°, and get both you and the lion in the frame.
- At the Changling En Shrine, frame your shot through the doorway to the Ming building behind for that perfect angle.
- From the second-floor window of the Ming building at Dingling, catch the view of the red walls and golden tiles with Tianshou Mountain—easy striking shots!
Bonus: A Little Secret I Stumbled Upon
After exploring Dingling, don’t rush off; follow the signs about 200 meters towards the back mountain to see the unopened Yongling earthen wall. You can spot half a brick-built doorway peeking through the weeds, and the sunset hitting the yellow earth makes it feel straight out of a “Ghost Blows Out the Light” scene. The security guy told me to stay back, but taking photos from a distance wasn’t an issue.
That’s the essence of the Ming Tombs—no throngs of people bursting at the seams, no street vendors hollering, just the wind whispering through centuries-old cypress trees.
Next time you're in Beijing, don't just settle for the Forbidden City and the Great Wall; carve out a morning to catch up with the Ming emperors from afar.