Ming Tombs

Spot Facts

1. Sacred Way

   Start · Entrance
2. Great Red Gate

   about 1150 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Enter from the stone archway of the Sacred Way and pass through the Great Red Gate to the stone statues: 12 pairs of stone figures and beasts line both sides, with civil and military officials, qilin, and camels vividly lifelike; this is the most photogenic section of the Ming Tombs. About 50 minutes. Why this route: the Sacred Way is the "face" of the imperial tombs, and the stone statues are imposing.
3. Changling

   about 6240 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Visit Changling (the tomb of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di): the Ling'en Hall is a hall of golden nanmu wood, with beams and pillars so thick they can barely be encircled by arms; it is the largest ground structure among the Ming dynasty tombs. About 50 minutes. Why this route: Changling has the most completely preserved ground buildings, and its nanmu hall is rare nationwide.
4. Dingling Underground Palace

   about 2040 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Tour Dingling: descend the stairs 27 meters to the underground palace, where the central and rear halls have stone barrel-vaulted ceilings and the original site of Emperor Wanli's coffin is displayed; if time permits, also visit Zhaoling. About 1.5 hours. Why this route: Dingling is the only excavated and open underground palace, offering a look at the emperor's "underground sleeping chamber."
5. Zhaoling

   about 780 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

Things to Note