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A stone archway with statues and a warrior figure in front. 1
A stone monument with carvings, a metal gate, and a signboard against a clear blue sky. 2
A traditional Chinese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky. 3
A traditional Chinese pagoda on a hill, a dragon boat on the water, and a smaller boat nearby. 4
A traditional boat with a pavilion on it, floating on water. 5
By Unique Beijing Tours

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $166 and current price is $149 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

  • Book our private tour to explore the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace hassle‑free.
    We provide 2 service options:
    1: Transport‑Only Package: Private car with driver+entrance tickets. No tour guide. Lunch not included.
    2: Guided Full Experience: Private car with driver+entrance tickets+professional local guide. Lunch not included.

    Step back into the Ming Dynasty as you wander the hauntingly beautiful Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 emperors, where ancient architecture and serene landscapes whisper tales of imperial grandeur. Then stroll the Sacred Way, flanked by imposing stone statues of mythical beasts and royal officials, crafted to guard the tombs for eternity. Cap off your day at the magnificent Summer Palace—a sprawling imperial retreat of lush gardens, ornate temples, and tranquil lakes, where emperors once escaped the summer heat.
    If you select the guided option, a knowledgeable local guide will be by your side to uncover hidden stories&fascinating insights.

Activity location

  • Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
    • Ming Shisan Ling Area, Changling Town, Changping District,
    • 102213, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
    • Ming Shisan Ling Area, Changling Town, Changping District,
    • 102213, Beijing, China

Check availability

Private Transfer+Tickets

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Private Transfer+Tickets: Choose this option to have private transfer and tickets, no tour guide, you will visit sites on your own, driver wait for you
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
$166.00
$149.40 x 1 Adult$149.40
Total
The previous price was $166.00 and current price is $149.40
10% off
Until Fri, Aug 28

Guided Tour

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Guided Tour : Choose this option to have an English speaking guide, private transfer and entrance tickets, lunch is not included.
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
$289.00
$260.10 x 1 Adult$260.10
Total
The previous price was $289.00 and current price is $260.10
10% off
Until Fri, Aug 28

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Bottled water
  • Inclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off (hotels within the 4th ring road)
  • Inclusions
    Professional guide if you choose option 2
  • Inclusions
    Entrance fee
  • Inclusions
    Transport by private vehicle
  • Exclusions
    Gratuities
  • Exclusions
    Boat Cruise inside the Summer Palace
  • Exclusions
    English speaking guide if you choose option 1

Know before you book

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Activity itinerary

Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
We offer 2 service options for your selection: • Option 1: Transport‑Only Package：Private car with driver, entrance tickets included. No tour guide service. • Option 2: Guided Full Experience：Private car with driver, entrance tickets included, plus professional on‑site guide commentary. Your driver (and professional guide if you select Option 2) will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing. Sit back and relax as you start your journey to explore the rich imperial history of Beijing. Sacred Way Upon arrival, you will walk along the Sacred Way. This ancient path is lined with a series of impressive stone statues, including lions, elephants, camels, and officials. These statues were placed here to stand guard and protect the tombs of the emperors. As you stroll along the Sacred Way, your guide will share interesting stories and historical facts about these sculptures and their significance in Chinese imperial culture (guide commentary available only for Option 2).

Dingling Underground Palace

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
For Ming Tombs experience, you can choose either Dingling or Changling. If you choose Dingling, you will visit the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun and his two empresses. Dingling is the only tomb among the Ming Tombs that has been excavated so far. You can explore the underground palaces, which are a remarkable feat of ancient architecture. Admire the stone carvings and the grandeur of the burial chambers, learning about the burial customs and the life of the Ming emperors.​ For Changling, it is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Changling is known for its magnificent main hall, the Ling'en Hall. This hall is one of the largest wooden structures in China, built with precious nanmu wood. The hall is filled with historical artifacts and displays, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the Ming Dynasty's power and prosperity.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
After visiting the Ming Tombs, you will head to the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast imperial garden that served as a retreat for the royal family. It seamlessly blends natural landscapes with man - made structures, offering a harmonious beauty. Spanning over 290 hectares, it features a large lake - Kunming Lake, numerous palaces, temples, and pavilions, all of which showcase the pinnacle of Chinese garden design and imperial architecture.

Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

  • 20m
  • Admission ticket included
Entering from the East Palace Gate, the first sight that greets you is the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian). This was the place where the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu handled state affairs during their stays at the Summer Palace. Admire the grand architecture and the historical relics inside. After that, visit the Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang). This was the place where Emperor Guangxu was once imprisoned during the Hundred Days' Reform. Explore the living quarters and learn about the historical events that took place here.

Long Corridor at the Summer Palace (Pass by)

Next, walk along the Long Corridor. This 728 - meter - long corridor is decorated with over 14,000 colorful paintings, depicting stories from Chinese history, mythology, and literature. It is a masterpiece of art and engineering.

Qingyan Stone Boat (Pass by)

As you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, you'll spot the Marble Boat, an iconic structure in the Summer Palace. Constructed entirely of marble, this boat - shaped building is 36 meters long. It was originally built in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and was named Qingyan Fang, symbolizing the stability of the Qing Dynasty, as the stone boat would never sink. The upper deck of the Marble Boat is decorated with Western - style windows and railings, reflecting the influence of Western culture during the late Qing Dynasty.

Kunming Lake (Pass by)

Finally, you have the option to take a boat ride on Kunming Lake at your own expense. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, with views of the Seventeen - Arch Bridge and the various palaces and temples along the shore. At the end of the tour, your driver and guide will drop you back at your hotel. Reflect on the amazing day filled with the history and culture of Beijing's imperial past.​

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
    • Ming Shisan Ling Area, Changling Town, Changping District,
    • 102213, Beijing, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
    • Ming Shisan Ling Area, Changling Town, Changping District,
    • 102213, Beijing, China

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