Highlights
- Escape the crowds and scorching heat in cool natural surroundings
- Cruise karst peaks, ride the Dragon Escalator, and tour Dingling palace
- Learn about Ming Dynasty feng shui and history from an English-speaking guide
- Enjoy a comfortable and time-saving private door-to-door transfer
Description
Escape the crowds with this off-the-beaten-path summer itinerary in Beijing—no need to travel to Guilin to marvel at poetic landscapes! Blending stunning natural scenery with profound Ming Dynasty history, this day tour offers a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Your English-speaking guide and private car will greet you at your hotel lobby, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey. Heading straight to Longqing Gorge, you’ll first board the iconic Dragon Escalator—a winding outdoor escalator that climbs along the cliffside, offering bird’s-eye views of lush green valleys and crystal-clear waters as you ascend. Once at the top, step onto the cruise ship to glide across the serene lake. Surrounded by towering karst peaks and verdant forests, the scenery mirrors Guilin’s famous landscapes, with sunlight dancing on the water and fresh mountain air refreshing your senses.
Disembark at Moon Island, where you’ll explore ancient temples nestled among greenery—admire intricate architectural details and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. For adventure seekers, optional paid water sports are available, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or speed boating, letting you immerse yourself in the natural beauty from a different perspective. Spend around 2 hours at Longqing Gorge, savoring every moment of nature’s tranquility.
Next, enjoy a delicious authentic Chinese countryside lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, head to the Ming Tombs—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, embodying over 500 years of imperial history and burial traditions.
Among the tombs, we’ll visit Dingling, the only one with an entirely excavated and open underground palace—making it the most accessible and informative site to understand Ming imperial burials. Follow your guide to explore the grand underground complex: walk through stone corridors, admire the massive stone gates, and see well-preserved artifacts including imperial coffins, jade ornaments, gold and silver utensils, and ritual objects that reveal the luxury and symbolism of Ming court life. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the tomb’s owner, Emperor Wanli, and the intricate burial customs that reflected the dynasty’s social hierarchy and spiritual beliefs. Feel free to ask questions and delve deeper into this fascinating chapter of Chinese history.
As the tour concludes, your private car will transfer you back to your Beijing hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
Includes
Bottled water
Lunch
Professional guide
Private tour
Transport by private vehicle
Entrance fee to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at Ming Tombs
Boat ride at Longqing Gorge
Excludes
Gratuities
Additional entrance fee and cable car at Longqing Gorge
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
