Highlights
- Discover two UNESCO Sights of Beijing in a single day
- Explore one of the China’s most beautiful imperial gardens at the Summer Palace
- Walk in the ancient Scared Road, admire stone statues dating back to 500 years
- Admire the treasures from the Dingling Underground Palace and learn its history
- Hassle-free door-to-door private transfer for a comfortable, stress-free trip
Description
Start your full-day Beijing tour with a hassle-free pickup at your downtown hotel. Meet your dedicated guide, board a comfortable private vehicle, and head to the Ming Tombs Scenic Area—the ride takes 1 hour from downtown. Along the way, your guide will share key Ming Dynasty history and Ming Tombs background; feel free to ask questions anytime.
First Stop: Sacred Way
Wander this ancient path lined with 18 pairs of 500-year-old marble statues (lions, elephants, mythical creatures, etc.). Your guide will explain the Fengshui principles of the Ming Tombs and the statues’ symbolic roles in guarding imperial tombs.
Choose Your Mausoleum (We Recommend Dingling Tomb)
The Ming Tombs consist of 13 imperial mausoleums, and only a few are open to the public—you’ll choose between Dingling Tomb (our top pick) and Changling Tomb:
• Dingling Tomb (Recommended): The only fully excavated imperial tomb in the complex. Built in 1584–1590, it houses Emperor Wanli and his two empresses. Visit the museum to see over 3,000 unearthed relics (dragon robes, jade, gold/silver artifacts) and explore the 5-chamber underground palace.
• Changling Tomb: The largest and best-preserved Ming Tomb, dedicated to Emperor Yongle (founder of Beijing’s imperial capital). Admire the grand Hall of Elegance and Peace—built with rare nanmu wood and 32 massive pillars—while learning about the emperor’s reign (Zheng He’s expeditions, Forbidden City construction).
After exploring, enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. Then proceed to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO-listed imperial garden.
Summer Palace
You’ll visit the garden’s key attractions, including the Long Corridor, Marble Boat, Hall of Joyful Longevity, and Kunming Lake. As you wander through these iconic sites, your guide will uncover the garden’s rich history and fascinating backstories—from its origins as a imperial retreat to its transformation over dynasties. Highlights include vivid tales of Empress Dowager Cixi: how she diverted funds earmarked for the imperial navy to renovate the garden as her lavish private resort, her daily life and extravagant rituals here, and the garden’s role in the decline of the Qing Dynasty.
Optional: Dragon Boat cruise on Kunming Lake (March–October, own cost) for panoramic views.
At the tour’s end, you’ll be transferred back to your downtown hotel.
Includes
English speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport by private vehicle
Entrance Fee (If you choose the related option)
Lunch (If you choose the related option)
Excludes
Gratuities
Lunch and Entrance fee(If you choose the basic package without tickets and lunch)
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
