The Ming Tombs and Sacred Way offer you a quite calming, restful and relaxing walk if you want to get out of Beijing for a day. Many travel agencies cover this as part of Badaling Great Wall tour. The tombs is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest from Beijing in Changping County, at the foot of Tianshou (Heavenly Longivity) Mountain. It covers 13 emperor’s mausoleums, 7 concubines tombs and one grave for eunuchs. It was listed in the World Heritage List In July, 2003.

From the third empeoror of Ming Dynasty (Zhu Di) who built his tomb here until the last emperor who hang himself outside the Forbidden City, altogether 13 empeorors buried themselves in this area in the course of 230 years.  Each tomb is indepedent with others with distances ranging from half a kilometer to eight kilometer. The layout and design are very similar. Being the oldest and largerst, Chang Tomb is the most grand. Yong Tomb the most delicate and Siling (Si Tomb) the smallest.

DingLing has been excavated so visitors are allowed to get into the underground burial chamber itself. However, the burial chamber is deep in the underground with a very steep climb down. It’s quite difficult for those who have problems with their heart or who are not used to enclosed spaces.

Whether the Ming tombs is very interesting or not really depends on your interests. It is worth a visit If you’re interested in the history, culture, feng-shui meaning and significance behind the buildings. All you need to know is what door to use and how many times to swipe the transportation smart card when getting there by bus 872. With time you will crack how the bus system works.

Sacred Way offers you a very peacefull walk. It is often tranquil, not crowded with a 1km avenue of weeping willow trees, attractive carved columns, 400 year old carved stone statues of ainimals and human figures which served as guards of honor of Ming emperors. It doesn’t go straight and it’s a curve. The statues are carved out of a piece of stone and quite interesting. It is worth lots of photos. The restroom facility just inside the south entrance of Sacred Way. You will definitely enjoy the stroll down the Sacred Way on a clear day.

Ming Tombs and Sacred Way can be done via a tour, or hiring a vehicle. If you are adventurous, you do it by public transport. In my opinion, how you actually do it probably depends on your budget.

By Car

Hiring a private car getting to Ming Tombs and Sacred Way is a good choice if your budget is not tight and want to avoid the crowds and traffic. If you are travelling with 3 or 4 people, this way is really good value for your money.

By Bus

If you would like to spend a day on the Wall, bus 872 is the cheapest way but it takes at least 1.5 hours to get there by using the local bus service.

Where is the 872 bus station in Beijing?

872 bus station is at Deshengmen (the ancient arrow gate) bus station. Bus 872 parked behind the arrow gate runs directly from Deshengmen to Dingling and Changling every 30 minutes in peak hours from 07:10-19:10.

How to get to 872 bus station at Deshengmen?

The nearest subway station to Deshengmen is Jishuitan station of subway line 2. Take line 2 and leave the subway station from Exit A. Walk for around 10 minutes you will see the arrow gate (Deshengmen) just in front of you. Then cross the street and go behind the gate. The 872 bus stop is just behind the gate.

Which tomb can I get to by bus 872?

The bus 872 goes to Ding tomb and Chang tomb every 30 minutes in peak hours from 07:10-19:10.

How long does it take to Ming tomb by bus 872?

It take around 90 minutes to reach Ming tombs by bus 872, depending on the traffic.

How much does it cost?

It costs around 12 RMB per person.

Suggested itinerary for a day trip to Both Sacred Way and DingLing

Take bus 872 at Deshengmen to Nanxincun which usually covers about 1 hour. On the opposite side of Nanxncun bus stop is exactly Sacred Way that is behind the trees. Cross the road carefully then turn left and walk about 400m along the road you will see the South ticket office / entrance of Sacred Way to your right hand. Enjoy a peaceful walk that usually takes about 30 minutes depending on your prefered pace.

Just walk straight through and exit at the north entrance / exit at the other end of Sacred Way then turn right walk by the souvenir stalls you will see the same road. Cross the road again then turn left walk by the road for about 400 meters you will reach Hu Zhuang bus stop. Take either bus 872 or 314 even local bus 67 within 10 mintues you will get to DingLing. (At Hu Zhuang bus stop when taking bus 872 or 314 you need to swipe the travel card when getting on and getting off the bus). Touring DingLing usually takes about 1 hour including visiting the underground palace and DingLing museum. After that, take bus 872 back to Beijing at Dingling bus station.

Hiring Private Car to Ming Tombs

Hiring a private car for excursions outside the city a good choice if you are not travelling on budget and want to avoid the crowded people and traffic. If you are travelling with 3 or 4 friends, this way is much more cost-efficient. We offer a single online destination to service all of your rental car needs including round trip rental cars, one-way rental cars, airport rental cars and off-airport rental cars.Your rental car with a licensed driver will help you get the most out of your holiday!

Vehicle (Car, Van, Coach) Rental Rates (RMB)

Vehicle (Car, Van, Coach) Rental Rates (RMB)

All Prices shown are in RMB (Chinese Yuan) unless otherwise stated. Driver’s working time is 9 hours daily. The extra cost is 100RMB per hour.

The cost includes:

• City accommodation pick up / drop off,
• Non-English / Chinese speaking driver
• Quality vehicle with A/C
• Transportation fees
• Parking fees, gasoline, toll fees

The cost doesn’t include

• entrance fees to the sites
• single journey of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
• round trip of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
• Meal and tips

Weekend Special!

Enjoy weekend rate of 600RMB for a four-seater air-conditioning car to visit the splendid Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing. Explore the spectacular Mutianyu on an intimate, private car trip. Recommended length of visit: 2-4 hours. Check out Mutianyu travel guide for more tips.

The cost includes:

• City accommodation pick up / drop off,
• Non-English / Chinese speaking driver
• Quality vehicle with A/C
• Transportation fees
• Parking fees, gasoline, toll fees

The cost doesn’t include

• Airport (hotel) pick up / drop off
• 60RMB p.p entrance fees to Mutianyu
• 100RMB p.p for single journey of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
• 120RMB p.p for round trip of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
• Meal and tips

Price Promises:

• No factory / shopping stop
• No hidden costs
• Quality time on attractions
• Honest prices, no surprise

Related Tours: Jiankou Hiking plus Mutianyu Toboggan Ride 

Related Links:  How to Get to Mutianyu by Bus

 

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Ricky

Nihao! I’m Ricky, the founder of WildGreatWall (WGW). Our blog is dedicated to helping you plan your trips to China with ease, save money, and discover hidden gems. We aim to inform, entertain, and inspire you on every adventure.

Our travel blog has already helped thousands of travelers. So join us and come along on our journey around China!

When I’m not on the road or writing, I enjoy street photography, spending time with my wife and our 7-year-old son, Zack, or relaxing at home with our black-and-white cat, Sprite.

Hope my tips inspire your next adventure—happy travels!

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