• Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling) - A professional guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in Beijing. Relax and enjoy the journey as you delve into the rich imperial history of Beijing.

Sacred Way
Upon arrival, you will stroll along the Sacred Way, an ancient path adorned with impressive stone statues of lions, elephants, camels, and officials. These statues were placed to guard and protect the emperors’ tombs. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights about these sculptures and their significance in Chinese imperial culture.

• Dingling Underground Palace - For the Ming Tombs experience, you can choose between Dingling or Changling. If you opt for 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. Explore the underground palaces, 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 renowned for its magnificent main hall, the Ling’en Hall, one of the largest wooden structures in China, built with precious nanmu wood. The hall is filled with historical artifacts and displays, offering a deeper understanding of the Ming Dynasty’s power and prosperity.

• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - After visiting the Ming Tombs, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Post-lunch, head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast imperial garden served as a retreat for the royal family, blending natural landscapes with man-made structures to offer harmonious beauty. Spanning over 290 hectares, it features Kunming Lake, numerous palaces, temples, and pavilions, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese garden design and imperial architecture.

• Hall of Benevolence and Longevity - Entering from the East Palace Gate, the first sight is the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian), where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu handled state affairs during their stays. Admire the grand architecture and historical relics inside.

Next, visit the Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang), where Emperor Guangxu was once imprisoned during the Hundred Days’ Reform. Explore the living quarters and learn about the historical events that occurred here.

• Long Corridor at the Summer Palace - Walk along the Long Corridor, a 728-meter-long corridor 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 - Enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and spot the Marble Boat, an iconic structure in the Summer Palace. Constructed entirely of marble, this boat-shaped building is 36 meters long. Originally built in 1755 during Emperor Qianlong’s reign, it was named Qingyan Fang, symbolizing the Qing Dynasty’s stability, as the stone boat would never sink. The upper deck is decorated with Western-style windows and railings, reflecting Western cultural influence during the late Qing Dynasty.

• Kunming Lake - Finally, you have the option to take a boat ride on Kunming Lake at your own expense. Enjoy the beautiful lake scenery, 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 return you to your hotel. Reflect on the amazing day filled with the history and culture of Beijing’s imperial past.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th ring road
• Lunch included
• Transport by private vehicle
• Professional guide provided
• Entrance fee covered
• Bottled water supplied

• Gratuities
• Boat Cruise inside the Summer Palace

Eager to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Beijing? Consider the comprehensive private tour that includes visits to the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace. Travel back in time as you discover the final resting place of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty at the captivating Ming Tombs. Stroll along the Sacred Way, adorned with stone statues of animals and officials designed to guard the tombs, before proceeding to the stunning Summer Palace - an expansive complex of gardens, temples, and palaces where emperors once sought refuge from the summer heat. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide offering intriguing insights into each location, this tour provides a deep and engaging experience of Beijing’s imperial heritage.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.