The Ming Tombs (Shisan Ling) are the burial ground of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, set in a beautiful mountain valley about 50 km northwest of Beijing. The Sacred Way (Spirit Path) — a 700-meter avenue lined with 18 pairs of giant stone animals and officials — is the most photographed part of the site and an essential stop for anyone interested in Chinese imperial history.
Most visitors combine the Ming Tombs with a Great Wall trip (often Badaling or Mutianyu) because they share the same northwestern corridor. Our Ming Tombs private car picks you up at your hotel, drives you through the sacred valley, and waits while you walk the Spirit Path and visit the Dingling underground palace. From $120 for a full-day charter.
Distances & Driving Time
| Route | Distance | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing hotel → Sacred Way (Ming Tombs) | ~50 km | 1 hour |
| Capital Airport (PEK) → Ming Tombs | ~60 km | 1-1.2 hours |
| Sacred Way → Dingling Underground Palace | ~3 km | 10 min |
| Ming Tombs → Badaling Great Wall | ~20 km | 30 min |
| Ming Tombs → Mutianyu Great Wall | ~35 km | 50 min |
Ming Tombs Sacred Way Private Car Rates
Full-day charter (8-9 hours) with professional driver. Fixed price — no hidden fees. Easily combined with Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall on the same route. Overtime at $15/hour.
| Vehicle | Seats | Full-Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| VW Passat / Toyota Camry | 1-3 seats | $120 ~¥864 |
| Buick GL8 (MPV) | 4-6 seats | $160 ~¥1152 |
| Mercedes V-Class | 7-8 seats | $240 ~¥1728 |
Why Choose Our Private Car
- Professional driver through the Ming Tombs valley
- Driver waits while you walk the Sacred Way
- Ideal combo: Ming Tombs + Great Wall in one day
- Skip crowded tour buses on the Spirit Path
- Fixed pricing before booking, no hidden fees
- All fuel, tolls, parking and bottled water included
Suggested Ming Tombs Sacred Way Itinerary
Highlights & Options
🗿 Sacred Way (Spirit Path)
Easy1 hour Iconic avenue
The 700-meter approach lined with lions, elephants, camels, horses and stone officials. Built in the 15th century, it is the best-preserved imperial spirit path in China.
🏛️ Dingling Underground Palace
Popular1.5 hours Excavated tomb
The only Ming tomb excavated to date. Descend into the stone-vault underground palace where the Wanli Emperor and two empresses were buried.
⛰️ Changling (Yongle Emperor)
Moderate1 hour Largest hall
The largest and most imposing of the Ming tombs, with the famous Hall of Eminent Favor built from rare nanmu cedar wood.
What's Included
Included
- Private sedan / MPV for the full day
- Professional, English-friendly driver
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Bottled water
- Free time to walk the Spirit Path
Not Included
- Ming Tombs joint entrance ticket (~$20-30/person)
- Dingling underground palace ticket
- Lunch
- Licensed tour guide
- Tips