Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ful, and the
bǎo chéng
(fortified wall) around the burial mound is unusual in both its size
and form. The tomb, resting place of Emperor Longqing (1537-72), is at the end of the
village of Zhāolíng ( Zhāolíng Cūn).
SPIRIT WAY
( Shéndào; admission ¥35; 7am-8pm)
The road to the tombs is a 7km stretch called Spirit Way.
Starting from the south, with a triumphal triple archway known as the
Great Palace Gate
contains a giant
bìxì
(mythical tortoise-like dragon) bearing the largest stele in China. A
guard of 12 sets of giant stone animals and officials ensues.
|HISTORIC ROAD
EATING AT THE MING TOMBS
The grounds of the tombs are good picnic territory, and there's a
cafe
OFFLINE MAP
(fresh coffee and Chinese
tea from ¥20;
8.30am-5pm) opposite the Museum of the Ming Tombs, just inside Dìng Líng.
park at Dìng Líng (no English sign or menu). Dishes include
xīhóngshì jīdàn miàn
(egg and tomato noodles;
¥18),
zhájiàng miàn
(Běijīng-style pork noodles; ¥18),
huíguō ròu
(spicy cured pork; ¥28),
gōngbào jīdīng
(spicy chicken with peanuts; ¥22) and
yúxiāng ròusī
(sweet and spicy shredded pork; ¥22).
Chuāndǐxià
Explore
Set in a valley 90km west of Běijīng and overlooked by towering peaks, the Ming-dynasty
village of Chuāndǐxià is a gorgeous cluster of historic courtyard homes with old-world
charm. The backdrop is lovely: terraced orchards and fields with ancient houses and alley-
ways rising up the hillside. Two hours is enough to wander around the village, but staying
the night lets you soak up its charms without the day-trippers.
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