Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5
Deshengmen, Di'anmen, Beihai Park, Xihuamen, Zhongshan Park, Qianmen
20
Beijing South Train Station, Tianqiao, Dashilar, Tian'anmen Sq, Wangfujing, Dong-
dan, Beijing Train Station
52
Beijing West Train Station, Muxidi, Fuxingmen, Xidan, Gate of Heavenly Peace,
Dongdan, Beijing Train Station, Jianguomen
103
Beijing Train Station, Dengshikou, China Art Gallery, Forbidden City (north en-
trance), Beihai Park, Fuchengmen, Beijing Zoo
AROUND BEIJING
Ming Tombs
The Unesco-protected Ming Tombs
( Shisan Ling;
Click here
)
is the final rest-
ing place for 13 of the 16 Ming-dynasty emperors and makes for a fascinating
half-day trip. The scattered tombs - each a huge temple-like complex, guard-
ing an enormous burial mound at its rear - back onto the southern slopes of
Tianshou Mountain. Only three of the 13 tombs are open to the public, and
only one has had its underground burial chambers excavated, but what you
are able to see is impressive, and leaves you wondering just how many price-
less treasures must still be buried here.
Chang Ling
( admission ¥45, audio guide ¥50)
, the resting place of the first
of the 13 emperors to be buried here, contains the body of Emperor Yongle
(1402-1424), his wife and 16 concubines, and is the largest, most impressive
and most important of the tombs. Seated upon a three-tiered marble terrace,
the standout structure in this complex is the
Hall of Eminent Favours
(
Ling'en Dian), containing a recent statue of Yongle, various artefacts excav-
ated from Ding Ling, and a breathtaking interior with vast
nanmu
(cedar wood)
columns. As with all three tombs here, you can climb the
Soul Tower
( Ming
Lou) at the back of the complex for fine views of the surrounding hills.
Ding Ling
( admission ¥65, audio guide ¥50)
, the resting place of Emperor
Wanli (1572-1620) and his wife and concubines, is at first less impressive
than Chang Ling because many of the halls and gateways have been des-
