Zhāo Líng

Beijing

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The Longqing Emperor, 12th of the Ming Dynasty, only managed a six-year shift on the Dragon Throne before he was entombed here, along with three empresses, in 1572. One of the three Ming tombs open for visitors, Zhāo Líng was largely rebuilt in the 1980s and is consequently the least interesting, though there are nice views to be had of other distant tombs from atop the Soul Tower (明楼, Míng Lóu).

In several of the side halls are museum exhibits on the life of the emperor. The 872 bus doesn't stop here; it's a half-hour walk from Dìng Líng, or local unlicensed taxis will drive you for ¥20.

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Nearby Beijing attractions

1. Dìng Líng

0.38 MILES

Of all the Ming tombs, this is the only one to have been excavated, and visitors can descend into the enormous burial chambers of the Wanli Emperor (1563…

2. Museum of the Ming Tombs

0.53 MILES

Housed in several buildings at Dìng Líng, some of which were closed for renovation at time of research, this museum displays a selection of items…

3. Qìng Líng

1.72 MILES

The tomb of the Taichang Emperor, one of the last emperors to be interred at the Ming Tombs. The road here actually passes through the grounds of the…

4. Xiàn Líng

1.76 MILES

The tomb of the Hongxi Emperor (1378–1425), the second emperor to be buried at the Ming Tombs after Yongle in Chang Ling next door. Not open for visitors.

5. Sī Líng

1.83 MILES

Si Ling is the tomb of the last of the Ming emperors, Chongzhen, who hanged himself at Coal Hill – today's Jingshan Park – as rebels stormed the gates of…

6. Mào Líng

1.85 MILES

The 15th-century tomb of the Chenghua Emperor. Not open for visitors.

7. Cháng Líng

1.87 MILES

It's no coincidence that the most magnificent of the Ming tombs bears more than a passing resemblance to the Forbidden City. It was commissioned by the…

8. Kāng Líng

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The tomb of the Zhengde Emperor, who reigned from 1506–21. It's not open for visitors.