Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride

5.0
(24 reviews)
Beijing, China

9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This curated one-day private tour is the ultimate summer escape in Beijing, masterfully pairing iconic imperial history with breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs with our English-speaking guide, who unveils the fascinating secrets of imperial burial rituals and the grand legacy of the Ming Dynasty. Then, venture to Longqing Gorge—a stunning summer paradise of soaring limestone cliffs, glassy turquoise lakes and gentle mountain breezes. Drift along the serene waters by cruise boat, immerse yourself in the cool, tranquil scenery and leave the sweltering city behind.
Enjoy a private chauffeured vehicle, dedicated English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to all attractions, a relaxing cruise boat ride and a delicious local lunch.
With personalized service and seamless arrangements from start to finish, this unforgettable day perfectly balances profound cultural discovery and idyllic natural relaxation—an unmissable summer experience in Beijing!

What's Included

Professional guide
Bottled water
Lunch
Boat Ride
Transport by private vehicle
Entrance Fee
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We pick you up from your hotel within the 4th ring road of Beijing city, please provide the hotel details when make booking. If your hotel is out of the 4th ring road of Beijing city, may have extra cost.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • Beijing (Pass by)

    Your English-speaking guide and private car will meet you right in your hotel lobby—no hassle, just a smooth start to your day. We’ll head straight to Longqing Gorge, and along the way, your guide will share fascinating histories and stories tied to the region. Sit back, relax, and let the passing scenery unfold; if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask—your guide is here to make your journey as engaging as it is comfortable.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Upon arrival at Longqing Gorge, follow your tour guide to start exploring this stunning destination—flanked by lush green peaks on both sides, it lives up to its famous reputations: often hailed as a "mini Li River (Guilin)" yet even more breathtaking, and a "mini Yangtze Three Gorges" while boasting more dramatic, rugged charm. The valleys here are a feast for the eyes: crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding landscapes, revealing not just towering cliffs, sharp peaks, and steep rocks, but also unique geological formations like stone cones, stone pillars, and dissolution crevices. Your first stop is the Dragon Escalator—a one-of-a-kind ride that combines convenience with sightseeing. Next, board a cruise boat to drift across the calm, mirror-like lake. As you sail, you’ll be fully immersed in the gorge’s natural beauty—with dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation passing by—until you reach Moon Island. Here, your guide will lead you to explore the island’s ancient temples.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling) (Pass by)

    After wrapping up your exploration of Longqing Gorge, you’ll head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a relaxing lunch—refueling for the rest of your day. Afterward, you’ll travel directly to the Ming Tombs. Currently, six areas are open to the public: Changling, Dingling, Zhaoling, Kangling, Yongling, and Siling. Among them, Dingling is the most visited as it houses an open underground palace, where Emperor Wanli and his empresses were laid to rest. This underground wonder offers a rare peek into Ming Dynasty imperial burial customs and ancient architecture, and it's exactly where our journey will take us.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Dingling Underground Palace

    Among the thirteen Ming Tombs, Dingling is truly one-of-a-kind—it’s the only one with an open underground palace, and our focus for the visit. This tomb belongs to Emperor Zhu Yijun (Emperor Wanli), the longest-reigning ruler among all 16 Ming emperors. Construction began when he was just 22, took 6 years to finish, and upon his death, he was laid to rest here alongside his two empresses. Explore the grand underground palace—with its stone corridors, spacious chambers, and intricate carvings that showcase Ming Dynasty craftsmanship.You’ll also see displays of imperial relics: from the emperor’s and empresses’ ceremonial clothing and jade ornaments to ancient porcelain and bronze vessels. As your guide shares stories of the dynasty and the emperor’s life, you’ll feel transported back to the Ming era—all while marveling at the complexity of its burial culture. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your Beijing hotel, marking the perfect end to this wonderful private day trip.

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Age under 3 is free to join
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Supplied by Discover Beijing Tours

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Tags

Day Cruises
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Lunch Cruises
Underground Tours
Water Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Car Tours
Excellent Quality

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 24 24 reviews
5 stars
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4 stars
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