Due to the diverse terrain and rich landscapes of the Ming Tombs area, many hiking enthusiasts have discovered more cross-country hiking routes.
Outdoor leader "Keep Walking" still posts Ming Tombs hiking activities on their website. This route not only offers historical insights but also includes various leisure activities, making it perfect for a weekend outing. At the same time, due to the diverse terrain and rich landscapes of the Ming Tombs area, many hiking enthusiasts have discovered more cross-country hiking routes.
Recommended hiking routes through the highlights of the Ming Tombs
Route recommendation: Leader "Keep Walking"
Completing all thirteen tombs involves an average of 2 kilometers between each tomb. Hiking through seven to eight of the more iconic tombs, with an average of 1 kilometer between each, is suitable for first-timers. This usually includes five tombs west of Changling, plus three to the east or three to the west.
1. Start walking from the terminal of Bus 345 Express at "Chaofeng’an," about 1 kilometer to the lakeside, which is the Dongshankou, the eastern boundary of the Ming Tombs area. Walk along the North Reservoir Road toward Deling. On the north shore of the reservoir, descend to the lakeside and walk for 2 kilometers. Near the 13-kilometer milestone of the North Reservoir Road, enter Deling Village. Cover Deling, Yongling, and Jingling in about 3 kilometers. In the afternoon, hike through Changling, Xianling, Qingling, Yuling, and Dingling, with a total distance of about 15 kilometers (or add Zhaoling, two imperial concubine tombs, and Siling for a total of 20 kilometers).
2. From the Sacred Way and the less than 3-kilometer stretch from Changling to Maoling, there are five densely located imperial tombs, plus Jingling, Yongling, and Deling to the southeast, covering about 8 kilometers. Lunch can be had in Changling Village, where there are many restaurants, including a 35-yuan-per-person imperial banquet.
3. Take Bus 872 at Changping West Ring South Road and transfer to Changling, then take Chang 55 to reach Taoling to start hiking. Arrive at Kangling around 12:30 PM for a spring pancake feast. In the afternoon, pass through Maoling, Yuling, Qingling, and Xianling in sequence, arriving at Changling around 3:00 PM and taking Bus 872 back.
Hiking routes around the Ming Tombs
Recommendation: A San, senior leader from Green Field (www.lvye.cn)
1. Changling – Wangbaochuan – Dahei Mountain – Lixinzhuang
From the starting station of Bus 345 Express to Changping Dongguan, take Bus 314 to Changling. Return from Lixinzhuang via Bus 32.
2. Juyongguan – Jiuxian Temple – Mopan Mountain – Huyu Scenic Area – Huyu
Exit at Longze Station of the urban rail, take Changping Bus 68 to Juyongguan. Walk 3 kilometers south from the entrance of Huyu Scenic Area to Hongnigou, then take Bus 357 or 376 back to the city.
3. Yinshan Pagoda Forest – Dongshuiyu – Mangshan
Enter through the Yinshan Pagoda Forest scenic area, pass through Wangbaochuan to Dongshuiyu, then to Mangshan Park. Get off at the W??? Lüjie Lian? Zhengzhi 45 bus stop. It is said that the Tang Dynasty eminent monk Deng YinFeng once preached here on Yinshan, and during the Liao Dynasty, Baoyan Temple was built in front of the mountain, a famous temple in the suburbs of Beijing. There are also five Liao-style dense-eave brick pagodas and two Yuan Dynasty Lamaist stupas. Many uniquely shaped pagodas were also built on the surrounding mountain slopes.
4. Longhutai – Huyu – Gouya – Dingling
On the descent from the Huyu Pass to Gouya, there is a steep section. Upon reaching the valley floor, there is a glacier, so watch your step to avoid slipping. Pass by the parking lot of Zhaoling, cross the village toward Dingling, and take Bus 314 at Dingling to Changping Dongguan, then transfer to Bus 345 or 919 to return to Deshengmen.