If you’re visiting Beijing and want to take a break from the bustling city, a trip to the Eastern Qing Tombs (Qing Dong Ling) is a great idea. Known for its historical significance and peaceful atmosphere, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the tombs of emperors, empresses, and other royal figures from the Qing Dynasty.
But How to Get to Eastern Qing Tombs (Qing Dong Ling) from Beijing? Whether you plan to take public transport or drive yourself, this travel guide will help you navigate your way to the Eastern Qing Tombs with ease.
What Are the Eastern Qing Tombs?
Before we dive into the logistics of getting to Qing Dong Ling, let’s quickly explore what makes this site so special. The Eastern Qing Tombs are one of the largest imperial burial sites in China. Located about 125 kilometers from Beijing, they house the tombs of 5 Qing emperors, including the famous Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong, along with their families.
Surrounded by stunning landscapes, these tombs are not just a fascinating piece of Chinese history but also an incredible place to experience traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping. Visiting the Eastern Qing Tombs is truly like stepping back in time.
Now, let’s get to the part you’re most interested in—how to get to Eastern Qing Tombs from Beijing!
1. How to Get to Qing Dong Ling by Public Transport
Planning a visit to the Eastern Qing Tombs from Beijing? Since the tombs are a bit further out, taking public transport is a convenient and affordable option. Here’s a quick guide on how to get there and back.
To get from Beijing to Qing Dong Ling (Eastern Qing Tombs), you’ll depart from the Beijing Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station (北京四惠长途客运站).
Beijing Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station
The bus station operates daily from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Address: 68 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区建国路68号
Contact Numbers: 010-65574804, 010-65574810
Beijing Si Hui Long-Distance Bus Station serves routes across nine provinces and one municipality, with buses heading to regions like Northeast China, Tangshan in Hebei, Tianjin, and parts of Southern China. Currently, the station operates 77 routes with a fleet of 371 vehicles, handling about 310 departures daily. Each year, the station serves over 1.9 million passengers, making it one of Beijing’s major transport hubs.
How to Get There: The closest subway stations to the long-distance bus station are Sihui Station (四惠站） on Subway Line 1 and the Batong Line. To reach the long-distance bus station from the subway, simply exit from the southeast exit (Exit A or C2), cross the street, and walk southeast and you will ge there.
A. From Beijing Sihui Bus Station to Eastern Qing Tombs
- Departure Times: Buses run from 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM, with approximately 13 departures each day (roughly one bus per hour). During holidays, buses may run more frequently to accommodate demand.
- Ticket Price: A one-way ticket costs 57 RMB, and you don’t need to buy a ticket all the way to Zunhua (遵化) (the nearest big city). Just the ticket to the Eastern Qing Tombs is enough.
- Bus Route: Once you’ve purchased your ticket, follow the signs to the Zunhua (遵化) direction for boarding. The bus will take you to the Qing Dong Ling Visitor Center Parking Lot (清东陵游客服务中心停车场) . If there are passengers for the tombs, the driver will stop there; otherwise, the bus will continue straight to Zunhua (遵化). Be sure to inform the driver that you are heading to Eastern Qing Tombs (清东陵) to avoid any confusion.
Once the bus is full, it leaves. Expect the drive to take around 2 hours on normal days. However, be mindful of traffic during holidays—it may take longer. On my trip, the bus arrived at the visitor center at 12:20 PM, which was about 3.5 hours due to traffic.
B. From Eastern Qing Tombs back to Beijing Sihui Bus Station
After exploring the Eastern Qing Tombs, it’s time to head back to Beijing. From the Eastern Qing Tombs Visitor Center, you’ll need to walk to the Shimen Dongling Bus Stop (石门东陵停靠站), about 19 minutes away on foot.
- Departure Times: The buses back to Beijing leave from Shimen Dongling Bus Stop ( 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Ticket Price: The one-way ticket costs 55 RMB
- Bus Route: To avoid missing the bus, it’s recommended to reach the bus stop before 6:00 PM. The Shimen Dongling Bus Stop ( (石门东陵停靠站) is where you’ll catch the return bus heading to Beijing.
- Shimen Dongling Bus Stop Contact Phone Number: 18132354399, 0315 -6992587
If you’re in a rush, you can also catch a three-wheeled vehicle near the Visitor Center to take you directly to the Shimen Dongling Bus Stop for around 10 RMB. It’s a quicker option if you’re short on time.
2. How to Get to Qing Dong Ling by Self-Drive
If you prefer to drive yourself to the Eastern Qing Tombs, the Beijing to Qing Dong Ling driving route is also a great option. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic, and covers 125 kilometers.
Here are a few self-drive routes to choose from:
1) East 6th Ring Road Route
Start from Beijing and take the East 6th Ring Road. Follow the Beijing-Qinhuangdao Expressway, then turn onto the Qing Dong Ling Branch Line. This route will take you directly to the Qing Dong Ling Visitor Center.
2) Beijing-Pinggu Expressway Route
Begin on the Beijing Airport Expressway, then switch to the Beijing-Pinggu Expressway. After that, transfer to the Jixian Expressway and exit at Jixian. Continue along Mashen Bridge and Shimen, then take a left turn to reach Qing Dong Ling.
3) Beijing-Shenyang Expressway Route
From Beijing, get on the Beijing-Shenyang Expressway. At Baodi, switch to the Tianjin-Jixian Expressway. After exiting at Jixian, continue along Mashen Bridge and Shimen, then take a left turn to arrive at the Eastern Qing Tombs.
4) Beijing-Tongzhou Expressway Route
Start from Guomao Bridge in Beijing, and drive along the Beijing-Tongzhou Expressway. Pass through Yanjiao and Sanhe, then follow the Northern Outer Ring Road of Jixian, Mashen Bridge, and Shimen before taking a left turn to reach the Eastern Qing Tombs.
3. How to Get to Eastern Qing Tombs by Taxi
If you don’t have your own car, you can take a taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Didi for a one-way trip or round trips to the tombs. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before setting off.
Taking a taxi from Beijing to Qing Dong Ling (Eastern Qing Tombs) is a convenient but slightly more expensive option. Generally, the one-way taxi fare will cost you about 500 RMB. If you’re considering a round trip, expect the total cost to range from 1000 RMB to 1400 RMB.
The distance from Beijing to the tombs is about 120 to 139 kilometers, and the journey usually takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, depending on the traffic. Do keep in mind that the fare can change based on road conditions, wait times, and how long you plan to spend at the tombs. This means traffic jams during peak hours or holidays could increase your fare.
If you prefer chartering a vehicle, the cost might be higher, but you’ll have the flexibility to adjust the timing with your driver. It’s best to discuss the price and itinerary with the driver in advance so that everything is clear.
Additionally, when driving, you’ll encounter toll fees that cost approximately 44 RMB, which are generally included in the fare but should be checked in advance. For a smoother experience, it’s advisable to confirm the fare and estimated costs with your driver before you start your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.
While taking a taxi can be a more direct and comfortable way to get to the Eastern Qing Tombs from Beijing, it’s good to know that the costs can vary depending on several factors like traffic, wait times, and seasonal demand. Make sure to plan ahead and, if possible, negotiate the fare to ensure a stress-free trip.
4. Eastern Qing Tombs Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Here’s a quick overview of the entrance fees for visiting the Eastern Qing Tombs (Qing Dong Ling) and its opening hours. You’ll also find the discount policies that apply to certain groups of people.
Entrance Fees:
| Attraction | Peak Season (April 1 – October 31) | Off-Season (November 1 – March 31) |
|---|---|---|
| Yuling 裕陵 (including the underground Chamber) | 60 RMB per person | 40 RMB per person |
| Ding Dong Ling 定东陵 (including the Underground Chamber) | 60 RMB per person | 40 RMB per person |
| Jing Ling 景陵 (no underground Chamber) | 45 RMB per person | 30 RMB per person |
| Sightseeing Car | 30 RMB | 30 RMB |
Discount Policy:
Visitors who meet the following criteria are eligible for a 50% discount on the ticket price. The discounted fare is based on the peak season ticket prices:
- Seniors aged 60-69 years.
- Minors under 18 years old (including 18-year-olds), and full-time students (undergraduate and below).
Ticket Purchase and Recommendations:
You can purchase your tickets directly at the entrance or online. The price is the same for both options. If you plan to see multiple tombs, it’s a good idea to buy a combined ticket (e.g., combining the sightseeing car ticket with Ding Dong Ling or Yuling).
Travel by Sightseeing Car: The sightseeing car is highly recommended, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. It helps save time and ensures you can see all the major tombs without rushing.
For a self-drive tour, you don’t need to purchase an additional sightseeing car ticket, but there is a parking fee of 6 RMB. The recommended route is Jing Ling → Yuling → Ding Dong Ling, and each tomb has its own parking lot.
For an efficient trip, it’s highly recommended that you focus on the Ding Dong Ling and Yuling tombs, as these two sites are the main attractions. You can explore Yuling’s tomb chamber (a must-see) but remember that Jing Ling’s tomb doesn’t have an open tomb chamber, so you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): The tombs are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Off-Season (November 1 – March 31): The opening hours are slightly shorter, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Contact Information:
For any questions or concerns during your visit, you can contact the site’s complaint hotline at 0315-6980111.
5. Hiking Route Guide: Exploring the Eastern Qing Tombs on Foot
If you love history or enjoy scenic hikes, walking through the Eastern Qing Tombs is a great way to spend the day. This 17 km route takes you through the tombs of powerful Qing emperors and one of their most famous empresses.
Start at the Visitor Center and head to Xiaoling (孝陵) , the tomb of Emperor Shunzhi (顺治皇帝). This is the most important tomb in the complex, showcasing the grandeur and solemnity of early Qing architecture. The peaceful atmosphere here makes it the perfect first stop.
Next, head to Jingling (景陵), the tomb of Emperor Kangxi (康熙皇帝). It is known for its beautiful architecture. While some areas are closed to the public, the open sections are still impressive and offer insight into Kangxi’s reign. His tomb is one of the oldest and best-preserved, making it a must-see.
Afterward, visit Yuling (裕陵), the tomb of Emperor Qianlong (乾隆), one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history. Yuling’s interior is stunning, filled with intricate designs and artwork. The underground tomb chamber is open to visitors, which gives you a fascinating look into imperial burial practices.
Next, head to Ding Dong Ling (东定陵), the tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后). Known for its luxurious decorations, it’s home to the famous Long’en Hall with its golden and jade artwork. The hall’s beauty will leave you in awe, making it one of the highlights of the Eastern Qing Tombs.
By the end of your hike, you will have covered about 17 kilometers and explored some of China’s most important and beautiful tombs. This walk not only gives you a glimpse of impressive architecture but also deepens your understanding of the Qing Dynasty and its powerful rulers.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just love history, walking through the Eastern Qing Tombs is an unforgettable experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring some water, and take your time to enjoy the history and beauty of this incredible site.
6. Other Cultural Relics at the Eastern Qing Tombs
The Eastern Qing Tombs are filled with incredible cultural relics that showcase the grandeur and artistry of the Qing Dynasty. One of the most striking features is the Xiaoling Sacred Road (孝陵神路). This 6-kilometer pathway, lined with stunning architecture, connects the tombs and forms the central axis of the site. It is the longest sacred road in the Qing Tombs, making it an important historical and architectural feature.
Another highlight is the Xiaoling Stone Archway (孝陵石牌坊), the widest stone archway still standing in China. Built from massive stones, this archway features intricate carvings of mythical creatures and beautiful reliefs. Despite surviving two major earthquakes, it has remained remarkably well-preserved over the centuries.
As you walk along the Sacred Road, you’ll encounter the Xiaoling Stone Statues (孝陵石像生). This collection includes 18 pairs of statues, featuring civil and military officials, as well as mythical creatures like Qilin and lions. Each statue is carved from a single piece of stone, standing symmetrically along the road. They create a powerful and imposing atmosphere, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.
Finally, the Xiaoling Seven-Hole Arch Bridge (孝陵七孔拱桥) is the highest-ranking stone bridge in the area. It’s the only one of its kind in the Eastern Qing Tombs. This bridge isn’t just functional; it’s also visually striking, with stone pillars and balustrades that complement the surrounding landscape.
These cultural relics together form a stunning example of Qing architecture and craftsmanship. They offer visitors a rich and immersive glimpse into China’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates art, the Eastern Qing Tombs provide a truly unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Visiting the Eastern Qing Tombs is a wonderful way to learn about China’s imperial history and enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. Whether you take public transport or choose to drive yourself, getting to Qing Dong Ling is relatively straightforward. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a memorable day at one of China’s most important historical sites.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy public transport to Qing Dong Ling or a scenic driving route from Beijing, your journey to the Eastern Qing Tombs from Beijing is sure to be an adventure you won’t forget!
