If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, you’re probably thinking of visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or the Summer Palace. But if you want to experience a quieter, lesser-known gem, consider the Western Qing Tombs (Qingxi Mausoleum 清西陵) in Yi County (易县), Hebei Province. These royal tombs are a hidden treasure, and they offer a fascinating look into China’s imperial past. Best of all, they’re not far from Beijing.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get to the Western Qing Tombs from Beijing. Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, or car, I’ve got you covered with the best options to make your trip easy and enjoyable.
What Are the Western Qing Tombs?
The Western Qing Tombs are the burial site of four Qing emperors. Construction began in the eighth year of the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign (1730) and was completed in the fourth year of the Republic of China (1915), taking 185 years to finish. This makes the Western Qing Tombs the largest, most well-preserved, and architecturally diverse imperial tomb complex still standing today.
In addition to the tombs of the four emperors—Yongzheng, Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Guangxu—the site also includes the tombs of three empresses, as well as those of princes, princesses, and other royal family members. In total, there are 14 tombs, including the Prince Huai Tomb, Princess Tomb, and several others.
Spanning over 800 square kilometers, the Western Qing Tombs feature more than 50,000 square meters of buildings, including over 1,000 palace rooms. There are also over 100 stone carvings and structures on site. The architectural style of the tombs largely follows the traditional Ming Dynasty design for royal tombs, but with unique Qing Dynasty elements. The tombs blend strict adherence to hierarchical traditions with creative, innovative designs.
In November 2000, the Western Qing Tombs were recognized as a World Heritage Site by the 24th World Heritage Committee and included in the World Heritage List.
Now, let’s dive into how to get to the Western Qing Tombs from Beijing!
3 Ways to Travel from Beijing to the Western Qing Tombs
There are several ways to get to the Western Qing Tombs from Beijing, depending on your preferences and budget. You can take a high-speed train, a long-distance bus, or even drive yourself. Let’s go over the different options, starting with the most popular.
The Western Qing Tombs:
Phone: 0312-4710016
Address: National Road 112, Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province 河北省保定市易县112国道
1) High-Speed Train + 2 Local Buses
Taking the train is one of the quickest and most comfortable options. Here’s how to do it:
Beijing to Gaobeidian by High-Speed Train
Start at Beijing West Station, one of the main train hubs in the city. You’ll take a high-speed train to Gaobeidian East Station (高碑店东站) or Gaobeidian Station (高碑店站), which is about half an hour away. Trains run frequently, so you’ll have plenty of choices.
Gaobeidian to Yi County (易县）by Bus
Once you arrive at Gaobeidian East Station or Gaobeidian Station, you’ll need to transfer to a bus or taxi to Yi County (易县). There are regular buses from Gaobeidian to Yi County, and the ride takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Buses leave often, so you won’t have to wait too long.
Yi County to Western Qing Tombs by Bus
Once you reach Yi County, the Western Qing Tombs are just a short ride away. You can either take Bus 9 or grab a taxi. The tombs are about 20 minutes from the Yi County Bus Station. The bus 9 goes directly to the Comprehensive Service Center (Ticket Office) of the Western Qing Tombs Scenic Area.
This option is great if you want a quick, hassle-free trip that combines the speed of the train with easy local transport.
2) Long-Distance Bus + Local Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus, this option is straightforward and affordable.
Departure Point
Buses to Yi County ( 易县) depart from the Lizeqiao Long-Distance Bus Station (北京丽泽桥长途汽车站) in Beijing. It’s a major bus terminal, so it’s easy to find your way.
Bus Schedule
Buses leave every 20 minutes, starting at 6:00 AM. The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Ticket prices range from 16-28 RMB, making it a budget-friendly option.
Yi County to Western Qing Tombs
When you reach the Yi County Bus Station, you can take Bus 9 or a taxi to the Western Qing Tombs. The ride takes about 20 minutes. The bus 9 goes directly to the Comprehensive Service Center (Ticket Office) of the Western Qing Tombs Scenic Area.
If you’re on a budget or prefer sticking to one type of transport, this is a great choice.
3) Driving (Self-Driving)
If you’re feeling adventurous or simply prefer the freedom of driving, renting a car is a fantastic option.
Driving Route
From Beijing, take the Jinggang’ao Expressway (G4) south towards Gaobeidian. Once you reach Gaobeidian, take the 112 National Road west, passing through Lai Shui and finally reaching Yi County. The total drive is about 140 kilometers and takes about 2 hours.
Parking
The Western Qing Tombs has plenty of parking spaces available. So, if you’re driving, you can easily park your car and begin exploring.
Driving is ideal if you want flexibility and a chance to enjoy the scenery. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re traveling with family or friends.
Western Qing Tombs Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
The table below provides detailed information about the opening hours and ticket pricing for the Western Qing Tombs, along with discount policies available for certain groups.
Phone: 0312-4710016
Address: National Road 112, Yi County, Baoding City, Hebei Province 河北省保定市易县112国道
| Category | Peak Season | Off-Season |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | April 1 – October 31 | November 1 – March 31 |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| All-Inclusive Ticket Price | 108 RMB (valid for 2 days) | 80 RMB (valid for 2 days) |
| Attractions Included | Tai Tomb, Chong Tomb, Changxi Tomb, Mu Tomb, Yongfu Temple 泰陵、崇陵、昌西陵、慕陵、永福寺 | Tai Tomb, Chong Tomb, Changxi Tomb, Mu Tomb, Yongfu Temple 泰陵、崇陵、昌西陵、慕陵、永福寺 |
| Individual Ticket Prices | Tai Tomb: 45 RMB, Chong Tomb: 45 RMB, Changxi Tomb: 20 RMB, Mu Tomb: 10 RMB, Yongfu Temple: 15 RMB | Tai Tomb: 35 RMB, Chong Tomb: 35 RMB, Changxi Tomb: 15 RMB, Mu Tomb: 10 RMB, Yongfu Temple: 15 RMB |
| Discount Policies | Free for active military, veterans, disabled, children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, and blood donors with valid ID | Free for active military, veterans, disabled, children under 1.2m, seniors over 70, and blood donors with valid ID |
| 50% off for students and seniors 60-69 with valid ID | 50% off for students and seniors 60-69 with valid ID |
You can book tickets both online and offline. For online booking, use the relevant travel platforms. If you prefer to buy tickets in person, you can do so at the ticket counter in the scenic area. When purchasing tickets, remember to bring a valid ID, such as your passport or student card.
Highlights at the Qingxi Mausoleum
The Qing dynasty imperial tombs are scattered across different locations in Hebei and Liaoning. Before the Qing conquered China, Emperors Nurhaci and Huang Taiji were buried in Fuling and Zhaoling in Liaoning. After Emperor Shunzhi’s reign, the emperors were buried in the Eastern Qing Tombs in Zunhua, Hebei.
Starting with Emperor Yongzheng （雍正）, the Qing emperors began to be buried in the Western Qing Tombs in Yi County (易县), Baoding. After that, emperors alternated their burial locations between the Eastern and Western Tombs (except for a few special cases). For example, after Yongzheng, Emperor Qianlong was buried in the Eastern Tombs, while Emperor Jiaqing, following Qianlong, was buried in the Western Tombs.
Although the layout of the Qing tombs largely followed the model of the Ming tombs, their architectural style became more fixed and formal. However, for history buffs and those who love ancient architecture, the Western Qing Tombs are truly a hidden gem worth exploring.
Tai Tomb （泰陵）
This is the tomb of Emperor Yongzheng 1678 – 1735（雍正）, the main tomb in the Western Qing Tombs. The Sacred Way of Tai Tomb stretches for several kilometers, starting from the grand Red Gate. It winds through the mountains, surrounded by pine and cypress trees. The view is spectacular, especially from a distance.
Mu Tomb （慕陵）
This tomb belongs to Emperor Daoguang 1782 – 1850（道光）. Built after the Opium War, during a time of internal and external turmoil, its scale and design were reduced to save costs. However, the Long’en Hall （隆恩殿）is a masterpiece, made from golden nanmu wood.
It’s not painted brightly but features tens of thousands of dragon carvings on the ceiling, giving it a deep and majestic feeling. This is a perfect example of Qing-era woodworking craftsmanship at its finest.
Chong Tomb（崇陵）
The tomb of Emperor Guangxu 1871 – 1908（光绪）, which was completed during the Republic of China period. Its size falls between Tai Tomb and Mu Tomb. It is the only tomb in the Western Qing Tombs with an open underground palace.
Inside the Ming-style square tower, there’s a passage leading down to the tomb. The underground chamber is cold, so bring extra layers! The tomb consists of several rooms, each with statues of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin. Emperor Guangxu and his empress are laid to rest in the rear chamber.
Chang Tomb （昌陵）
The tomb of Emperor Jiaqing 1760 – 1820（嘉庆）. Currently, it is not open to the public, but it’s located right next to Tai Tomb. Its size is similar to Tai Tomb. Though the tomb itself is not open, the nearby Queen’s Tomb (Changxi Tomb 昌西陵) is open to visitors. It’s smaller in scale but still worth a visit.
Western Qing Tombs Travel Tips
Once you arrive, head to the Visitor Service Center to buy your tickets. After that, it’s a good idea to take the shuttle bus within the scenic area. The bus ticket costs about 25 RMB.
Suggested Route
Start by visiting Mu Tomb (Emperor Daoguang) and Changxi Tomb (Empress Jiaqing) in the morning. After that, head to the Tai Tomb (Emperor Yongzheng). For lunch, stop at a local Manchu village restaurant near Tai Tomb. In the afternoon, visit the Sacred Way of Tai Tomb (Emperor Yongzheng), Chong Tomb (Emperor Guangxu), and Yongfu Temple. The whole trip takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Transportation
The Western Qing Tombs is a large site, and the tombs are connected by shuttle buses. The ride between each tomb takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The full round-trip bus ticket is 25 RMB.
Changxi Tomb
This is the only tomb in the Western Qing Tombs with an open underground palace. The tomb’s architecture is simple, but you can get a close look at the emperor’s resting place. The echo wall here is a unique feature of Chinese tomb architecture and definitely worth seeing.
Yongfu Temple
This is the only remaining royal temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can light incense and pray here, giving you a chance to experience traditional Buddhist culture.
Guided Tours
You can either use the electronic guide, available via the official app, or hire a professional tour guide. The electronic guide is reasonably priced. Be cautious about using unlicensed guides, as they may not provide accurate information or offer proper service.
Other Tips:
- Small shops at the entrance of each site sell water, and there are restrooms near the ticketing area.
- Once inside the park, there’s only one public restroom for visitors, located behind the East Courtyard. If you miss it, you’ll have to walk quite a distance to find another one.
- Parking costs 10 RMB. You only pay once, and you can park at any of the sites.
- Smoking and littering are prohibited inside the scenic area, so please be mindful.
- Don’t ride unlicensed tricycles or cars that don’t have proper permits. Stay safe!
- The water and food sold inside the park are reasonably priced, so no need to worry about getting thirsty or hungry.
- The sun can be intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen.
- The underground tombs are cold, even in summer. A light long-sleeve shirt is a good idea.
The Western Qing Tombs are a hidden gem just outside Beijing. Whether you take the train, bus, or drive, getting there is simple and affordable. The tombs themselves are rich in history, beautiful to explore, and much less crowded than other historical sites. With its grand architecture, scenic views, and tranquil atmosphere, the Western Qing Tombs are an unforgettable destination.
Now that you know how to get to the Western Qing Tombs from Beijing, it’s time to start planning your visit! Enjoy your trip and make sure to take plenty of photos to remember this amazing journey into China’s imperial past.
