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

Begin with pickup from your central Beijing hotel, and settle inside your private, air-conditioned vehicle with your guide. Then, view Beijing’s bustling streets and suburbs as you head northwest toward the Ming Tombs, a collection of 13 imperial tombs set in the countryside. En route, listen as your guide shares information about the region and tombs, including the Dingling Tomb, the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun. Learn how the tomb is the only one excavated among the 13, and how Zhu Yijun ruled between 1572 and 1620, the longest reign of all of China's 16 Ming emperors. On arrival, hop out and descend into the Dingling tomb with your guide. Explore the chambers to see the displays of stone imperial thrones, statues, and artifacts, and view the replica caskets of Zhu Yijun and his two empresses, who were also buried here. As you explore, hear about China’s Ming dynasty, and the complex rituals that surrounded the burying of their dead. After a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Longqing Gorge. This steep-walled, zig-zagging river gorge is framed by peaks and considered one of northern China’s natural wonders. Locals have dubbed it the ‘small Li River’ for its resemblance to the stunning karst scenery around the Li in China’s Guilin province. When you arrive, ride the incredible Flying Dragon escalator—a fibreglass cliffside escalator shaped like a dragon—and take a leisurely cruise along the aquamarine river. Lap up the gorgeous views as you sail, admiring the sheer cliffs and rock formations that loom above the waters and lagoons. Return to Beijing, where your day trip ends with a central hotel drop-off.

• Bottled water

• Lunch

• Professional guide

• Private tour

• Transport by private vehicle

• Entrance Fee

• Boat Ride

• Entry/Admission - Longqing Gorge

• Entry/Admission - Dingling Underground Palace

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

• Personal expense

• Gratuities