The Great Wall, the image of China throughout the world, lives up to its reputation as one of the Eight Wonders of the World.
Beijing has been home to more than five feudal dynasties. And 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs situated just outside the city. We have combined two of our most popular destinations north of Beijing into one unforgettable tour.
First of all, we will drive to the Great Wall, the very symbol of ancient Chinese engineering. The Badaling section is a prime, preserved example of this colossal structure. Since the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) and the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC), Badaling became a very important military strategic place. Many incomplete parts of the wall were proven to have been built in the Warring States Period. Here you will have the opportunity to climb up either the North or South Face of the Wall.
Lunch will be included in the tour, along with a shopping spree at the world-renowned Beijing Jade Factory.
From here it is on to the sacred Ming Tombs, burial grounds for 13 of the 16 Ming emperors. Only three of the tombs are actually open for viewing. Changling, the earliest and largest of the tombs, dates from the year 1413. We will explore the largest of the excavated burial sites, the Changling Tomb, which is divided into three separate, impressive courtyards.