Thirteen Tombs Autumn Viewing and Crowd Avoidance Guide

Stop squeezing into Fragrant Hills! Just 1 hour from downtown Beijing, the autumnal ancient charm of the Ming Tombs is the real treasure.

When it comes to autumn viewing in Beijing, if you’re still fixated on the crowded Fragrant Hills, you’re missing out on a true hidden gem! A one-hour drive from the city center brings you to the Ming Tombs—here, there are no noisy crowds, only the poetic blend of red walls and colorful leaves, ancient cypresses and ginkgo trees coexisting. Every snapshot you take is like an ancient-style masterpiece with a millennium-old historical filter, no need to fuss over angles.

Must-visit autumn viewing spots, each a scene from an ancient painting

1. Divine Road Stone Statues: The autumn centerpiece without a doubt! Twelve pairs of stone beasts stand quietly as a ceremonial guard spanning a thousand years, set against golden ginkgo trees. When sunlight slants down, the shadows stretch long. Put on a Hanfu and step into the frame—the stunning “ancient meets modern” effect is instant.
2. Zhaoling Architectural Complex: Navigate directly to Zhaoling, where the royal red walls and yellow tiles form a perfect backdrop with the autumn-colored mountains in the distance. Shoot in the afternoon with natural light, no extra editing needed—the ancient atmosphere naturally fills the frame.
3. Changling Ling’en Hall: When tired, step inside for a rest. Sixty giant golden Phoebe wood pillars support this thousand-year-old hall. Get close and you can smell the faint woody fragrance. The relics displayed inside immerse you in history. Outside, the ancient cypresses twist and turn, contrasting beautifully with the red walls, making architectural details richly textured in photos.
4. Dingling Underground Palace: Though only ruins remain above ground, the autumn atmosphere adds a touch of poignant charm. Don’t miss exploring the underground palace—you can see exquisite unearthed artifacts and personally experience the imperial tomb’s layout, unlocking a unique autumn historical experience.

Self-drive tips to avoid pitfalls & save money, a nanny-level guide

- Traffic avoidance: Remember not to navigate to the “South Gate”! Search directly for “Divine Road South Gate Parking Lot” instead. It offers free parking and avoids congested roads. From downtown, take the Jingxin Expressway to the North Sixth Ring Road, and you’ll arrive steadily in 1 hour. If you want to get closer to Changling, navigate directly to the “North Gate Parking Lot.”
- Ticket savings: We recommend buying the “Three Tombs One Route” combo ticket for only 98 RMB, which grants access to the four core sites: Divine Road, Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling. It’s much more cost-effective than buying tickets separately.

Autumn viewing tips

- Best time: Late October to mid-November is peak beauty, when ginkgo trees turn fully golden and maple leaves gradually redden, creating rich layers of color in the mountains.
- Outfit advice: Wear Hanfu or light-colored long dresses, which match perfectly with red walls and yellow leaves. The Dingling underground palace is 27 meters deep, with lower temperatures and large temperature differences between morning and evening, so remember to bring a light jacket.
- Crowd avoidance: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy the autumn scenery alone and maybe even encounter the “tomb guardian cat” wandering among the ancient tombs, adding a delightful surprise to your trip.

Instead of squeezing into crowded popular autumn spots, come to the Ming Tombs to walk the thousand-year-old stone paths and watch leaves fall beneath red walls. This autumn romance hidden in history is the true way to experience Beijing’s fall!