Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride worth booking?
Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride is a 9-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $90 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $90 per person
This curated one-day private tour is the ultimate summer escape in Beijing, masterfully pairing iconic imperial history with breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs with our English-speaking gui
What you get
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Boat Ride
- Transport by private vehicle
- Entrance Fee
About this experience
This curated one-day private tour is the ultimate summer escape in Beijing, masterfully pairing iconic imperial history with breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs with our English-speaking guide, who unveils the fascinating secrets of imperial burial rituals and the grand legacy of the Ming Dynasty. Then, venture to Longqing Gorge—a stunning summer paradise of soaring limestone cliffs, glassy turquoise lakes and gentle mountain breezes. Drift along the serene waters by cruise boat, immerse yourself in the cool, tranquil scenery and leave the sweltering city behind. Enjoy a private chauffeured vehicle, dedicated English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to all attractions, a relaxing cruise boat ride and a delicious local lunch. With personalized service and seamless arrangements from start to finish, this unforgettable day perfectly balances profound cultural discovery and idyllic natural relaxation—an unmissable summer experience in Beijing!
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Boat Ride
- Transport by private vehicle
- Entrance Fee
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Beijing
Your English-speaking guide and private car will meet you right in your hotel lobby—no hassle, just a smooth start to your day. We’ll head straight to Longqing Gorge, and along the way, your guide will share fascinating histories and stories tied to the region. Sit back, relax, and let the passing scenery unfold; if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask—your guide is here to make your journey as engaging as it is comfortable.
Pass by without stopping
Longqing Gorge
Upon arrival at Longqing Gorge, follow your tour guide to start exploring this stunning destination—flanked by lush green peaks on both sides, it lives up to its famous reputations: often hailed as a "mini Li River (Guilin)" yet even more breathtaking, and a "mini Yangtze Three Gorges" while boasting more dramatic, rugged charm. The valleys here are a feast for the eyes: crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding landscapes, revealing not just towering cliffs, sharp peaks, and steep rocks, but also unique geological formations like stone cones, stone pillars, and dissolution crevices. Your first stop is the Dragon Escalator—a one-of-a-kind ride that combines convenience with sightseeing. Next, board a cruise boat to drift across the calm, mirror-like lake. As you sail, you’ll be fully immersed in the gorge’s natural beauty—with dramatic rock formations and lush vegetation passing by—until you reach Moon Island. Here, your guide will lead you to explore the island’s ancient temples.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
After wrapping up your exploration of Longqing Gorge, you’ll head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy a relaxing lunch—refueling for the rest of your day. Afterward, you’ll travel directly to the Ming Tombs. Currently, six areas are open to the public: Changling, Dingling, Zhaoling, Kangling, Yongling, and Siling. Among them, Dingling is the most visited as it houses an open underground palace, where Emperor Wanli and his empresses were laid to rest. This underground wonder offers a rare peek into Ming Dynasty imperial burial customs and ancient architecture, and it's exactly where our journey will take us.
Pass by without stopping
Dingling Underground Palace
Among the thirteen Ming Tombs, Dingling is truly one-of-a-kind—it’s the only one with an open underground palace, and our focus for the visit. This tomb belongs to Emperor Zhu Yijun (Emperor Wanli), the longest-reigning ruler among all 16 Ming emperors. Construction began when he was just 22, took 6 years to finish, and upon his death, he was laid to rest here alongside his two empresses. Explore the grand underground palace—with its stone corridors, spacious chambers, and intricate carvings that showcase Ming Dynasty craftsmanship.You’ll also see displays of imperial relics: from the emperor’s and empresses’ ceremonial clothing and jade ornaments to ancient porcelain and bronze vessels. As your guide shares stories of the dynasty and the emperor’s life, you’ll feel transported back to the Ming era—all while marveling at the complexity of its burial culture. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to your Beijing hotel, marking the perfect end to this wonderful private day trip.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- zh-TW, cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Beijing Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Age under 3 is free to join
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Please wear comfortable shoes
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic day out
This was a great addition to our trip to Beijing. The communication and knowledge of Allen was tremendous and he was always happy to answer any questions we had about anything at all. Definitely worth the booking. The Gorge was beautiful and the tomb was very interesting to see.
via Tripadvisor
Wonder experience in the Gorge
We had a lovely tour with Jack as our guide he was courteous very knowledgeable and very friendly with our family , he was patience and very helpful gave us ample amount of time . I strongly recommend to choose Jack as your guide and have wonderful experience
via Viator
Patient & Good Guide
Jack, our tour guide, stopped by our hotel earlier to remind us to dress warmly, as the temperature at the gorge would be a few degrees lower than in the city. We were truly grateful for his advice when we arrived and felt the chill. Jack was also patient with all our questions and very accommodating throughout the trip. We had a wonderful experience!
via Viator
Thanks to Leo for a great...
Thanks to Leo for a great day. He was very knowledgeable about the tour places and gave us historical background which made the experience much richer. Amazing places!
via Viator
Both driver and guide...
Both driver and guide made sure the day ran smoothly. We were told we'd only be at the gorge for one hour after a stop at a jade factory and lunch. We asked to be taken straight to the gorge instead and were glad we did as there is much more to see and do and an hour is nowhere near long enough. As well as the inclusive boat trip there is an optional cable car which is well worth it to access some of the temples and it also gives you access to climb up to one of the peaks with spectacular views. Don't just take what's offered, make sure you chose your own activities.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $90 to $358
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Day Tour to Longqing Gorge and Dingling at the Ming Tombs with Lunch and Boat Ride start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options, Beijing: Top 6 Highlights All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour, Private Mutianyu Great Wall Trip With English-Speaking Driver. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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