Juyongguan Great Wall & Ming Tombs

Juyongguan pass was connected to the Great Wall in the Southern and Northern Dynasties era. Juyongguan used to be an ancient military town full of military installations, watch towers, official residences, temples, and other structures. Juyongguan Pass was first built in the Ming Dynasty and received much repair later. It was a very important strategic area linking the inner land and the area close to the northern border of China. The Juyongguan Pass has been well known for its strategic importance for over 2,000 years.

The Ming Tombs lie in Changping County, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest from the urban area of Beijing. It is actually a tomb cluster of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), including thirteen emperor's mausoleums, seven tombs for concubines and one grave for eunuchs. This cemetery is world famous because of the thirteen emperors buried here. Sitting at the foot of Mt. Yan and occupying an area of more than 120 square kilometers (29,653 acres), it appears extremely spectacular. It was listed in the World Heritage List in 2003. Each emperor's tomb was constructed at the foot of a separate small hill, but they all share a main road called the Sacred Way. The thirteen emperor's mausoleums are similar in their architectural style and overall arrangement, only differing in size and complexity of their structures.

Pick up from your hotel around 8:00am. Transfer to Juyongguan great wall by car(approximate travelling time:2hours).In 220 B.C., under Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defense system against invasions from the north. Construction of the great wall continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.

The lunch at local Halal restaurant,after lunch transfer to the Ming Tombs. Constructed for the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming tombs follow the precepts of traditional Chinese geomancy and fengshui theory. They feature rich decoration of stone statues and carvings and tiles with dragon motifs, illustrating the development of the funerary architecture of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Tombs are dazzling illustrations of the beliefs, world view, and geomantic theories of Fengshui prevalent in feudal China. They have served as burial edifices for illustrious personages and as the theatre for major events that have marked the history of China. It's a busy tour day, but will also include a visit to Jade Carving Factory for a shopping experience not to be missed. Return to your hotel.