You’re invited to view with fresh eyes the imperial necropolis north of Beijing –- which even today inspires tomb robbers and tales of imperial excess –- featuring sites rarely seen on the usual tours. We’ll trace the footsteps of emperors travelling to the Ming Tombs, stopping at the partially restored ruins of Gong Hua Cheng, a garrison town where imperial entourages rested, before passing by the Spirit Way and visiting the imperial tomb Zhaoling. We’ll see the lonely grave of the last Ming Emperor’s loyal eunuch, who stayed by his master in death as in life, as well as burial sites of concubines and an empress. The tour includes a 15-dish village lunch, and a stop at one of Beijing’s last imperial tile factories, which produces the colorful roof tiles and animal-shaped ornaments seen on tomb structures and other imperial architecture. Commentary will be provided in English by Ming and Qing history specialist Zhu Wei of the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, part of the Chinese World Heritage Center, with additional comments (and translation if needed) by RASBJ officers.

WHAT: A “Wild Ming Tombs” tour with commentary by Zhu Wei

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 09:00 AM – 18:30 PM

HOW MUCH: Members RMB 250, non-members RMB 300, which includes the cost of the bus and audiophones, Zhaoling entry tickets, lunch and an honorarium to Zhu Wei. Please pay no later than May 18 via yoopay at https://yoopay.cn/event/38347308 or via wechat to  johnobeijing (he’ll have to friend you first) and please write “RASBJ Wild Tombs” plus names of attendees being paid for.

TRANSPORT: The bus leaves from outside the Hilton Hotel, east 3rd Ring Road, near Liangmaqiao subway stop, at 09:00 AM and returns there around 18:30 PM, depending on traffic.

RSVP: email [email protected] and write “Wild Tombs” in the subject header, with attendees’ names and cell numbers.

·      Attendees will be limited to 12; RASBJ members have priority until Wednesday, May 17.

·      Members will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis until May 17; payment is due May 18. Each can ask to reserve one seat (for himself or herself) plus up to three others. Due to limited seating, it may not be possible to guarantee that non-members -– even relatives or friends of members –- can be accommodated.

·      Non-Members may apply no later than May 17, and will be informed ASAP if seats are/become available.

·      Between May 15-19 RASBJ will email those with confirmed seats.

·      Payment is required by noon May 18. Seats requested but not paid for by May 18 will be given to others.

·      Please dress appropriately, with footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground.