Beijing to Fully Open Ming Tombs to Tourists by 2030

The Ming Culture Forum 2024, held in Changping, Beijing, showcased over 100 national treasures at its opening ceremony. With the theme "The Splendid Age of the Colorful Ming," the event will feature more than 30 activities throughout the year, including forums, academic seminars, and cultural relics exhibitions.

At the main forum, Chinese and foreign experts discussed the contemporary relevance of Ming culture. The forum underscored the importance of preserving the Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enhancing Beijing's cultural heritage.

Significant announcements included the phased opening of the Ming Tombs to tourists by 2030. The first phase will open Siling and Yongling from 2024 to 2025, followed by Maoling, Tailing, Deling, and the New Imperial Residence from 2026 to 2028, and Xianling, Yuling, and Qingling from 2029 to 2030.

A design call for a culture-museum-tourism complex and new study tour routes were also revealed, aiming to boost tourism and cultural exchange in the area.