If you’ve never been inside a real Ming Dynasty royal tomb, here’s your chance. After a period of restoration, the Ming Shu Prince Tomb (明蜀王陵) in Chengdu’s Longquanyi district has reopened to visitors — and honestly, this is one underground palace you don’t want to miss.
Nestled in Shiling Town, this site centers on the tomb of the third-generation Shu Prince, Xi Wang (僖王). But it’s actually a sprawling necropolis — within a five-kilometer radius, you’ll find more than a dozen tombs belonging to Ming Dynasty Shu princes and their consorts, including the tombs of Xi Wang and Zhao Wang (昭王).
Step Inside the Ming Shu Prince Tomb’s Underground Palace
Here’s the thing that makes this place truly special: you can walk right into the burial chamber.
The underground palace of Xi Wang’s tomb was modeled after the original Shu Prince’s residence in Chengdu. Built with high-quality bluestone from Dujiangyan and glazed tiles, the chamber is decorated in rich reds and greens — so ornate that experts have called it “China’s most complete and exquisite underground palace.”
As you descend the stone steps, the city noise fades away and you’re suddenly standing in a space that’s been waiting 600 years for you. Neatly arranged halls, intricately carved patterns, and a layout that follows Ming royal ceremonial rules — every detail reflects the grandeur and aesthetics of the imperial family.
The reopened grounds are just as inviting: lush greenery, tidy paths, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes every glance feel like a quiet conversation with Sichuan’s Ming Dynasty past.
Local insight: Don’t rush through the descent — take your time on the stairs and let the temperature drop. The moment you step into the cool, still air of the chamber is genuinely something else.
More Than Just the Tomb: 300+ Ming Treasures Inside
The museum isn’t just about the burial chambers. Inside, more than 300 artifacts excavated from the Ming Shu Prince Tomb site are on display — all of it offering a vivid window into the life, rituals, and craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty’s southwestern princes.
Highlights you’ll want to look out for:
- Terracotta musician figurines (乐伎俑) — expressive faces and lively poses that seem ready to play the elegant tunes of 600 years ago
- Ceramic horses and vessels — simple yet refined, showing off Ming-era craft
- Gold and jade accessories — strictly regulated royal ornaments that show just how wealthy and influential the Shu princedom was
- Ox-tail locks (牛尾锁) and other everyday artifacts that add a human touch to royal history
No heavy history books needed here — these artifacts and ruins tell the story on their own. Before you leave, you’ll understand what life was like in Ming Dynasty Sichuan: the blend of everyday hustle and imperial dignity, the splendor of a southwestern prince’s century-long reign.
Ming Shu Prince Tomb: Tickets, Getting There, and Visitor Tips
📍 Address Ming Shu Prince Tomb Museum (明蜀王陵博物馆) No. 402, Group 8, Daliang Village, Shiling Street, Longquanyi District, Chengdu
🚌 Getting There
- Metro: Line 4 to Mingshuwangling Station or Chengdu University Station
- Bus: Routes 80, 97, 537, or 219 to Chengdu University or Mingshuxincun Station
- Note: Bus routes can change, so check the latest schedules before you head out.
🎫 Tickets 10 RMB per person — this includes access to both Xi Wang and Zhao Wang’s underground palaces plus the artifact exhibition halls.
⭐ Free Admission
- Retirees, people with disabilities (including military disability certificates), and seniors 60+
- Children under 1.3 meters
- Active and retired military personnel, and revolutionary martyrs’ family members (with valid ID)
🎟️ Discounted Admission
- Children aged 6–18
- Full-time undergraduate students and below (with valid student ID)
📝 Please Note
- No touching, photographing, or filming artifacts
- No smoking, loud conversations, eating, or flash photography inside the museum
- No flammable, explosive, sharp items or pets
- Minors and visitors with mobility challenges must be accompanied by a family member or guardian
Pair Your Visit with Qinglong Lake Wetland Park
Since you’re already in the area — and especially if the weather is nice — swing by Qinglong Lake Wetland Park (青龙湖湿地公园) on your way out. It’s conveniently located right by the museum, and it happens to be the largest wetland park in Chengdu’s urban area.
The lake is wide, the lawns go on forever, and it’s a fantastic spot if you’re traveling with kids.
Here’s what you can do:
- Rent a bike and cycle along the lakeshore — great for cooling off in the summer breeze
- Set up a tent on the grass with friends for some laid-back camping (pro tip: summer UV is no joke, bring sunscreen)
- Go birdwatching — it’s a prime season right now. Walk along the water and watch the birds glide by.
- Please observe quietly and don’t disturb the wildlife!
📍 Getting There: Take Metro Line 4 to Mingshuwangling Station (Exit B) or Chengdu University Station (Exit B); the park entrance is a short walk from either.
♻️ A quick reminder: keep the park clean, don’t litter, don’t pick plants, and don’t disturb the birds — let’s keep it beautiful for everyone.
Plan Your Chengdu Day Trip to Ming Shu Prince Tomb
The Ming Shu Prince Tomb is one of those hidden gems that makes you wonder why you hadn’t visited sooner. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a unique day out from Chengdu’s city center, this underground palace delivers.
Pair it with a relaxed afternoon at Qinglong Lake and you’ve got a perfect day trip — history in the morning, nature in the afternoon.
Have you been to the Ming Shu Prince Tomb yet? If not, this weekend might just be the time to go.
