Ming Tombs Reservoir Reservoir
Reservoir near the Ming tombs north of Beijing
Reservoir north of Beijing set beside the Ming Tombs imperial burial complex; tourists pair mausoleum visits with walks along the reservoir and surrounding parkland.
Ming Tombs Reservoir at a Glance#
Address: Ming Tombs Reservoir (Shisanling Reservoir) area, Changping District, Beijing Municipality, China
About Ming Tombs Reservoir#
The Ming Tombs Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located north of Beijing in the area of the Ming Tombs complex. It serves as a local water body associated with the landscape around the tombs.
The reservoir provides water storage and is part of the set of reservoirs and waterways on the northern approaches to Beijing; it is also associated with recreational and scenic uses in the immediate area. It is not itself an archaeological site but sits near the Ming Tombs cultural landscape.
The reservoir was constructed as part of modern water-management works rather than as an ancient feature; it functions within the broader infrastructure around the Ming Tombs and the surrounding Changping District.
Geographically it lies in northern Beijing’s Changping area, near the clustered Ming Tombs sites that are a short drive from the city center along the northern arterial routes.
- Proximity: Located close to the Ming Tombs complex in Changping District, north of central Beijing, and often referenced in relation to the tombs and surrounding recreational areas.
How to Get to Ming Tombs Reservoir#
The reservoir lies north of central Beijing near the Ming Tombs (Shisanling) complex in Changping District. From central Beijing use the Badaling Expressway (G6) or public buses (e.g., bus 877 from Deshengmen) that serve the Ming Tombs area; taxis and private tours are also common.
Tips for Visiting Ming Tombs Reservoir#
- If visiting the Ming Tombs area (Shisanling), plan to include the Changling or Dingling tombs and reserve extra time for the surrounding park
- Bring a hat and water-the reservoir area can be exposed in summer
- Combine the trip with the scenic Badaling highway stretch; public buses service the Ming Tombs area from Beijing
Best Time to Visit Ming Tombs Reservoir#
Best in spring and autumn for comfortable weather and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Ming Tombs Reservoir#
Ming Tombs Reservoir's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (503 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | -10° - 1° | -8° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| February | Good | -8° - 4° | -5° | 3 mm | some cloud | 52% | 2.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Very Good | -1° - 11° | 3° | 7 mm | some cloud | 44% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 7° - 20° | 14° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 41% | 3.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 19° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 42% | 3.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.3h |
| June | Very Good | 18° - 30° | 24° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 2.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.8h |
| July | Good | 21° - 30° | 26° | 171 mm | overcast | 68% | 1.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.6h |
| August | Very Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 1.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.6h |
| September | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 16 mm | some cloud | 59% | 2.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | -2° - 10° | 2° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 2.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| December | Good | -8° - 3° | -5° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 1.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
