One Day Xian Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple Tour
Tour Overview
On this one-day tour from Xiāan, visit Famen Temple and Qianling Mausoleum led by your professional tour guide who will uncover the story of Chinaās only female Empress. When you visit unearthed cultural relics, also gain a deeper understanding of the background of some important cultural relics.
Every cultural relic here spans thousands of years. After the trip, the driver and guide will escort you back to the hotel in the center of Xiāan.
Travel destination: Xian
Suitable for: History Explorers, Culture Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Listen to the story of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.
- Admire the beautiful murals in the largest and best-preserved tomb of a Tang Dynasty woman – Tomb of Princess Yong Tai.
- See the real finger bone of Shakyamuni Buddha at Famen Temple.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple
After breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and begin your Xian side trip toĀ Famen Temple, 110 kilometers east of Xi'an city center.
Famen Temple serves as the only location worldwide that contains the authentic finger bones of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Tang Dynasty established this site as a royal temple and present-day people regard it as the "Ninth Wonder of the World".
You will visit the pagoda that preserves the relics of Buddha, the Famen Temple Museum, the Heshi Pagoda and the Underground Palace. This palace is the earliest and largest Buddhist pagoda underground chamber discovered in the world so far.
Famen Temple Heshi Pagoda, aka the Pagoda of the Joined Palms, 148 meters high, is located on the Buddha Light Avenue lined with golden figures of Bodhisattva and Arhat. At Famen Temple, also learn about the temple layout of the Tang Dynasty's "front tower and rear hall". The entire scenic area is very large and you will spend 3 hours visiting.
After the visit, haveĀ lunch at your own expense. You can ask your guide for some recommendations.
In the afternoon, your itinerary continuesĀ to Qianling Mausoleum, the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, and the only female emperor in Chinese history, Wu Zetian. It is the best preserved main tomb among the 18 TangĀ DynastyĀ tombs and the only tomb that has not been stolen.
Walking along the SacredĀ Way, you can see winged horses, ostriches and stone statues of vassals standing on both sides. The most striking oneĀ is the Wordless Stele - it was erected by Wu Zetian for herself without a single word engraved on it and its purpose is still a mystery to this day.
Qianling Mausoleum Afterwards, moveĀ to the Tomb of Princess Yongtai, one of the accompanying tombs in Qianling. This is the largest scale female tomb in the Tang Dynasty. As you admire the exquisite murals in the tomb passage and chamber, your tour guide will explain the story of the princess.
After the visit, your driver and guide will accompany you back to the hotel in the city center.
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $145 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, hotel class, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
* For the final price, please refer to the service voucher sent to you by your travel consultant.
