Written by Clementine |
Located about 87 kilometers northwest of Xi’an City, Qianling Mausoleum is a co-burial tomb of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and his queen Empress Wuzetian, who is the only female emperor in Chinese history. After the death of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi, Wu Zetian governed the country for 15 years, this is the first and only case in ancient China. If you are interested in their stories, the Qianling Mausoleum can be a good destination for your side trip to Xi’an.
Content Preview
- Fast Facts about Qinaling Mausoleum
- History and Significance of Qianling Mausoleum
- Highlights to See in Qianling Mausoleum
- Perfectly Merged with the Surrounding Hills
- Key Features and Layout of Qianling Mausoleum – Follow the Layout of Ancient Xi’an City
- Open-Air “Museum” of about 100 Stone Statues
- 2 Giant Stone Steles of Emperor and Empress
- Notable Satellite Tombs and Their Treasures – 17 Accompanying Tombs
- Transportation inside Qianling Mausoleum
- How Do I get to Qianling Mausoleum from Xian?
- Practical Tips to Visit Qianling Mausoleum
- Travel information about Qianling Mausoleum
- Nearby Attractions
- FAQs about Qianling Mausoleum
- How to Plan a Xi’an Tour with Qianling Mausoleum
- Explore More of Xian’s Historical and Cultural Highlights with China Xian Tour
Fast Facts about Qinaling Mausoleum
- Location: Liangshan Mountain, Qianxian County, Xianyang, Shaanxi
- Distance from Xian downtown: about 87 kilometers, 1.5 hours’drive
- Ticket: CNY 100 (March – November), CNY 80 (December – February), CNY 30 for the sightseeing bus
- Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (March – November); 8:30-17:30 (December – February)
- Suitable for: History and culture lovers, interested in Wu Zetian’s story, photography enthusiasts.
History and Significance of Qianling Mausoleum
Unlike any other ancient imperial tombs in China, Qianling Mausoleum is the only imperial tomb housing both a husband and wife – Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) and Empress Wu Zetian. As the empress of Li Zhi, Wu Zetian assisted him in handling state affairs. After the death of Li Zhi, Wu Zetian began to govern the country and finally established her own imperial dynasty – the Zhou Dynasty, making her the only female emperor in Chinese history. Nearing the end of her life, she ultimately chose to be buried with her husband, underscoring the uniqueness of Qianling Mausoleum among all other imperial tombs.
In front of the mausoleum, Wu Zetian erected a blank imperial stele called the “Wordless Tablet.” Regarding the purpose of the stele, there is no definitive explanation. Some theories suggest that she intended for future generations to judge her merits and faults.
Highlights to See in Qianling Mausoleum
Must-see highlights inside the Qianling Mausoleum include:
- The majestic Spirit Way Stone Statues, stretching 700 meters with 124 sculptures lining the route. Among these are the 61 Headless Stone Statues of Foreign Officials, signifying the vibrant diplomatic ties during the Tang Dynasty.
- The enigmatic Wordless Tablet of Empress Wu Zetian and the Shushengji Stele of Emperor Gaozong.
- The Qianling Museum, displaying over 820 excavated artifacts from the accompanying tombs.
Perfectly Merged with the Surrounding Hills
Qianling Mausoleum was constructed around Liangshan Mountain which consists of three peaks with the north one being the tallest measuring 1047.9 meters high. That’s where the main tomb of Wu Zetian stands. The tomb passage, extending 631 meters long and 3.9 meters wide, was tunneled on the hillside leading to the burial chamber deep in the mountain.
The other two smaller peaks are a little to the south and opposite each other on the east and west, just like a natural gate guarding the mausoleum. Getting into the entrance, you can see a flight of stairs paved with stone slates, with 537 steps leading to a flat road called the Sacred Way for approaching the mausoleum shared by Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian.
Key Features and Layout of Qianling Mausoleum – Follow the Layout of Ancient Xi’an City
According to historical materials, the Qianling Mausoleum was originally designed following the layout of the city of Chang’an (the name of Xi’an in the Tang Dynasty). Two sets of city walls divided the mausoleum into the inner city and the outer city.
The tomb is located in the center of the inner city which is encircled by the squarish city wall with 5,920 meters in circumference, and four gates facing the four directions. The outer wall was built along the Liangshan Mountain, extending for 40 kilometers long. That is why the Qianling Mausoleum in Xi’an is thought to be the largest imperial tomb in Chinese history.
Open-Air “Museum” of about 100 Stone Statues – Including Stone Statues of 61 Foreign Officials
Xi’an Qianling Mausoleum boasts vivid stone statues along the Sacred Way, which extends for 700 meters from two ornamental columns on the south to the feet of a pair of giant stone lions outside Zhuque Gate. On each side stand stone statues of 10 officials, 1 winged horse, 5 horses, and 1 camel, as well as a stone stele.
Besides, you can find groups of figures near the Zhuque Gate, called Stone Statues of 61 Foreign Officials. They represent princes and envoys dispatched by various countries to Chang’an, who followed the funeral procession to the mausoleum to express their condolences on the passing away of Emperor Gaozong.
To commemorate this grand occasion, Empress Wu had their images cut into life-sized stone figures to be aligned on both sides of the passageway. Vivid and lifelike, every figure is decently robed and girdled, standing there in dignified solemnity. Unfortunately, these statues are all headless and it is widely accepted that they were destroyed in a severe earthquake in 1556.
2 Giant Stone Steles of Emperor and Empress
Stone Stele Dedicated to Emperor Gaozong
In front of the main tomb of Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong stand two huge stone steles. The one on the west is the Stone Stele Dedicated to Emperor Gaozong. As its name indicates, this one was set up by Empress Wu Zetian in praise of the virtuous merits and deeds of Emperor Gaozong. Standing 6.85 meters high and 1. 86 meters wide, the tablet rises on a plinth engraved with various patterns of animals and is covered with a gambrel shade.
Carved on the stele was an epitaph of more than 5,600 characters. It was autographed by Empress Wu Zetian but in Emperor Zhongzong’s handwriting. However, with the elapse of over a thousand years, most of the carved characters were weathered and eroded with only a few words remaining on the first, second, and fourth facades.
Wordless Stone Stele at Wu Zetian’s Tomb
The stele on the east is the renowned Wordless Stone Stele, which is a must-see of Wu Zetian Tomb. As the name implies, there’s not a single word on it. It is said that Empress Wu had a will: “Merits and achievements or not, let the latecomers make their comments.” So the tablet was left blank and empty. Empress Wu didn’t write any biography for herself.
However, visitors may find the tablet is now covered with scratches and scrawls. They are the leftover traces of comments or criticisms made by people during the Northern Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
Notable Satellite Tombs and Their Treasures – 17 Accompanying Tombs
In the southeast of the Qianling Mausoleum, there is a group of 17 accompanying tombs scattered around, where 9 royal relatives and 8 important ministers in the court were buried. Today, the tombs of Princess Yongtai, Prince Zhanghuai (Li Xian), and Prince Yide are open for visitors to have a look at the imperial underground chambers, which could be an unforgettable memory during your Xi’an tour. You can appreciate exquisite murals of Tang Dynasty (618-907) to learn about ancient royal life, such as competitive sports, hunting activities, and life in the palace.
It is worth noting that near the Tomb of Princess Youngtai is the Qianling Museum where more than 820 pieces of cultural relics excavated from the accompanying tombs are exhibited, including Tang tri-colored glazed potteries, terracotta figures, gold and silver jewelry, and antique vessels.
Transportation inside Qianling Mausoleum – How to Visit
The whole scenic area is quite large and it might be exhausting to tour around all the sites on foot. If you want to save energy or time, there are sightseeing buses inside and the ticket costs CNY 30.
Recommended touring route:
South Gate – Sacred Way Stone Statues – Wordless Tablet – Shushengji Stele – Princess Yongtai’s Tomb – Crown Prince Zhanghuai’s Tomb (Li Xian’s Tomb) – Crown Prince Yide’s Tomb – back to South Gate
How Do I get to Qianling Mausoleum from Xian City Center?
High-speed railway makes it more convenient to have a side trip to Qianling when you travel to Xi’an.
Visitors can take a high-speed train at Xi’an North Railway Station to Qianxian and the train ride lasts for around 30 minutes. Get out of Qianxian Station and transfer to bus no. 1 to Yaojiagong Lukou or bus no. 2 to Yaojiagong.
Practical Tips to Visit Qianling Mausoleum
- Some underground palace staircases are steep, for example, Princess Yongtai’s tomb is 18 meters deep.
- Given the vast area of the scenic area (2.3 sq km), it is highly recommended to purchasing a sightseeing shuttle ticket (CNY 30 per person) to save energy.
- Flash photography is prohibitedfor the “Palace Maidens” mural in Princess Yongtai’s Tomb.
- It is recommended to combine Qianling Mausoleum with Famen Temple or Hanyangling Mausoleum for an in-depth Xian cultural tour.
Travel information about Qianling Mausoleum in Xian
Ticket:
CNY 100 (March to November) in peak season; CNY 80 (December to February the following year) in low season. The ticket includes entrance to Qianling Mausoleum, Tomb of Princess Yongtai, Tomb of Prince Zhanghuai (Tomb of Li Xian), Tomb of Prince Yide, and Qianling Museum.
Best time for visiting:
April-June, September-October are the best times when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding sceneries are beautiful.
Nearby Attractions
- Famen Temple
- Xianyang Museum
FAQs about Qianling Mausoleum
How does Qianling differ from the Terracotta Army or other Tang tombs?
While the Terracotta Army showcases Qin military power, Qianling is the place wher epeople can take a glimpse of Tang diplomacy and culture through its envoy statues and grand steles. It has been given unique status as it’s where joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian (China’s only female emperor) lies.
What are the most important structures at Qianling?
The highlights that most visitors would visit include the Spirit Way with its stone statues, the Wordless Tablet of Wu Zetian, the giant stele of Emperor Gaozong, and the 61 statues of foreign envoys. The accompanying tombs, especially Princess Yongtai’s Tomb, are also highly recommended.
Can visitors enter the underground tomb chamber?
Visitors are not allowed to go into the main tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian which are remained sealed, but several satellite tombs are open to the public. In these chambers, visitors can see exquisite Tang murals and cultural relics up close.
Are there ongoing archaeological excavations at the site?
Currently, for protecting the cultural relics inside the central tomb, it is still not opened to the public. More archaeological work has been done in the surrounding satellite tombs, and, indeedm many important discoveries such as tri-colored pottery and murals are unearthed in these sites.
Are the surrounding satellite tombs open to the public?
Yes, some of selected satellite tombs have long been opened to the public (those of Princess Yongtai, Prince Zhanghuai, and Prince Yide). While stepping inside these tombs, you’ll really deel yourself going across time and walking in Tang-era underground palaces.
Is Qianling Mausoleum a UNESCO World Heritage?
Yes. Qianling Mausoleum was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. And you can find its name in the catalogue of the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor.”
How to Plan a Xi’an Tour with Qianling Mausoleum
You can spend either half a day or a full day on this trip, and, indeed, you can flexibly adjust your time according to how many satellite tombs you want to explore. Remember to add another 1.5–2 hours for a one-way journey by high-speed train or bus (3-4 hours for a round trip).
Suggested Itinerary Options:
Half-day side trip: Morning departure from Xi’an → Arrive at Qianxian → Go to the mausoleum and visit Spirit Way, Wordless Stele, and Princess Yongtai’s Tomb → return to Xi’an in the afternoon.
Full-day cultural tour: Also start with an early departure, but prepare for more sites to visit. It’s ideal to combine Qianling Mausoleum with Famen Temple (which is housing the Buddha’s finger bone relic) or Hanyangling Mausoleum. This route offers a broader look at imperial tomb culture across different dynasties.
Explore More of Xian’s Historical and Cultural Highlights with China Xian Tour
If you are looking for an in-depth Xian vacation with its best historical and cultural highlights, then look no further than China Xian Tour. We are real Xian experts who well know not only its famous attractions, but all the city’s hidden gems and intresting histories and stories. Let our local professional guide to lead you to explore this ancient capital from local’s perspectives.
