Tomb of Yang Guifei and the Legends of Imperial Consort Yang

Written by Clementine | Updated October 17,2025

Xi’an is undoubtedly the most important destination for visitors who want to explore the grandeur of China’s Tang Dynasty. And except for the famous Qianling Mausoleum or the Terracotta Warriors, Yang Guifei Tomb, also known as the Mausoleum of Yang Yuhuan, is said to be another important place to visit. Here, the stories of one of China’s most legendary beauties, Yang Yuhuan, have been beautifully memorized in all sorts of forms. And her tragic life path has revealed pictures of the Tang Dynasty in a more intimate and sentimental way.

Yang Guifei Tomb is the burial place for Yang Yuhuang, the beloved imperial Consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. The tomb is located at Maweipo, about 12 kilometers northwest of Xingping City, which now is an important cultural relic protected by Shaanxi Province.

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• Essential Information
• Who is Yang Guifei?
• Yang’s Cultural Significance
• Overview of the Tomb of Yang Guifei
• Things to Do and See Around the Tomb
• How to Get to the Yang Guifei Tomb
• Plan Your Perfect Xi’an Trip with China Xian Tour

Essential Information

• Location: Maweipo, Xingping City, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province
• Distance from Xi’an: ~70 km (1.5-2 hours by car)
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM -6:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: RMB 30-45
• Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 hours

Who is Yang Guifei?

Yang Guifei (means Imperial Consort Yang) named Yang Yuhuan, was originally from Hongnong Huayin County (the current Huayin City) and later moved to Yongle County (now Ruicheng County). She was a national beauty and versed in music,  and married the Prince Shou when she was 14. She was later summoned into the court to be a lady official and then a lay-novice in an imperial convent, given the name Taizhen. In the fourth year under the reign of Tianbao, she was made imperial concubine with all her family enjoying the great honor and her brother promoted to be the Prime Minister of the country.

In 756, the 15th year under the reign of Tianbao, the rebellion staged by An Lushan broke the peace in the capital, with Emperor Xuanzong running away bringing the concubine with him. However, towards the Maweipo, the army under the command of Chen Xuanli, general commander of the right army killed Yang Yuhuan’s brother and said to the emperor that the rebellion was directly incited by the Yang Family, and that they demanded an immediate death of Yang Yuhuan or they wouldn’t submit to his command.

“The army wouldn’t move in his protection thus pulling an end to the life of the Beauty” the emperor had no way out but gave the order to have her commit suicide by hanging herself. The concubine died a forced death at the age of thirty-eight only.

However, in some folk tales and unofficial histories, it is said that Lady Yang managed to flee to Japan. Is it true that Yang Guifei did not die at Maweipo but escaped to Japan? Well the legend of her survived and secretly fled to Japan is most likely a romantic story. There is little historical evidence to confirm this.

Yang’s Cultural Significance

• Symbol of Beauty and Romance: In Chinese culture, Yang has long been an incarnation of beauty. And she’s also known as one of the “Four Great Beauties of Ancient China.”
• Literary Legacy: Her stories are a inspiration source of many literary and art works.
• Cultural Reflection: Her tragic fate also tells that the balance between personal love and political power is basically impossible to reach in imperial China.

Overview of the Tomb of Yang Guifei

First of all, is the tomb the actual burial site of Yang Guifei, or is it a cenotaph (memorial tomb)? Many historians believe the current site is more of a memorial tomb. The actual place is still debated among scholars.

The burial place for the concubine is a tomb-yard, the entrance of which is hung a placard inscribed with the “Tomb for Imperial Consort Yang of the Tang Dynasty. ” On entering the gate, you’ll see a three-bay front hall, the hall for offering sacrifices built in imitation of a classical architecture and the tomb is right behind it. Standing around three meters high, the earth mound is surrounded with laid bricks of gray.

Embraced on three-sides is a covered up corridor, the wall of which is inserted with stone-steles of various sizes and styles. They are all chants or lamentations left by men of letters and celebrities of ensuing dynasties. So if you ask: how does a visit to the Tomb of Yang Guifei complement a tour of other Tang Dynasty sites in the area? Unlike other Tang imperial sites such as Qianling Mausoleum, which focus more on expressing grandeur of the entire dynasty, the tomb of Yang Guifei offers an emotional resonance.

For some, you may have heard it the The Song of Everlasting Sorrow show in Xian. What is the significance of the poem The Song of Everlasting Sorrow in relation to the tomb? The poem’s lines have touchingly narrated and immortalized Yang Guifei’s tragic fate. While many inscriptions at the tomb quote lines from this masterpiece, it allows travelers to connect appreciate the real historical setting in a literary perspective.

In recent years the government has paid a lot attention to the reparation work of the tomb, which includes the repairing of the tomb itself, the construction of a wall for the tomb-yard, the stone-stele corridor and the hall for offering sacrifices and an arbor as well. And apart from all these a statue of the Imperial Consort Yang which, carved out of a marble piece, stands six meters high, is erected right in the rear part of the tomb-yard. Now the tomb for the Imperial Consort has become one of the important tourist attractions of Shaanxi Province.

Things to Do and See Around the Tomb

• Local Historical Buildings:Take a walk in traditional courtyards and old residences (Tang-era heritage).
• Cultural Exhibitions:Visit small museums and local displays about her stories.
• Cultural Performances:In peak seasons, see performances inspired by Tang poetry and music.
• Local Food Experience: Try Shaanxi-style snacks in the nearby village

How to Get to the Yang Guifei Tomb

From Xi’an:

1. Depart from Xi’an West Bus Station, and take a bus heading to Baoji North Line and get off at the Guifei Tomb Station. The journey takes about 60 minutes.
2. Another option from Xi’an West Bus Station is to take a high-speed bus heading to Xingping. Upon arrival in Xingping, transfer to Bus Route 1 within the city and get off at Guifei Tomb Station.

From Xianyang:

Depart from Xianyang North Bus Station, take a bus heading to Bin County, which takes about 60 minutes. Then, take a taxi to reach the tomb.

Plan Your Perfect Xi’an Trip with China Xian Tour

The Tomb of Yang Guifei is definitely worth exploring, as it has the power to bring people back to China’s most legendary dynasties. To have a more immersive trip in Xi’an, you can book a customized tour withChina Xian Tour. As a local travel experts, we can help you plan a smooth and rewarding Xi’an tour which combines every highlight you may be interested in. With our guides taking care of all the details, you’ll get to spend some of the unforgettable days in this treasured place.

Attractions nearby

• Han Yang Ling Mausoleum: about 80 km away, 1.5 hours drive
• Maoling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu: about 30 km away, 40 minutes drive
• Qianling Mausoleum: about 40 km away, 55 minutes drive