Qianling Mausoleum Overview
The joint burial tomb of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian, the best-preserved of the Tang Dynasty's eighteen imperial mausoleums.
Qianling Mausoleum Opening Hours & Tickets
- 08:00–18:00 (Mar–Nov)
08:30–17:30 (Dec–Feb)
- Best season: April–May and September–October for pleasant temperatures. Late afternoon light beautifully highlights the stone guardians.
- Ticket note:
Tickets available on-site and via official WeChat. Combined ticket includes sate...
Essential Qianling Mausoleum Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 29 3551 1699
- Parking lot
- restrooms
- visitor center
- small museum
- tricycle carts (for hire)
How to Get to Qianling Mausoleum
- From Xi’an: Bus from Xi’an Chengxi Bus Station to Qianxian, ~1.5 h, then take a local taxi (~15 min, ¥20) to the mausoleum.
- Drive: Xi’an – G70 Expressway to Qianling exit.
Qianling Mausoleum Travel Safety & Advice
110 / 120. On-site medical assistance available through the visitor center.
Qianling Mausoleum Travel FAQ
1. Can I use foreign credit cards in Xianyang?
Not at most sites. The easiest way is to link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive. For entry tickets, use Trip.com — they accept international cards and give you instant confirmation.
2. Is Xianyang safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely, and I've guided plenty of solo visitors. Violent crime is uncommon. Stick to well-lit areas, keep your passport secure, and use app-based taxis (Didi) via the English interface.
3. Do I need a VPN for my phone in China?
Yes, if you depend on Google services, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Download a VPN before departure and make sure it's configured properly.
4. Which tomb is more impressive: Qianling or Maoling?
Both, honestly. Qianling has the fame and the 61 envoys, but Maoling feels more intimate. If you only have time for one, pick Qianling for the overall scale. Maoling's stone sculptures are unique, though.
5. How do I get to Xianyang from Xi'an without a car?
The highspeed train is the best option. Take Xi'an Metro Line 2 to Xi'an North Station, then a 15-minute train to Xianyang Qindu Station. From there, you can taxi to sites. Alternatively, Didi (Chinese Uber) is accessible with an English app version.
I only have one day in Xi'an. Can I hit any top things to do in Xianyang without rushing?
Yes, but choose quality over quantity. Stick to two or three locations — Hanyangling Museum and Xianyang Museum are easy, or Qianling and Maoling if you prefer the grand scale. A private car is essential to avoid wasting time on connections.
What’s the actual entrance fee for Qianling vs. Hanyangling? Are there hidden costs?
Qianling runs about ¥100–¥130, and Hanyangling is around ¥120. These prices change slightly each year. There are no hidden fees for the main areas, but at Qianling, if you want to visit the adjacent Yongtai Tomb, that's an extra ¥30–¥50. Always carry cash for these add-ons.
My Chinese is zero. How do I navigate the booking systems for these sites?
You only need to book in advance for Hanyangling on public holidays. For other sites, just show up and buy at the ticket office — bring your passport. If you're nervous, ask your hotel in Xi'an to call the site and reserve a ticket in your name. It's easier than struggling with Chinese mini-programs.
Which tomb complex is less crowded and better for photography?
Tang Shunling is the untapped goldmine for photographers — no entry fee, no tour groups, and the stone sculptures are gorgeous in late afternoon light. Zhaoling is also quiet but requires a hike. For the best mix of convenience and low crowds, go to Maoling in the late afternoon.
Are there any safety concerns when walking around the mausoleums?
None at all in terms of crime. The main concern is uneven stone paths and steep steps — wear sturdy shoes. In summer, the heat can be intense; carry water and sunscreen. Some sites (like Zhaoling) have little shade, so plan for that.
Recent Reviews
We took our two teenagers here and they actually enjoyed it! The open-air museum feel and the giant statues kept them engaged. We booked a 2-hour guided tour through our hotel and the guide was excellent – very knowledgeable and funny. The only downside was the lack of proper restrooms near the entrance (the ones available were a bit dirty). Parking was easy and the ticket price was reasonable for a family. Good value for a half-day trip.
I loved the peaceful vibe here! I visited on a weekday morning and had the whole place almost to myself. The cypress trees lining the path, the chirping of birds, and the vast open landscape made it a meditative experience. The stone animals along the Spirit Way are beautifully carved. No queues, no loud tour groups – just pure Tang history under a blue sky. Highly recommend for anyone seeking quiet contemplation.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. The main tomb chamber is closed to the public – you can only walk around the outside grounds and the spirit way. For the entrance fee (around 100 RMB if I remember right), I expected more signage in English and maybe some interactive displays. The site feels a little neglected in places, with some stone figures showing heavy weathering. If you're a hardcore history buff it's okay, but for casual visitors I'd give it a pass.
Pretty cool overall. The giant stone guardians and the famous 'Wu Zetian's stele' (the blank one) are must-sees. The walk up to the tomb is a bit steep and there's barely any shade, so bring water and a hat. Also, the souvenir shops at the entrance feel a bit aggressive. But the history is rich and the views from the top are stunning. A solid 4 stars.
Incredible! Standing at the Spirit Way with those massive stone statues made me feel like I'd stepped back 1300 years. The site is enormous and the setting against the Liangshan hills is breathtaking. Definitely hire a guide to get the full story on the two emperors buried here – it's worth every penny. One of the most impressive Tang dynasty mausoleums I've ever seen.
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