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. Is it possible to visit Xianyang tourist attractions without knowing Chinese?
Absolutely — if you prepare. Print out the Chinese names of the places you want to go, download an offline translation app (Apple Translate works offline if you download the language pack), and use AMap with English mode for navigation. All major attractions have English signage these days. For booking, you can use Trip.com or Klook, which offer English support. Just remember that entrance tickets may require your passport.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Xianyang tourist attractions?
Autumn (September to October) is ideal — mild temperatures and clear skies make the stone carvings look spectacular. Spring (April to May) is also good but can be dusty. Avoid the Chinese National Day holiday (first week of October) if you can, as even Xianyang gets crowded then. Winter is cold but you’ll have the sites practically to yourself.
3. Can I pay with WeChat or Alipay at Xianyang tourist attractions?
Yes, for most ticket offices and official shops. But some small vendors outside the gates still only accept cash, and credit cards (especially foreign ones) are almost never accepted. Always carry a couple of hundred RMB in cash for backup. If you haven’t set up WeChat Pay or Alipay yet, do it before you arrive — it took my clients 10 minutes with the help of hotel staff.
4. Are Xianyang tourist attractions accessible for disabled visitors?
This is a mixed bag. Xianyang Museum is flat and accessible. Mao Mausoleum has some ramps but the stone paths are bumpy. Qianling, unfortunately, has long stretches of rough stone steps with no alternative. If you or a companion have mobility issues, I recommend sticking to the museum and viewing the mausoleum from the approach path. Rent a wheelchair at the entrance if needed.
5. How long should I spend in Xianyang?
A day trip from Xi'an is sufficient to cover the highlights. If you have a deep interest in Chinese history, I'd suggest an overnight stay to visit both Qianling and Maoling without rushing. There are simple guesthouses in the city, but most foreign tourists prefer returning to Xi'an in the evening. Honestly, one day gets you 80% of the experience.
Is Xianyang worth visiting if I only have one day?
Plan carefully, and it's worth it. With one day, prioritize Han Yang Ling in the morning and the Xianyang Museum in the afternoon. The museum is free and you'll be done by 4 PM. Both are manageable and give you a solid feel for the Qin-Han legacy without rushing.
How do I buy tickets to Han Yang Ling as a foreigner?
I recommend booking via Trip.com or Klook at least a day ahead. They'll send you a QR code to use at the entrance — this way you avoid the line and any potential passport registration hassle. If you want to buy on site, bring your passport and exact cash (70 RMB) — the staff may not accept foreign credit cards.
Are there any scams or tourist traps in Xianyang?
The most common one is at the parking lots of mausoleums. Professional-looking "guides" will approach you offering to show you around for a fee. They're not official. Ignore them. Also, when you take a taxi, always confirm the meter is running, or agree on a price before you start. Prices between 50-100 RMB city rides are fair.
What's the best time of day to visit Qianling to avoid crowds?
Go at opening time (8:00 AM) and head directly to the mountain climb. The tour buses arrive around 10:30, so you'll have the panoramic view to yourself. The afternoon is also decent, but you may catch the tail end of crowds. Avoid Chinese holidays like Golden Week at all costs.
Is it better to stay in Xianyang or Xi'an?
If you love history, I'd recommend staying in Xianyang for at least one night. You can do the mausoleums early in the morning from here, and get a glimpse of a local, everyday Chinese city that most tourists never see. If you need nightlife and convenience, stay in Xi'an and take day trips.
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.
Leave a Review