Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

Address Qiaoshan Town, Huangling County, Yan'an, Shaanxi
Hours 08:00–17:30 (peak season, Mar–Nov) / 08:00–17:00 (off-peak, Dec–Feb)
Phone +86 911 5212542
Announcement: No. 1 Mausoleum under Heaven
Entrance ¥75
Hours 08:00–17:30 (peak...
Best Season Early April for th...
Time needed 2-3h
Last visit: Aug 25, 2026
Author: Hong Ma
Reviewer: Lijuan Zhao

Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Overview

The tomb of Xuanyuan, the Yellow Emperor, the ancestor of the Chinese nation. Anciently called 'Qiao Ling', it is a sacred place for Chinese people worldwide to trace their roots.

Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:00–17:30 (peak season, Mar–Nov) / 08:00–17:00 (off-peak, Dec–Feb)
  • Best season: Early April for the grand Qingming ritual (extremely crowded), and September–October for mild, clear weather and fewer crowds.
  • Ticket note: Combined ticket (Memorial Temple + Mausoleum) approx. CNY 75 (high season), CNY...

Essential Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 911 5212542
  • Large paid parking lot
  • Restrooms (multiple
  • at temple and near mound)Visitor center with luggage storageBattery shuttle cars (small extra fee)Souvenir shops and tea stalls
  • Wheelchair access in temple area only (stairway not wheelchair friendly)

How to Get to Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

High-speed train from Xi’an to Huangling South Station (approx. 1.5 h), then local bus or taxi (15 min). Self-drive via G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway, exit at Huangling – the scenic area is well signposted.

Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Travel Safety & Advice

First-aid station inside the scenic area; public security post near the main gate. Dial 110 or 120.

Practical Info

  • Qiaoshan Town, Huangling County, Yan'an, Shaanxi
  • 08:00–17:30 (peak season, Mar–Nov) / 08:00–17:00 (off-peak, Dec–Feb)
  • +86 911 5212542
Hong Ma
Hong Ma
Certified Master Tour Guide
Hong Ma, a Lanzhou-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Northwest China itineraries covering the 8-Day Hexi Corridor expedition, ancient Buddhist grottoes pilgrimage, and Mogao Caves.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.0 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Combined ticket (Memorial Temple + Mausoleum) approx. CNY 75 (high season), CNY...

Online booking may be required

Tips

This is a sacred mausoleum site, not an excavated tomb – dress respectfully and keep volume low. The stone steps can be slippery in rain or...

Reality Check

  • The Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day) public memorial ceremony draws massive crowds – the central plaza and approach staircases become extremely dense. Expect 30–60 min ticket queues even on regular weekends. Shuttle car intervals slow down at peak times.

Top Attractions Near Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor

Yuhua Palace Ruins Historical, Cultural, Summer retreat

Yuhua Palace Ruins

A summer palace for Tang Dynasty emperors, and the place where the monk Xuanzang...

Tongchuan 2026-08-25
Chenlu Ancient Town Pottery Capital of the East

Chenlu Ancient Town

A legendary 'living fossil' of ceramic history, this hillside town is renowned f...

Tongchuan 2026-08-25
Yaowang Mountain Popular / Cultural / Pilgrimage

Yaowang Mountain

The place where Sun Simiao, a Tang Dynasty physician, spent his later years. The...

Tongchuan 2026-08-25
Zhaojin-Xiangshan Scenic Area Red Landmark & Danxia Peaks

Zhaojin-Xiangshan Scenic Area

A destination combining the 'Red Tourism' history of the Zhaojin Revolution with...

Tongchuan 2026-08-25
Dangjia Village Architectural Museum

Dangjia Village

Described as a 'Living Fossil of Ancient Dwellings,' this village showcases incr...

Weinan 2026-08-25
Qiachuan Scenic Area Popular / Wetland / Hot Spring

Qiachuan Scenic Area

The largest hot spring lake wetland in the Yellow River basin, known as the 'Bir...

Weinan 2026-08-25
Baota Mountain Revolutionary history, Iconic landmark

Baota Mountain

A landmark of Yan'an and a symbol of the revolutionary sacred site. Climb the pa...

Yan'an 2026-08-25
Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River Wonder of the Yellow River

Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River

The world's largest yellow waterfall. The Yellow River rushes here, the mouth na...

Yan'an 2026-08-25

Recent Reviews

4.0 ★★★★☆ (5)
Sam_I_Am May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

A respectful and cultural experience, but not as polished as other major heritage sites in China. The parking situation was chaotic, and the restrooms were not very clean. The main hall was under renovation during my visit, which was disappointing. Still, learning about the Yellow Emperor's legend from a local guide made it worthwhile. 3.5 stars rounded up.

globetrotter May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Went during off-season and almost had the whole place to myself. The silence among the ancient pines and the misty mountains was magical. The tomb itself is simple, but the carvings and calligraphy along the corridor are fascinating. I spent two hours just soaking it all in. Highly recommend going early in the morning for the best light.

Maggie_RN May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I really wanted to love this place, but it fell a bit short. The historical significance is undeniable, but the signage was mostly in Chinese with very little English translation, so I felt lost at times. Also, the entrance fee felt steep for what you get - no interactive exhibits or modern amenities. A decent stop if you're in the area, but don't expect a wow factor.

Jake_Adventu May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Worth the trip, but be prepared for crowds on weekends. The massive bronze statue at the entrance is impressive, and the surrounding forest is peaceful. However, I found the on-site souvenir shops a bit too commercial and pushy. Still, walking the sacred path and seeing the ancient stele gave me chills. Solid experience overall.

TravelBug_Ka May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! Standing at the top of the mountain, looking down at the ancient cypress trees and the grand mausoleum, I felt a deep sense of history and reverence. The guided tour was informative, and the entire site is incredibly well-maintained. A must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese heritage. Bring comfortable shoes though - lots of steps!

Leave a Review

2026 on-site verified