Qianling Scenic Area is located on Liangshan Mountain, approximately 6 kilometers north of Qian County, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, China. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national archaeological site park, and a civilized tourism demonstration unit in Shaanxi Province. The highlight of the scenic area is that it serves as the joint burial mausoleum of Li Zhi (Tang Gaozong), the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and Wu Zetian, the only empress in Chinese history. It is the only joint burial site of two emperors in Chinese history and is praised as the "crown of all imperial mausoleums in past dynasties." The mausoleum originally had two layers of city walls with four gates (Qinglong, Baihu, Zhuque, Xuanwu), spanning an area of 80 li. The inner city covers 2.4 million square meters, and the outer city has a perimeter of "80 li." The total area of the Qianling Mausoleum complex is 6.47 square kilometers.
History and Culture
The site of Qianling Mausoleum was selected by Wu Zetian. After Emperor Gaozong's death in 683 AD, construction began on the underground palace and other main structures. In 684 AD, Gaozong was buried in Qianling, and in 706 AD, Wu Zetian was interred with him in the Xuangong (spiritual palace). The name "Qianling" originates from Liangshan Mountain's position in the "Qian" trigram of the Bagua, symbolizing a "heavenly mausoleum." During the Tang Dynasty, Qianling underwent multiple renovations but suffered severe damage to its above-ground structures due to events like the An Lushan Rebellion. Emperor Taizong of the Jin Dynasty ordered repairs and inscribed the Records of the Military Governor and Brother of the Great Jin Emperor on the front of the Wordless Stele. Administrative institutions managed Qianling during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, but it was unmanaged during the Republic of China period. The Qianling Scenic Area was established in 1960, and between 1960-1972, archaeologists excavated five attendant tombs. In 2006, Qianling was listed in the Shaanxi section of the Silk Road joint heritage application by five Central Asian countries. It became a National Archaeological Site Park in 2022 and a national 5A-level tourist attraction in 2024.
Main Attractions
Main Mausoleum of Qianling
This is the joint burial mausoleum of Li Zhi and Wu Zetian, built using the "mausoleum within a mountain" design. The main peak of Liangshan Mountain, where the underground palace is located, stands at 1,047.9 meters altitude, symbolizing imperial power. The tomb passage is paved with 39 layers of stone slabs fixed by iron bolts and sealed with lead-tin mortar. No robbery tunnels have been found, making it the only unexcavated Tang imperial mausoleum.
Wordless Stele (Wuzi Bei)
Located on the eastern side of the spirit path outside the Zhuque Gate of the inner city, this iconic stone stele is carved from a single monolithic rock (7.53m height, 2.1m width, 1.49m thickness). The stele head features eight intertwined chi dragons, and each side has a soaring dragon carving. Its lack of inscriptions has sparked various theories, adding to its mystery.
Stele of Praising the Sage (Shusheng Ji Bei)
Located on the western side of the spirit path, this stele was erected by Wu Zetian for Emperor Gaozong. Composed of seven stone blocks ("Seven-section Stele"), it measures 7.53m in height, 1.86m in width, and 1.59m in thickness. The inscription, written by Wu Zetian, extols Gaozong's political and military achievements.
Sixty-one Vassal Official Statues
Located on both sides of the spirit path, these 61 stone statues depict ethnic minority leaders and foreign envoys who attended Gaozong's funeral. Dressed in tight-sleeved robes, leather belts, and boots, they stand with clasped hands in a gesture of respect.
Yongtai Princess Tomb
An attendant tomb located 2.5km southeast of the main mausoleum, with an 87.5m-long tomb passage and 190m² burial chamber. It yielded Tang sancai pottery and murals, including the exquisite Palace Maidens mural showcasing Tang court life.
Zhanghuai Prince Tomb
Located 3km southeast of Qianling, this tomb of Li Xian (Gaozong and Wu Zetian's second son) has a 71m-long passage and 200m² chamber. Its murals, such as Polo Game and Guest Envoys, hold high artistic and historical value.
Yide Prince Tomb
Located 2km southeast of Qianling, this is the largest excavated Tang tomb (100.8m passage, 280m² chamber). Its well-preserved murals, like Procession, vividly reflect Tang court rituals.
Local Cuisine
Qianzhou Tofu Pudding (Qianzhou Doufunao)
One of the "Four Treasures of Qianzhou," made by coagulating soybean milk with gypsum. Served smooth and tender, it is seasoned with chili oil for a spicy flavor. Free tastings are available at the tourist center with a ticket.
Qianzhou Pot Helmet (Qianzhou Guokui)
A traditional Qian County bread made from wheat flour, with a crispy crust and soft interior, suitable for long-term storage and travel.
Spicy Bean Paste (Jiang Lazi)
Fermented chili paste with a rich aroma, served as a side dish for buns or noodles, offering a spicy yet balanced flavor.
Sour Soup Noodles (Suan Tang Mian)
Thin noodles in a tangy-spicy soup with minced pork. The soup base, flavored with vinegar and chili oil, creates a rich, appetizing dish.
Ticket Information
Peak season (March-November): Full price 100 RMB, half price 50 RMB.
Off-season (December-February): Full price 80 RMB, half price 40 RMB.
Free admission for: Disabled visitors, journalists, seniors ≥65 (with ID), children <6 or <1.2m (with proof).
Half price for: Minors 6-18, full-time students (with valid ID).
Opening Hours
Peak season: 8:00–18:00
Off-season: 8:30–17:30
Tour Routes
Start at the main gate, climb the 537-step staircase, then follow the Spirit Path to visit Huabiao, Winged Horses, Ostriches, Stone Horses, Stone Officials, Wordless Stele, Shusheng Ji Bei, and Sixty-one Vassal Statues. Proceed to the Main Mausoleum, then optional visits to Yongtai Princess Tomb, Zhanghuai Prince Tomb, and Yide Prince Tomb.
Transportation
- By car: Take Fuyin Expressway from Xi'an, exit at Qian County, follow signs to the scenic area.
- By bus: Take a bus from Xianyang to Qian County, then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi.
Must-See Attractions
- Main Mausoleum of Qianling: Iconic "mountain mausoleum" design, unexcavated mystery, and symbolic peak altitude.
- Wordless Stele: Architectural masterpiece with unresolved historical mystery.
- Yongtai Princess Tomb: Exquisite murals depicting Tang court culture, including the famous Palace Maidens.
Tour Tips
- Allow 4–8 hours to fully explore the site.
- Hire a licensed guide for historical context.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to extensive pathways.
Notes
- Observe opening hours; exit before closing.
- Keep the area clean; no littering or spitting.
- Do not touch or climb on cultural relics.
- Respect photography restrictions (no flash in designated areas).