Qianling Museum

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Spot Introduction

Qianling is the co-burial tomb of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. It is the only emperor-empress co-burial tomb in China and the only tomb of a female emperor in the world, possessing extremely high historical and cultural value. Built into a mountain, Qianling impresses with its magnificent scale, covering an area of 2.4 million square meters. It is the largest and best-preserved Tang Dynasty emperor’s tomb in China.

The construction of Qianling took 23 years, adopting the unique design of “using the mountain as a tomb,” with the main peak of Liangshan serving as the main body of the tomb, embodying the concept of harmony between nature and humanity. The tomb layout is rigorous, with the sacred path as the central axis. On both sides, there are symmetrically distributed exquisite stone carvings, including 114 pieces such as the famous Wordless Stele and Shu Sheng Ji Stele, showcasing the highest achievements of Tang Dynasty stone carving art. Among them, the Wordless Stele stands 7.53 meters high and weighs 98.8 tons. It was erected by Wu Zetian herself, implying that her achievements and faults would be judged by future generations.

The underground palace of Qianling remains unexplored, filled with mystery and known as the “Oriental Pyramid.” Archaeological explorations indicate that the underground palace is well-preserved and may house numerous precious artifacts. Within the tomb area, there are also 17 accompanying tombs. The excavated tombs of Yongtai Princess and Zhanghuai Prince have unveiled exquisite wall paintings and artifacts, providing vital information for studying Tang Dynasty history.

As a microcosm of Tang Dynasty politics, economy, and culture, Qianling is not only a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architectural art but also an essential material for studying Tang Dynasty history. In 1961, Qianling was listed as one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in China. In 2001, it was rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction, and in 2014, it was selected for the World Heritage Tentative List, further enhancing its international influence.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Main Peak of Qianling

    • Imperial Tomb Architecture
    • Stone Carving Art
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

  2. Museum Exhibition Hall

    • Cultural Relic Display
    • Historical Introduction
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  3. Six Steeds of Zhaoling

    • Stone Carving Art
    • Historical Relics
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

  4. 61 Accompanying Tombs

    • Royal Tombs
    • Archaeological Discoveries
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Museum → Main Peak of Qianling → Six Steeds of Zhaoling → Accompanying Tombs
    • Visit according to the distribution of cultural relics

  2. Visiting Schedule Arrangement

    • Climb the tomb in the morning
    • Avoid noon
    • Take adequate rest

  3. Practical Tips

    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Bring drinking water
    • Sun protection is essential

Transportation Guide

  • High-speed rail: From Xi’an North Station to Xianyang Station
  • Bus: Qianling special line
  • Self-drive: 1.5-hour drive from Xi’an
  • Tourist bus:Departures from major stations
  1. Qianzhou Lamb Soup
  2. Guanzhong Noodles
  3. Farmhouse Cuisine
  4. Shaanxi Snacks

Special Reminders

  1. Many steps
  2. Prepare drinking water
  3. Sun protection is essential
  4. Protect cultural relics
  5. Suitable for photography
  6. Bring ID documents
  7. Suitable for cultural tours
  8. Make an appointment for explanation in advance.