4 Mausoleums of Emperors from the Han and Tang Dynasties in Xi’an

The Western Han Dynasty, which spanned from the reign of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang to Emperor Ping Liu Yan, saw a total of eleven emperors (excluding Empress Lü and Emperor Ruzi). Of these, only Emperors Wen and Xuan were buried in locations southeast of Chang’an: Emperor Wen at Bailuyuan and Emperor Xuan at Dudongyuan. The other nine emperors were interred at the Western Han Eleven Tombs, located on the northern outskirts of Chang’an in the area known as Xianyang Plain.

In contrast, the Tang Dynasty, from Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan to Emperor Ai Li Zhu, included 21 emperors. Except for the last two emperors – Emperor Zhaozong, who was buried in Yanshi, Henan, and Emperor Ai, who was interred in Heze, Shandong – the remaining 19 emperors were laid to rest in the Guanzhong area. Notably, due to the joint burial of Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong, there are a total of 18 tombs, collectively referred to as the Tang Eighteen Tombs.

These mausoleums are significant historical sites that reflect the grandeur and cultural heritage of their respective dynasties, showcasing elaborate burial practices and architectural styles unique to their time.

Travel Information about the Ancient Mausoleums

Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

Transportation to the Scenic Areas

Locations:

• Yangling: Located on the east section of the Xi’an International Airport expressway.
• Maoling: Situated in Maoling Village, southeast of Xingping City.
• Zhaoling: Found on Jiujun Mountain, 22.5 kilometers northeast of Lintong County.
• Qianling: Located on Liang Mountain, 6 kilometers north of Qian County.

Transportation:

The royal tombs in Guanzhong are relatively dispersed. Public buses and tourist lines in Xi’an provide access to the various mausoleums. For convenience, it is recommended to hire a car for round trips.

Scenic Ratings

• Cultural Value: ★★★★
• Unique Features: ★★★★
• Leisure: ★★★
• Scenic Beauty: ★★★
• Romantic: ★★
• Excitement: ★★

Highlights of the Ancient Mausoleums

Han Yangling Mausoleum

Han Yangling is the joint burial site of Emperor Liu Qi (Han Jingdi) and his empress, Wang. Construction began in 153 BC, with the imperial tomb facing east and surrounded by 81 radiating burial pits. The Sima Road, 110 meters wide, leads east for 5 kilometers to Yangling City. On both sides of the road, over 10,000 burial sites for nobles and officials are neatly arranged, reminiscent of the hierarchical order during the emperor’s court.

The mausoleum comprises several sections: the imperial tomb area, the empress’s tomb area, southern and northern burial pits, ceremonial buildings, accompanying burial sites, convict burial grounds, and Yangling City. The imperial tomb is centrally located, with the empress’s tomb and the surrounding burial pits distributed symmetrically at the four corners. The accompanying tombs for concubines and the site of the compass stone are positioned on either side of the imperial tomb, maintaining a balanced layout. The convict burial grounds and three building sites align to the west of the imperial tomb, while the accompanying tombs are arranged in a chessboard pattern on either side of the Sima Road to the east.

The entire mausoleum is organized around the central tomb, with a symmetrical layout that emphasizes the royal authority and strict hierarchical beliefs.

Han Yangling Museum:

The Han Yangling Museum, established in conjunction with this mausoleum, integrates modern technology with ancient culture, providing a unique cultural tourism experience. It is the largest museum in China by area, featuring a distinctive sunken architectural style that protects the mausoleum’s overall environment. Inside the 1,600-square-meter exhibition hall, nearly 1,800 exquisite artifacts unearthed from archaeological excavations are displayed, showcasing a rich cultural heritage.

Tang Qianling Mausoleum

Qianling Mausoleum was constructed in the first year of the Tang Dynasty’s Xi Sheng era (684 AD). It is designed to mimic the layout of Chang’an, the Tang capital, and is a grand and majestic site. This mausoleum is unique in both China and the world as the resting place of two emperors from different dynasties: it houses the remains of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor.

The mausoleum is built into the mountains, giving it an imposing presence. Visitors enter through the first gate and ascend a stone staircase, which leads to a wide path extending to the “Tomb of Emperor Gaozong” stele. This path is known as the “Sima Road.” Flanking the entrance to the mausoleum are two sets of stone figures arranged in a respectful manner, known as the “Foreign Minister Statues.” These life-sized statues, dressed in various attire, stand in pairs with their hands held in a gesture of reverence.

Notably, at the eastern side of the Sima Road, just outside the main entrance, stands the famous “Wu Zetian’s Uninscribed Stele.” This stele is significant not only for its prominent position but also for its exquisite artistic carving, making it a highlight of the stone sculptures throughout the Qianling Mausoleum.

Cultural Relics:

• Uninscribed Stele: In front of Qianling Mausoleum stand two massive stone steles. Wu Zetian’s Uninscribed Stele is located on the eastern side of the Sima Road. It is carved from a single large rock and is considered one of the monumental steles in China’s history. The stele’s face is uninscribed, adorned only with eight intricately entwined dragon carvings at its top. The inscriptions we see today were added by visitors during the Song and Jin dynasties.
• Inscription Stele: Opposite the Uninscribed Stele, on the western side of the Sima Road, is the Inscription Stele dedicated to Emperor Gaozong. This stele was established by Wu Zetian to praise Gaozong’s virtues. She personally composed over 5,000 characters of inscription for the stele, which has a glossy black surface with golden powder filling the characters, making it shine brightly.

Tang Zhaoling Mausoleum

Zhaoling Mausoleum is the burial site of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and his empress, Changsun. It is uniquely built into the Nine Jun Mountains, establishing a precedent for Tang emperors to be buried in mountainous regions. Covering an area of 200 square kilometers, Zhaoling is often referred to as “the famous mausoleum of the world.”

The Zhaoling Mausoleum complex spans a circumference of 60 kilometers and includes over 180 accompanying tombs, making it the largest imperial mausoleum in China, both in terms of area and the number of accompanying graves. Construction of the mausoleum began in the 10th year of the Zhenguan era (636 AD) with the burial of Empress Wende, Changsun, and continued for 107 years, concluding in the 29th year of the Kaiyuan era (743 AD).

This site contains a wealth of cultural relics, serving as a tangible witness to the transition from early to flourishing Tang Dynasty. It is a valuable repository for understanding and studying the political, economic, and cultural aspects of Tang Dynasty and ancient Chinese feudal society.

Related Details:

• The Zhaoling Mausoleum features over 180 accompanying tombs, including notable figures such as Changsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, Wei Zheng, Wen Yanbo, Duan Zhixuan, Gao Shilian, Fang Xuanling, Kong Yingda, Li Jing, Weichi Jingde, Princess Changle, Concubine Wei, and Ashina She’er, a leader from a minority group.
• Within the east and west side halls of the altar, there are six famous stone-carved steed sculptures known as the “Six Steeds of Zhaoling,” renowned both domestically and internationally. Created in the 10th year of the Zhenguan era, these steed sculptures stand 2.5 meters tall and 3 meters wide, featuring exquisite blue stone reliefs. Each steed displays distinct poses and expressions, showcasing the artistic achievements of Tang Dynasty sculpture.
• The Zhaoling Museum houses the tomb of Li Bo and includes two exhibition rooms for stone tablets, along with displays of unearthed artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. The museum exhibits a collection of items from various accompanying tombs excavated in recent years, primarily showcasing Tang Dynasty inscriptions and fragments. Due to the unique calligraphic artistic value of these fragments, the museum is also referred to as the “Zhaoling Stele Forest.”

Han Mausoleum of Maoling

Mausoleum of Maoling, the tomb of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Che, took 53 years to complete. Its earthen mound is shaped like an inverted bowl and rises majestically in a square pyramid form, earning it the nickname “Eastern Pyramid.” To this day, the earthworks on the east, west, and north sides remain intact, while nearby accompanying tombs include those of notable figures such as Lady Li, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Huo Guang, and Jin Ri.

Maoling is the largest and most elaborate mausoleum from the Han Dynasty, distinguished by its extensive scale, lengthy construction time, and rich burial artifacts. The wealth of funerary goods found within is renowned, with historical records stating that the tomb contained “money, valuables, various birds and beasts, fish and turtles, cattle, horses, tigers, leopards, and all manner of items—totaling 190 kinds, all buried within.”

Maoling Mausoleum Museum:

The Maoling Museum is a renowned museum dedicated to the history of the Western Han Dynasty, famous for its association with the Mausoleum of Emperor Wu and the tomb of Huo Qubing, as well as its large collection of stone carvings. The museum houses over 4,100 artifacts, including 14 national treasures. Among its prized exhibits are exquisite items such as the stone carving of a crouching tiger, gilded bronze horses, Qin and Han dynasty murals, a green jade carving of a lion’s head, hollow bricks with designs of the Four Symbols, and inscribed roof tiles.

The stone carvings in front of Huo Qubing’s tomb represent the earliest and most complete collection of large stone sculptures discovered in China, showcasing significant artistic value and providing valuable insights into the artistic achievements of the period.