The Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor (Mausoleum of Huangdi), located in the Huangdi Ling Scenic Area, is a nationally recognized key scenic site and serves as the burial ground for Xuanyuan Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese nation. This sacred site is a revered location for Chinese descendants to pay homage to their ancestors.
The area is adorned with tens of thousands of ancient cypress trees, including over 30,000 that are more than a thousand years old, lending the mountain a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
Since the fifth year of the Dali era during the Tang Dynasty (770 AD), this site has been the venue for national sacrificial ceremonies held by successive dynasties. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, annual sacrificial ceremonies are conducted here on Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) and the Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival). Notably, the national memorial ceremony during the Qingming Festival has become a significant traditional event for the Chinese people.
Travel Information about Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Peak Season: ¥91
- Off-Peak Season: ¥51
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Off-Peak Season: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The spring season often experiences heavy sandstorms, while summer brings high temperatures and winter is quite cold. Therefore, autumn is the most suitable time to visit.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: The Mausoleum is located at the top of Guanquiao Mountain in Huangling County, Yan’an City.
Transportation: High-speed trains from Xi’an North Railway Station travel to the scenic area, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure Activities: ★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
Who is the Yellow Emperor
Xuanyuan Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) (2717–2599 BC) was the leader of the ancient Huaxia tribal alliance and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Chinese nation, holding the title of the first among the Five Emperors. He is venerated as the “Cultural Ancestor” of the Chinese people.
Huangdi’s tribe migrated from Tianshui in Gansu Province, moving eastward. Historical records state that he was named Huangdi due to the auspicious soil of his birthplace along the Yellow River. His achievements in unifying the Huaxia tribes and conquering the Eastern Yi and Jiuli tribes were recorded in history, marking him as a pivotal figure in unifying ancient China.
During his reign, Huangdi promoted agricultural development by planting various grains and cultivating plants. He also made significant contributions to society by introducing clothing, building boats and vehicles, creating musical instruments, and founding medical practices. His legacy is deeply embedded in Chinese culture and history.
Xuanyuan Temple
Also known as the Huangdi Temple, Xuanyuan Temple is situated facing south and was first established during the Han Dynasty. It covers an area of approximately 9.33 hectares, with the temple courtyard measuring 140 meters in length and 84 meters in width. The entire structure is built from a complete stone foundation, showcasing grand and majestic architecture.
Located on Qiaoshan Mountain, the temple features an ancient cypress tree, believed to have been personally planted by Huangdi. This tree stands over 20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 11 meters, making it the oldest and largest cypress tree in China.
The Chengxin Pavilion has a width of five bays and a depth of one bay. Inside the pavilion, there are inscriptions, including Mao Zedong’s handwritten “Eulogy for the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor” and Chiang Kai-shek’s “Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor” stone tablet.
The main hall of the temple displays a golden plaque inscribed with “Cultural Ancestor.” In the center of the hall is an altar featuring a plaque that reads “The Seat of Xuanyuan Huangdi.” Within the shrine, there is a carved jade statue of Huangdi.
Additionally, the temple is home to the famous “Footprints of Huangdi,” which are imprinted on a piece of bluestone measuring about one square meter. Visitors are encouraged to place their feet in the footprints, symbolically “walking in the footsteps of Huangdi.”
Mausoleum Area
The inscription “黄帝陵 Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor” at the front of the mausoleum was proposed by Chiang Kai-shek. The burial mound stands 3.6 meters high and has a circumference of 48 meters, surrounded by a decorative brick wall. In front of the mausoleum is a stone tablet inscribed “Qiaoshan Longyu,” dating back to the 15th year of the Jiajing Era (1536 AD), which signifies the place where Huangdi “rides a dragon to ascend to the heavens.”
In front of the mausoleum is a ceremonial pavilion with a hip roof and sweeping eaves, exuding an impressive presence. Inside the pavilion stands a stone tablet with the inscription “Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor,” handwritten by Guo Moruo.
A stone path leading to the mausoleum features a “Dismounting Stone,” indicating that “Civil and Military Officials Must Dismount Here.” The surrounding area is enclosed by red walls, with the Lixing Gate located on the southeastern side, flanked by replica Han Dynasty stone monuments.
To the south of the mausoleum, outside the enclosing wall, is an earthen platform known as the “Hanwu Immortal Platform.” The eastern side of the mausoleum area houses a corridor that contains 57 imperial sacrificial tablets inscribed with rituals from various dynasties. On the western side, there are commemorative monuments for the return of Hong Kong and Macau.
Visitor Guide for Yellow Emperor’s Mausoleum
Accommodation Options
The area surrounding the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor offers a wide range of accommodation options, with numerous hotels and guesthouses primarily located near the Huangling Bus Station, making transportation convenient.
Huangling Sunshine Business Hotel (黄陵阳光商务酒店)
- Location: Within the Huangdi Mausoleum Scenic Area
- Features: This hotel is well-equipped, clean, and hygienic, with an excellent location and high cost-performance ratio. The rooms are very clean, and the furniture and bedding are new. The rooms have great natural lighting, and the backyard parking area is spacious.
- Contact: 0911-5218789
Huangling Qiaoshan Lakeside Hotel (黄陵桥山滨湖洒店)
- Location: West side of the Huangdi Mausoleum Scenic Area
- Features: This hotel is in a prime location with convenient transportation. The main building is designed in the style of ancient Han Dynasty architecture. The hotel is surrounded by lush scenery, with over 80,000 ancient cypress trees nearby, providing a year-round green environment.
- Contact: 0911-5408888
Food Options
Huangling County, where the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor is located, boasts a rich culinary heritage with a variety of traditional snacks that are famous for their unique flavors, aromas, and textures. The local delicacies can be categorized into four main cooking methods: baking, steaming, boiling, and frying.
Baked items, such as Huangmo (yellow steamed buns), are known for their flaky and crispy texture. Steamed dishes, like soft buns, are tender and sweet. Boiled delicacies, such as buckwheat noodles, are light and refreshing, offering a pleasant taste. Fried snacks, including You Tuo Tuo, are rich and flavorful.
Among these, Huangmo is highlighted in the documentary “A Bite of China,” showcasing its significance. Visitors can enjoy these delicious snacks at various food stalls and eateries around the scenic area.