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At the Jingling Mausoleum of the Northern Wei Dynasty, visitors can explore the historical tomb complex, admire the ancient architecture, and learn about the burial customs and history of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Don't miss the inscriptions and stone carvings that offer insights into the era.
The Jingling Mausoleum of Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty is located east of Zhongtou Village in Mangshan Township, Luoyang City, Henan Province. The Jingling Mausoleum is housed within the museum. The majesty of the Jingling Mausoleum led to the name "Xuanwu Village" (a village later renamed "Zhongtou Village"), which now forms part of the Luoyang Museum of Ancient Art.
The Jingling Mausoleum of Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty is a national key cultural relic protection site. It is the tomb of Emperor Xuanwu Yuan Ke, the second son of the famous Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Xuanwu, the city of Luoyang was expanded and the territory of the Northern Wei Dynasty was expanded, and the country reached its peak of prosperity.
The Jingling Mausoleum of Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty has a diameter of 110 meters and currently stands 24 meters high. The underground palace, located beneath a burial mound, consists of four parts: the tomb passage, the front corridor, the rear corridor, and the burial chamber, totaling over 56 meters. During its 1991 excavation, the tomb passage was excavated along the entire length of the tomb, preserving the underground chamber. The front section of the passage walls are made of adobe, while the rear section is brick. Within the burial chamber, the sarcophagus is housed in a large dome-shaped space built layer by layer of blue bricks.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Jingling's burial mound is circular and currently stands 24 meters high. Beneath the mound lies the underground palace, facing north and south. It comprises a tomb passage, a front corridor, a rear corridor, and part of the burial chamber, spanning over 56 meters. Visitors can follow the corridor to the center of the burial chamber, where a coffin lies, but nothing is inside. The coffin bed is made of 15 large square bluestone slabs, forming a rectangular shape. The tomb was looted during the Song and Jin dynasties, but over ten artifacts have been recovered, including a celadon flat-mouthed dragon-handled pot, a ceramic inkstone, a stone tent base, and a fragment of a stone lamp. Twenty meters in front of the tomb passage stands the Xuanwu Emperor's sacrificial hall, its walls inlaid with eight meticulously crafted paintings depicting Yuan Ke's life. Display cases showcase over 40 artifacts and replicas from Jingling and the Northern Wei dynasty.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
free
9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays.
The Jingling Mausoleum is the burial site of several emperors from the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is a significant archaeological and historical site, offering deep insights into ancient Chinese funerary practices and the development of imperial tomb architecture during the period.
The mausoleum is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car from the city center. Public transport options include local buses, and taxis are a convenient option for direct access.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during holidays and weekends.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and some online platforms may offer ticket sales during peak seasons.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is advisable to do so during peak tourist seasons, especially on weekends or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
Visitors typically need about 1-2 hours to fully explore the mausoleum complex and understand its historical significance.
Key highlights include the tombs of the emperors, intricate stone carvings, and inscriptions detailing the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Pay special attention to the funerary art and the stone monuments surrounding the site.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available for international visitors. Audio guides may be offered in both Chinese and English.
The best photography spots are around the tombs and the intricate carvings on the stone structures. The surrounding landscapes also provide great backdrop shots of the mausoleum.
Start by visiting the central tombs area, then explore the surrounding monuments and stone carvings. End the tour by visiting the inscriptions that offer historical context about the mausoleum and its significance.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at the site. Special tours may be offered during festivals or national holidays.
The mausoleum can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially during non-peak seasons.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There is a small souvenir shop offering books and artifacts related to the site. However, there are no major food outlets within the mausoleum grounds.
The site is accessible for elderly visitors and families with children. However, some parts of the mausoleum complex may involve walking on uneven terrain, which could be challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash, credit cards, and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted for ticket purchases and at the souvenir shop.
There are no restaurants inside the mausoleum, but nearby eateries offer local Chinese cuisine, such as Henan-style noodles and dumplings.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, and halal food may be found at specialized eateries in the area.
Nearby hotels include the Luoyang Grand Hotel and several budget-friendly options. Accommodation in the city center provides easy access to the mausoleum site.
Other nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and Luoyang Museum, all of which can be visited in a day trip.
There is a small souvenir shop selling books, replica artifacts, and traditional Chinese cultural items such as calligraphy brushes and paintings.
Taxis, buses, and the local metro system are available for visitors wishing to continue their journey. The metro provides convenient access to other attractions in Luoyang.
