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The Mausoleum of Emperor Zhuanxu and Emperor Ku, located in Liangzhuang Town, Neihuang County, Anyang City, Henan Province, is commonly known as the "Tomb of the Two Emperors." It houses the second emperor, Zhuanxu of the Gaoyang clan, and the third emperor, Emperor Ku of the Gaoxin clan, of the ancient "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors." The mausoleum covers an area of over 350 mu (approximately 1,000 mu), measuring 2,050 meters from north to south and 1,060 meters from east to west. The mausoleum was once part of Puyang, Dongjun. In 1167, during the seventh year of the Jin Dynasty's Dading reign, it was transferred to Hua County. In 1940, it was transferred to the newly established Gaoling County, and in 1949, it was incorporated into Neihuang County.
Historical records indicate that the two emperors were buried "on the south side of Mount Ku," referring to this location. The burial mound measures approximately 65 meters from north to south, 54 meters from east to west, and 25 meters high. Remains of a brick wall about one meter high remain at the base of the mausoleum. Inlaid on the southern wall are two stone tablets inscribed with "Zhuanxu Mausoleum" and "Emperor Ku Mausoleum." A Yuan Dynasty stele within the courtyard indicates that the brick walls were rebuilt during the second year of the Tianli reign of the Yuan Dynasty. On the elevated platform in front of the mausoleums of the two emperors, remnants of the worship hall and left and right side halls, rebuilt in the eleventh year of the Zhiyuan reign, still remain.
In recent years, 165 steles from various dynasties have been discovered around the worship hall and its side halls. These relics date back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. They contain memorials from envoys sent by successive dynasties to pay their respects, inscriptions on the reconstruction of mausoleums and temples, and poems written by scholars and poets. In 2000, the temple was designated a Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in Henan Province, and in 2006, it was designated a National 3A Tourist Attraction.
The continental monsoon climate allows for a clearer outline of the mausoleum. The mausoleum consists of five main halls with a long corridor in front. Inside, there are 41 Ming and Qing dynasty stone tablets. Three auxiliary rooms are located on each side of the main hall. Over 200 meters behind the main hall lies the mausoleum wall, a rectangular brick wall 165 meters long from east to west and 66 meters wide from north to south. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Zhuanxu and Emperor Ku covers an area of 233,000 square meters and comprises a pilgrimage and worship area, a stele forest, a leisure area, and a forest park. It features the Mountain Gate, Lingxing Gate, a main worship hall, east and west side halls, a stele corridor, and a well pavilion. Numerous corridors dating from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties crisscross the site. Zhuanxu's mausoleum is located in the east, while Emperor Ku's is in the west, standing side by side, a rare sight among imperial mausoleums. Surrounded by a 20 million square meter locust tree forest, the mausoleum area offers a pristine ecological environment. Over 300 rare plant species, including cypress and goldenrod, are found within the mausoleum, creating a sense of immersion in a primeval forest and a return to nature. On the 18th day of the third lunar month, traditionally considered Emperor Zhuanxu's birthday, tens of thousands of Chinese people gather at the mausoleum to perform ceremonial offerings, a practice that has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
30 yuan/person
09:00-17:00
The Mausoleum of Emperor Zhuanxu commemorates one of the legendary Five Emperors of ancient China. It holds historical and cultural importance as a site reflecting early Chinese imperial rituals and ancestral worship.
Located in Anyang, Henan. Visitors can reach the site by taxi or local bus. Walking around the mausoleum area is recommended for exploring the grounds fully.
Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for visiting.
The entrance fee is usually free. Any special exhibitions may require tickets purchased at the entrance.
Advance booking is generally not required. For groups or special cultural events, a few days' notice is recommended.
Plan for about 1–1.5 hours to explore the mausoleum and surrounding grounds.
Guided tours are rarely offered. Information is mostly in Chinese; audio guides are generally not provided.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special tours may occur during cultural events or festivals.
The mausoleum is usually quiet. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded.
Accessible for elderly and children, but wheelchair access may be limited due to uneven terrain.
No entrance fee usually; cash may be needed for transportation or local services. Cards or mobile payments may be accepted nearby.
Local restaurants and small cafes are available in Anyang city near the mausoleum.
Vegetarian options are available locally; vegan and halal options may be limited.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located in Anyang for convenient overnight stays.
Small local shops near the mausoleum sell postcards, cultural crafts, and replicas of ancient artifacts.
Taxis, ride-hailing services, or local buses are convenient to reach nearby attractions or return to hotels in Anyang.
