Live Your Best Lives
The Mausoleum of Emperor Ku is located in Bo (present-day Shangqiu, Henan Province), the capital of Emperor Ku, one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. The existing burial site is a high mound over 200 meters long and 100 meters wide. Built during the Western Han Dynasty and restored several times during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the mausoleum boasts magnificent halls, lush pine and cypress trees, and numerous steles. In the center of the temple lies an ancient well, with a colorful dragon painted on the beams, reflected in the well, bringing it to life. Legend has it that prayers for rain often came true during years of drought, earning it the nickname "Sacred Well."
In front of the Emperor Ku's Mausoleum, ancient buildings such as the Emperor Ku Shrine, a bathing room, a dressing pavilion, and a Zen gate remain, and the courtyard is filled with inscribed tablets. A temple dedicated to Emperor Ku was built during the Han Dynasty, and Cao Zhi composed "Emperor Ku Temple Praise." The temple was rebuilt in 973 AD. Zhao Kuangyin once consulted divination here, and after ascending the throne, he issued an edict ordering a major renovation of Emperor Ku's mausoleum. In front of the mausoleum stands a 5-meter-high, 1.2-meter-wide stone stele, a group of two dragons playing with a pearl, and a bixi stele base. In front of the stele are offerings and incense burners. Flanking the sacrificial area are two hexagonal stone pavilions with dragon pillars. The east pavilion houses a stele commemorating the reconstruction of the Emperor Ku Shrine in the 41st year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, while the west pavilion houses a stele commemorating the reconstruction of Emperor Ku's mausoleum in 2001. The bluestone corridor is lined with 1.3 hectares of newly planted juniper trees. Surrounded by verdant cypresses, the mausoleum area exudes a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Since there are more than a thousand surnames after Emperor Ku, descendants of Emperor Ku from home and abroad come here to trace their roots, pay homage to their ancestors and pay homage to the royal tombs.
Gaoxin Town, 20 kilometers south of Suiyang District, Shangqiu City, where the Emperor Ku Mausoleum is located, has a temperate monsoon climate and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
There is an ancient well in the center of the temple. There are colorful dragons painted on the beams. The colorful dragons are reflected in the well, and they are lifelike. According to legend, praying for rain in years of severe drought is often effective, so it is praised as the "Lingjing" by people. In front of the mausoleum, there are still ancient buildings such as the Emperor Ku Temple, bathing room, changing pavilion, Zen gate, etc. There are a large number of steles in the courtyard, which is suitable for travel.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Mausoleum of Emperor Ku is the burial site of Emperor Ku, a legendary ruler in Chinese history. It is significant for its historical, cultural, and archaeological value, reflecting ancient Chinese funerary architecture and traditions.
Located in Shangqiu, Henan Province. Accessible by local buses, taxi, or private car. Walking paths are available from parking areas to the mausoleum entrance.
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography.
Entrance fee is approximately 30–50 CNY. Tickets are purchased at the entrance; some online booking platforms may also be available.
Booking is usually not required except during peak holiday periods. If necessary, book 1–2 days in advance.
1.5–2 hours is sufficient to explore the mausoleum, gardens, and surrounding historical markers.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. Audio guides and English tours are limited; self-guided exploration is common.
Enter via the main gate, visit the central mausoleum, explore surrounding gardens, and finish at historical markers and exhibition areas.
Night visits are generally not available. Special events may occur on festival days.
Weekdays are least crowded; weekends and public holidays see more visitors.
Basic facilities include toilets, benches, shaded rest areas, and small food stalls near the entrance.
Most pathways are manageable for children and elderly. Accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited in some areas.
Cash is accepted for tickets and small purchases; mobile payments may be available at some stalls.
Small local eateries are available nearby; larger restaurants can be found in central Shangqiu.
Vegetarian options may be available at local eateries; vegan and halal options are limited.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses are within 5–10 minutes by car in Shangqiu city.
Souvenir stalls sell postcards, small replicas of the mausoleum, and local crafts.
Taxi, ride-hailing, or local buses to reach Shangqiu city center, train stations, or nearby attractions.
