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Zhaoling Mausoleum is the joint burial site of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, and Empress Zhangsun. It is located on the main peak of Jiuyi Mountain, 1,188 meters above sea level, 22.5 kilometers northeast of Liquan County, Shaanxi Province, China. It is the largest mausoleum in Guanzhong, with the most accompanying tombs and the richest relics.
Designed and supervised by Yan Lide, the Zhaoling Mausoleum project lasted 13 years, beginning with the burial of Empress Wende in 636 AD and continuing until its completion in 649 AD with the burial of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. The Zhaoling Mausoleum site stretches 12 kilometers from east to west and 10 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of approximately 126.7 square kilometers. It primarily comprises the main mausoleum at Jiujun Mountain, the remains of the Sima Gates on the north and south sides, the remains of the imperial sleeping palace, and 188 accompanying tombs scattered across the mausoleum mountain and the plain.
As of 2018, over 8,000 cultural relics have been unearthed from the site, including the Six Horses of Zhaoling, statues of chieftains from fourteen states, various pottery figurines, and Tang Dynasty sancai pottery. These artifacts reflect the remarkable economic, social, and cultural achievements of the "Zhenguan Reign" during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty and are crucial artifacts for studying the culture of the Tang Dynasty's imperial mausoleums. In 1961, Zhaoling became one of the first national key cultural relics protection sites, and in 2022, it was designated a National AAAA-level tourist attraction.
The climate is temperate continental monsoon with four distinct seasons.
The best time to travel is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for traveling.
【Recommended attractions】
→Zhaoling Lingshan Scenic Area
Currently, the main sites include the North Sima Gate Altar Ruins, the Li Shimin Statue, the Zhaoling Six Horses Statue, the Zhaoling Stele, etc. You can also climb to the top of Jiuyi Mountain along the mountain road to overlook all the other mountains.
→Burial Tomb
The tombs of Princess Changle and Concubine Wei are the closest to the Lingshan Mountain, and you can visit the underground palaces there. You can also explore other tombs of accompanying burials, such as those of Wei Zheng, Li Jing, and Fang Xuanling.
→Zhaoling Museum
There are three main exhibition halls, namely "Zhaoling Stele Forest", "Zhaoling Cultural Relics Exhibition" and "Zhaoling Pottery Figurines Exhibition".
【Recommended Play Time】
【Zhaoling Mountain Ticket】
35 yuan in peak season, 20 yuan in off-season
Zhaoling Museum Tickets
40 yuan in peak season, 25 yuan in off-season
Summer 8:30-18:00
Winter 9:00-17:30
Zhaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Taizong, one of the most revered emperors of the Tang Dynasty. The mausoleum is known for its grand size and well-preserved artifacts. It is an important historical and cultural site, providing insights into the art, architecture, and burial customs of the Tang period.
Zhaoling Mausoleum is located in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, about 30 km from Xi'an. Visitors can reach it by taxi, private car, or bus from Xi'an. There is no direct metro line, but taxis are a convenient option from the city center.
The mausoleum is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local ticket platforms.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. Tickets can typically be booked 1-2 days in advance.
A visit to Zhaoling Mausoleum typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and interest in exploring the grounds and the museum.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some private tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin, with some options for English translation.
Start by walking down the avenue lined with stone statues, then visit the main tomb. Afterward, explore the nearby gardens and visit the Zhaoling Museum to deepen your understanding of the history and significance of the mausoleum.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available at Zhaoling Mausoleum. The site is primarily open during the day for tours.
It can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons such as autumn or spring.
The site has basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food stalls offering local snacks. It is recommended to bring water, especially in the warmer months.
The mausoleum is generally accessible, with paved pathways leading to the main areas. However, the terrain may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues due to the nature of the archaeological site.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used, making it easier for visitors to use their smartphones for transactions.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available, particularly in the local restaurants near the mausoleum, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.
There are souvenir shops near the mausoleum selling traditional handicrafts, including Tang Dynasty-inspired pottery, miniature replicas of the emperor’s tomb, and local textiles.
