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Tang Shunling, located east of Hanjia Village in Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, is the mausoleum of Yang, the mother of Empress Wu Zetian. It is one of the most complete ancient mausoleums in China. The mausoleum covers an area of over 1,000 mu and consists of an inner city and an outer city.
The Shunling stone carvings are tall, vivid, and exceptionally powerful, exquisitely crafted, making them the finest examples of Tang Dynasty stone carvings. Thirty-four stone carvings remain within the park , most of which are displayed in front of the mausoleum. Thirteen stone figures and three stone sheep remain within the inner city's south gate , while a pair of walking lions and a pair of Tianlu statues remain outside the gate.
Twenty-six stone carvings, including stone figures, stone sheep, sitting lions, stone lions, and unicorns, exist in front of the mausoleum. A pair of sitting stone lions stands on each of the east, west, and north sides of the mausoleum. A pair of stone horses stands north of the stone sitting lions in the north of the mausoleum. The pair of walking stone lions and the pair of unicorns (Tianlu) are among the finest examples of stone carvings found in Shunling.
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Tang Shunling is an important archaeological site that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. It is believed to be the final resting place of Emperor Taizong, one of the most powerful emperors in Chinese history. The site holds great significance in understanding the politics, culture, and burial practices of the Tang period.
Tang Shunling is located in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, approximately 40 km from Xi'an. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transport options such as buses or trains are available, though a taxi or car is recommended for convenience.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid the crowd. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons due to the mild weather.
The entrance fee is typically around 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the site, but it’s also advisable to check online platforms for any potential discounts or online ticketing options.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visitors, but it is recommended during peak travel seasons or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient during off-peak times.
Visiting Tang Shunling typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. This includes time for a tour of the site, exploration of the tombs, and photo opportunities around the grounds.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English.
The best photography spots include the main tomb area, the surrounding landscape, and the view from the top of the burial mounds, offering panoramic views of the site.
Start by visiting the main tomb, followed by the smaller tombs surrounding the area. Then, head to the museum to view artifacts, and finish by taking a walk around the site for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Tang Shunling. The site is only accessible during daylight hours, and visitors are advised to plan their visit accordingly.
The site can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, particularly during the spring or autumn months.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water fountains are available on-site. There are no major food outlets inside the site, but small food vendors may be available near the entrance. Rest areas are provided for visitors to relax.
The site is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children, although some areas may involve walking on uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility challenges may want to check in advance for wheelchair access.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Credit card payments may not be available, so using mobile payment is recommended.
There are a few local eateries near the site offering traditional Shaanxi cuisine. For more dining options, you can head to Xianyang city, where a wider variety of restaurants are available.
Vegetarian food options are available in some of the nearby restaurants. Halal food can also be found in local restaurants in Xianyang, catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Xianyang, ranging from budget to mid-range accommodations. Staying in Xianyang city center will offer easy access to the site and other nearby attractions.
Small souvenir shops can be found near the entrance, offering traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and Tang Dynasty-themed souvenirs.
Taxis or ride-hailing services like Didi are the most convenient options for continuing your trip. Alternatively, you can take public transport from Xianyang city center to other parts of the region.
