🏯 Qianling Mausoleum — Resting Place of China’s Only Empress

Set among the rolling Liangshan Hills in Shaanxi Province, the Qianling Mausoleum (乾陵) is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian (武则天) — the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right. Built in the 8th century, it’s one of the best-preserved Tang Dynasty imperial tombs.

Approaching the site, you’ll walk along the Sacred Way, lined with stone statues of officials, guards, horses, and foreign envoys — a vivid reminder of the Tang Dynasty’s cosmopolitan reach during the height of the Silk Road. The tomb itself remains unopened, preserving its treasures for future generations.

Notable sights within the Qianling complex:
• Wu Zetian’s Uninscribed Stele — Left blank, symbolizing her unparalleled legacy that “words could not describe.”
• The Stone Figurines and Guard Statues — Showcasing Tang artistry and the empire’s openness to foreign cultures.
• Nearby Subordinate Tombs — Including those of royal family members and Princess Yongtai, with excavated frescoes on display in the Qianling Museum.

💡 Tips:
• 📍 About 80 km from Xi’an — best visited as part of a day trip with other Tang tombs.
• 🕘 Plan 2–3 hours for the main mausoleum and museum.
• 🌅 Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the hillside setting.
• 🎟 Entry ticket often includes both the tomb grounds and the museum.

Qianling is more than a burial site — it’s a monument to the power, ambition, and cultural brilliance of the Tang Dynasty.

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Post by NatDiscoversAsia | Aug 15, 2025