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Qianling Mausoleum (Wu Zetian's Tomb)

乾陵
Qián Líng
Heritage SiteFull day (with Famen Temple combo)8 AM – 5 PM74/100 popularity
Majestic view of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum surrounded by greenery in Nanjing.
Qianling is the joint burial site of Tang Emperor Gaozong (d. 683) and Empress Wu Zetian (d. 705) — the only un-looted Tang imperial mausoleum (the main chamber has never been opened). Built into Liangshan, a natural mountain shaped 'like a sleeping woman' from the air. The 5 km Spirit Way ascends past 124 stone figures: officials, lions, ostriches, winged horses, and the famous Wordless Stele (无字碑) Wu Zetian commissioned for herself with no inscription. Side burials include Crown Prince Zhanghuai + Princess Yongtai (the latter with 1,200+ preserved frescoes). 85 km NW of Xi'an — most foreigners do a combo day-tour with Famen Temple (booking with English guide ¥400-600). Allow full day. Ticket ¥122.
Address
Liangshan, 6 km N of Qian County
乾县城北 6 公里梁山

Highlights

  • Wordless SteleWu Zetian's monument — left intentionally blank
  • 124 stone figuresSpirit Way lions, ostriches, foreign envoys
  • Princess Yongtai tomb1,200+ Tang murals, separately ticketed

For foreign visitors

  • English service: english tour
  • Cards accepted: visa, master
  • Booking / entry: not needed
  • Best time: Spring/autumn; combo tour with Famen Temple
  • Wi-Fi: none
  • Transit access: need taxi

Photos

a building with a red roof surrounded by trees
Aerial view of the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
a group of people standing in front of a building
Serene view of stone elephants along the path at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, China.
a stone bench sitting in the middle of a park
Aerial view of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing with tourists exploring the scenic park.
Ornate building with tiled roof and carved walls.
A captivating view of the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an, highlighting historical artistry.
a large white building with stairs leading up to it
Terracotta Warriors in Xian, China showcasing ancient Chinese craftsmanship and history.
Grand memorial hall with blue roof and stairs
The ancient Terracotta Army statues in Xi'an, showcasing historical artistry.
two women walking near cone top building
a group of people with umbrellas standing in front of a monument

What travelers say (3 reviews)

WuZetian·TripAdvisor·5/5

Only un-looted Tang imperial tomb. The Wordless Stele is iconic — Wu Zetian's deliberate blank monument. 85 km from Xi'an, full-day trip.

2026-04-02
唐朝迷·Ctrip·4/5

乾陵壮阔！武则天 + 唐高宗合葬。5km 神道 124 座石像。配套永泰公主墓壁画。建议拼团 ¥400-600/人，含法门寺。

2026-03-08
Pete S.·Google Maps·4/5

Took the combined day-tour with Famen Temple + Qianling. Long day but worth it. English-speaking guides available through hotel.

2026-02-12

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