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Qianling Tomb
As one of the travel destinations along the silk road, it is the best place where you can visit the stone figures and imperial mausoleums.
Introduction of Qianling Tomb:
Qianling is the joint tomb of Gaozong (Li Zhi, 628-683 A.D.), the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty and his Empress Consort, Wu Zetian (624-705 A.D.). Wu Zetian was the only Empress in Chinese history. The tomb lies on Liangshan Hill, 6 kilometres north of Qianxian County, and about 80 kilometres from Xi'an. Qianling Tomb was built in 684 A.D. It took 23 years to complete Qianling Tomb. It is located on Liangshan Hill, 1,047.5 metres above sea level. Of the three peaks of Liangshan Hill, the north peak, where Qianling is located, is the highest. The two peaks in the south, face each other, east to west. On each of the two peaks stands a watchtower made of earth.
What to visit in Qianling Tomb?
According to historical records there used to be two city walls that formed an inner and outer city here. There were four gates and many other splendid buildings, such as the dedicatory hall, and several gate towers. It has been proven through exploration that the total area of the inner city was about 240 square metres. On each side of the inner city, there was a gate, the Phoenix Gate in the south, the Tortoise Gate in the north, the Blue Dragon Gate in the east and the White Tiger Gate in the west. A monument to Emperor Gaozong located on the western side of the Phoenix Gate consists of seven joints, which symbolize the Seven Elements, that is, the Sun, the Moon, Metal, Wood, Water, Earth, and Fire. The ancient Chinese believed that the world was composed of these Seven Elements. It measures 6.3 metres high, 1.86 metres wide and weighs 61.6 tons. The pedestal for the tablet is carved with various figures of beasts. The inscription on the tablet was composed by Wu Zetian and written by Zhongzong. It contains over 8,000 words, singing the praises of Gaozong's political achievements and military exploits. When the tablet was carved, the strokes of characters were coated with gold fillings, and even today the remains of gold filings on some characters can still be discerned. The Wordless Tablet on the eastern side of the Phoenix Gate is 6.3 metres high and weighs 98.9 tons. The sides of the tablet were carved with figures of the dragon. On the top part of the tablet were carved eight oysters intersecting each other. Placing a tablet with no word, before an emperor's mausoleum, has never been found before in China. The towers on the eastern and western sides of the inner city are flanked with 61 stone statues. In order to commemorate the heads of the Chinese minorities and the envoys from foreign countries that attended Gaozong's funeral, Wu Zetian ordered these stone statues carved. Dressed in close-sleeved clothes, wide belts around their waists and boots on their feet, they obviously showed no characteristic of the costume of the Han Nationality of the Tang Dynasty. They were saying prayers with their hands cupped before their chests. Most of their heads were damaged long ago. Now only two statues have heads. They have high noses and deep-set eyes and they probably were envoys from the Western Regions of Central and Western Asia. Originally on the back of each stone statue were carved its nationality, official position and name. Being exposed to the weather over the years, most of the characters are already undecipherable, only those on the backs of the two stone statues coming from Iran and Afghanistan can still be seen.
When is the best time to visit?
Every Spring to Autumn is the best time to travel to Xi'an. because at that time, tourists can not only enjoy the view of Xi'an but also see some cultural relics of Xi'an.
Among them, from June to September is the peak season of tourism in Xi'an every year, but during this period, the weather will be very hot and there will be many tourists.
In addition, from Mid-November to March is the off-season of tourism in Xi'an. At this time, the climate of Xi'an is cold and dry and the temperature is really low, so there are fewer tourists. Although it is not the peak season of tourism, most scenic spots carry out off-season prices. Considering the economic factors, it will be the best time to travel to Xi'an.
Travel strategies:
The scenic spot provides a sightseeing bus (the fare is not included in the ticket of the scenic spot, 30 yuan per person). The sightseeing bus runs between the Qianling Tomb and the other three burials, and tourists can buy the sightseeing bus ticket at the ticket office. The three funeral tombs are located in the south of the ticket office. It will take about 15 minutes to walk from the Qianling Tomb to the Yide Prince Tomb. Meanwhile, it will take about 15 minutes to walk from the Yide Prince Tomb to the Yongtai Princess Tomb.
The admission fees:
Peak season: 100 RMB/Person
Off season: 80 RMB/Person
Opening Time:
Peak season: 1st March to 30th November ( 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM )
Off season: 1st December to 28th February ( 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM )
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Introduction of Qianling Tomb:
Qianling is the joint tomb of Gaozong (Li Zhi, 628-683 A.D.), the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty and his Empress Consort, Wu Zetian (624-705 A.D.). Wu Zetian was the only Empress in Chinese history. The tomb lies on Liangshan Hill, 6 kilometres north of Qianxian County, and about 80 kilometres from Xi'an. Qianling Tomb was built in 684 A.D. It took 23 years to complete Qianling Tomb. It is located on Liangshan Hill, 1,047.5 metres above sea level. Of the three peaks of Liangshan Hill, the north peak, where Qianling is located, is the highest. The two peaks in the south, face each other, east to west. On each of the two peaks stands a watchtower made of earth.
What to visit in Qianling Tomb?
According to historical records there used to be two city walls that formed an inner and outer city here. There were four gates and many other splendid buildings, such as the dedicatory hall, and several gate towers. It has been proven through exploration that the total area of the inner city was about 240 square metres. On each side of the inner city, there was a gate, the Phoenix Gate in the south, the Tortoise Gate in the north, the Blue Dragon Gate in the east and the White Tiger Gate in the west. A monument to Emperor Gaozong located on the western side of the Phoenix Gate consists of seven joints, which symbolize the Seven Elements, that is, the Sun, the Moon, Metal, Wood, Water, Earth, and Fire. The ancient Chinese believed that the world was composed of these Seven Elements. It measures 6.3 metres high, 1.86 metres wide and weighs 61.6 tons. The pedestal for the tablet is carved with various figures of beasts. The inscription on the tablet was composed by Wu Zetian and written by Zhongzong. It contains over 8,000 words, singing the praises of Gaozong's political achievements and military exploits. When the tablet was carved, the strokes of characters were coated with gold fillings, and even today the remains of gold filings on some characters can still be discerned. The Wordless Tablet on the eastern side of the Phoenix Gate is 6.3 metres high and weighs 98.9 tons. The sides of the tablet were carved with figures of the dragon. On the top part of the tablet were carved eight oysters intersecting each other. Placing a tablet with no word, before an emperor's mausoleum, has never been found before in China. The towers on the eastern and western sides of the inner city are flanked with 61 stone statues. In order to commemorate the heads of the Chinese minorities and the envoys from foreign countries that attended Gaozong's funeral, Wu Zetian ordered these stone statues carved. Dressed in close-sleeved clothes, wide belts around their waists and boots on their feet, they obviously showed no characteristic of the costume of the Han Nationality of the Tang Dynasty. They were saying prayers with their hands cupped before their chests. Most of their heads were damaged long ago. Now only two statues have heads. They have high noses and deep-set eyes and they probably were envoys from the Western Regions of Central and Western Asia. Originally on the back of each stone statue were carved its nationality, official position and name. Being exposed to the weather over the years, most of the characters are already undecipherable, only those on the backs of the two stone statues coming from Iran and Afghanistan can still be seen.
When is the best time to visit?
Every Spring to Autumn is the best time to travel to Xi'an. because at that time, tourists can not only enjoy the view of Xi'an but also see some cultural relics of Xi'an.
Among them, from June to September is the peak season of tourism in Xi'an every year, but during this period, the weather will be very hot and there will be many tourists.
In addition, from Mid-November to March is the off-season of tourism in Xi'an. At this time, the climate of Xi'an is cold and dry and the temperature is really low, so there are fewer tourists. Although it is not the peak season of tourism, most scenic spots carry out off-season prices. Considering the economic factors, it will be the best time to travel to Xi'an.
Travel strategies:
The scenic spot provides a sightseeing bus (the fare is not included in the ticket of the scenic spot, 30 yuan per person). The sightseeing bus runs between the Qianling Tomb and the other three burials, and tourists can buy the sightseeing bus ticket at the ticket office. The three funeral tombs are located in the south of the ticket office. It will take about 15 minutes to walk from the Qianling Tomb to the Yide Prince Tomb. Meanwhile, it will take about 15 minutes to walk from the Yide Prince Tomb to the Yongtai Princess Tomb.
The admission fees:
Peak season: 100 RMB/Person
Off season: 80 RMB/Person
Opening Time:
Peak season: 1st March to 30th November ( 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM )
Off season: 1st December to 28th February ( 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM )
Related Articles & Posts
Huaqing Hot Spring Terracotta Warriors Big Goose Pagoda Xi'an Muslim Quarter Recommended Silk Road Tours
11 Days Silk Road Luxurious Tour Track the footstep of Tang Sanzang Adventure Tour Silk Road Culture Exploration Tour Silk Road Travel to Qinghai-Gansu and Xinjiang
