It is the joint tomb of Tang emperors Gaozong and Wu Zetian, guarded by a famous stone-sculpture spirit way that you walk between.

How do I get to Qianling from Xi'an?

It is about 85 km west in Qian County. Take a long-distance coach, a chartered car, or join a tour; the trip is about 1.5–2 hours each way.

How long does Qianling take?

About half a day on site, plus the drive. Plan a full day out from Xi'an if you go on your own.

Is Qianling worth the trip?

Yes, for Tang history fans; the stone guardians are unique. Casual visitors may prefer the closer sights and save Qianling for a return.

Qianling Mausoleum Xi'an 2026: Tang Tomb & Stone Guardians

Qianling is the joint Tang tomb of emperors Gaozong and Wu Zetian, about 85 km west. Learn the $8.50–14 ticket and how to visit in 2026.

Qianling is the joint tomb of the Tang emperors Gaozong and Wu Zetian, about 85 km west of Xi’an in Qian County. Its stone-sculpture spirit way is one of the finest in China. For foreign visitors it is a half-day trip for serious Tang history.

Intro: why go

Wu Zetian was China’s only ruling empress, and her tomb has never been opened. The walk up the spirit way passes paired stone guardians, horses and figures. It is the deepest Tang stop on the Xi’an map, far from the crowds.

Tickets & booking

Entry is about $8.50–$14 for the combined tickets; verify the live price on site, as the area has several paid parts. Buy at the desk; no reservation is needed. Allow extra for the far satellite tombs.

How to get there & in-site route

From the city: about 85 km west; long-distance coach, chartered car or a tour, roughly 1.5–2 hours each way.
The route that works: walk the stone spirit way, see the paired guardians, then the tomb mound and the satellite tombs if time allows.
On foot: the way is a gentle uphill path; allow half a day on site.
A chartered car or tour saves the awkward public-transport link.

Facilities

Toilets and a small shop are at the entrance. The site is exposed, so bring water and sun protection. Card and Alipay both work; carry cash for the stalls.

Best season & seasonal pros and cons

Spring (Apr–May) & autumn (Sep–Oct): mild and clear, best for the walk.
Summer (Jun–Aug): hot on the open spirit way; go early.
Winter (Dec–Feb): cold but stark and quiet.
Holidays: far from the city crowds; still pick a weekday for calm.

Tips & scams

Buy only at the official desk; touts near the gate sell nothing real.
The tomb itself is unopened, so manage expectations; the carvings are the point.
Go with a car or tour; public transport to the site is slow.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Qianling Mausoleum?: Entry is about $8.50–$14 for the combined tickets. Verify the live price on site, as the area has several paid parts.
What is Qianling?: It is the joint tomb of Tang emperors Gaozong and Wu Zetian, guarded by a famous stone-sculpture spirit way that you walk between.
How do I get to Qianling from Xi'an?: It is about 85 km west in Qian County. Take a long-distance coach, a chartered car, or join a tour; the trip is about 1.5–2 hours each way.
How long does Qianling take?: About half a day on site, plus the drive. Plan a full day out from Xi'an if you go on your own.
Is Qianling worth the trip?: Yes, for Tang history fans; the stone guardians are unique. Casual visitors may prefer the closer sights and save Qianling for a return.

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18. Ticket seasons and crowd seasons are different things — this page states both where they differ.