Qianling Mausoleum, Xian

One of the most important reasons that Shaanxi plays a distinguished role in Chinese historical research is the large scale of the mausoleums of emperors and high-ranking officials. Besides, the splendid Buddhist culture also appeals to travelers and scientists from all over the world. If you do not have ample time, you are advised to visit the highlights of those treasures.

Take a tourist bus No. You 3(Tour 3) from Xian railway station to the first destination, the Qianling Mausoleum (Admission fee: CNY 45.00 net per person). The bus departs at 8:00am and runs one time only per day. The bus journey will take around 2 hours and the bus ticket costs CNY18.00net per person. Qianling, located in the Qianxian County, is 85 km. (53 miles) northwest from Xian city. It is the unique tomb in the world which jointly buried two emperors, Tang Emperor Li Zhi (628-683) and his wife, China's first and only Empress Wu Zetian (624-705). Situated in Liangshan Mountain, the Qianling Mausoleum is famous for its carved stone statues with distinctive Tang Dynasty features and the fresco adorned passage wall giving to the underground tomb.

Famen Temple, Baoji

After around 3 hours' visiting, since there is no direct bus, you are advised to rent a car (Rent charge: CNY50.00-CNY60.00net) at the exit of the mausoleum to reach the next scenic spot, the Famen Temple (Admission fee: CNY 28.00 net per person). And it takes around 1 hour by car. Located in Fufeng County, about 110 km (68 miles) west from Xi'an city, the Famen Temple is regarded as "the ancestor of the pagoda temples in Guanzhong area". The present spot covers a total area of around 66,660 square meters (about 16.5 acres) and consists of 24 courtyards. And the subterranean palace houses numerous treasures.

Take a bus outside the gate of the Famen Temple to Fufeng County. It will spend only 10 minutes and the bus ticket costs CNY3.00 net per person. Upon arrival in Fufeng bus station, connect a coach to Xianyang city. After around 1 and a half hours' driving, get off at the last stop of the bus, Xianyang railway station, and take a taxi to a hotel with approximate 10 minutes/CNY5.00 net (Recommended hotels: Caiyuan Hotel, 4 stars, Add: No.1 Weiyang West Road, Tel: 029-33166661; Guomao Grand Hotel, 4 stars, add: No.1 Weiyang Middle Road; Tel: 029-33178888). Or you can take bus No.16 and get off at Tiyuchang Shizi stop. The above mentioned hotels are close to each other. After a short break at the hotel, you could stroll around the Weibin Park (free of charge), which can be accessed with 10 minutes' walking or bus No. 11, 16, if you are interested.

The famous statue of "A Hun Intruder Hoofed by a Warhorse" in Maoling Mausoleum, Xianyang

On the next morning, take bus No. 19 to Xianyang Museum, which is a renowned local comprehensive museum. The bus station is near to your hotel. When you finish the museum tour, take a taxi (Taxi fee: CNY40.00 net for one way) to Maoling Mausoleum, which is 15 km. form Xianyang city and 45 km. from Xi'an city. Maoling, covered 54,000 square meters, is the tomb of Emperor Wudi in Western Han Dynasty (206 BC- AD 23). The Maoling Museum stores many precious culture relics of the Western Han Dynasty. Suggested visiting time duration is 2 to 3 hours. Then drive back to the Xianyang railway station and take bus No. 59 to Xi'an. The memorable archeological tour ends.