Qianling Mausoleum, Xian

One of the most important reasons that Shaanxi plays a distinguished role in Chinese historical research is the concentration of mausoleums dedicated to emperors, concubines and high-ranking officials. Besides, the splendid Buddhist culture also appeals to both travelers and scholars from the world as well. If you are pushed for time, we recommend that you should at the very least visit some selected highlights of these 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 once only per day. The bus journey will take around 2 hours costs CNY18.00 net per person. Qianling, located in Qianxian County, is 85 km. (53 miles) northwest of Xian. It is a unique tomb which actually accommodates 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

We estimate around 3 hours' visiting time for this site and since there are no direct bus, we advised you to rent a car (Rental charge: CNY50.00-CNY60.00 net) at the exit of the mausoleum to reach the next scenic spot, the Famen Temple (Admission fee: CNY 28.00 net per person). This journey will take around 1 hour by car and is located in Fufeng County; about 110 km (68 miles) west of Xi'an. The Famen Temple is regarded as "the ancestor of the pagoda temples in the Guanzhong area". The present site covers a total area of around 66,660 square meters (about 16.5 acres) and consists of 24 courtyards And a subterranean palace housing numerous treasures and relics.

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

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

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