A Glimpse into Xi'an History, No Shopping
Famen Temple - Qianling Mausoleum
From USD119 per person Book
- Itinerary
- Prices
- Reviews
Trip Highlights
- Feast your eyes on royal treasures and sacred Sakyamuni’s finger bone relics at the Famen Temple.
- Delve into the mysteries of imperial China’s only female emperor Wu Zetian and headless stone statues in Qianling Mausoleum.
- Admire Tang women’s elegance and luxury royal life from murals in the tomb of Princess Yongtai, Emperor Wu’s granddaughter.
- No commission-based shopping stops! More time will be spent on attractions and you will enjoy a pure sightseeing tour.
- No optional tours! Optional tour is just a tourist trap and will always cost you more with a high markup on price.
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
At around 9:00 in the morning, your private guide and driver will pick you up at your self-booked hotel in the downtown area, and then your Xi’an day tour to Famen Temple and Qianling Mausoleum officially starts.
After a comfortable private car ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll first reach the Famen Temple, a royal Buddhist pilgrimage site built over 1,800 years ago. Among its ancient religious architectural complex, your eyes will be particularly drawn to the 13-story octagonal pagoda, beneath which the mysterious Underground Palace, housing 2,499 imperial treasures including silks, gold and silver objects, and the best-known finger bone of Sakyamuni, was discovered after a heavy rainstorm that lasted nearly a month in 1981. Accompanied by your guide, enter the nearby Treasure Hall to take a closer look at most of those artifacts transferred from the palace. Marvel at the world’s oldest, largest, and highest grade Buddhist monk’s staff, also known as the “King of Tin Staff in the World”. And then head to the Namaste Dagoba, a newly built cultural scenic spot, to pay homage to the world’s only remains of Sakyamuni. Four Buddhist relics were found in the Underground Palace, of which only one was real, while the other three were said to have been made to prevent the real one from being destroyed during a serious religious crackdown. The visit here will last for 2 to 2.5 hours.
► Note:
Sakyamuni’s finger bone is only displayed on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, weekends and holidays, so if you have a strong interest in worshipping this sarira, it is recommended that you arrange your Famen Temple tour from Xi’an on these days.
Today’s lunch is on your own, but surely your guide will be glad to offer you recommendations and help.
After lunch, we will continue to drive an hour to the Tang-era (618 - 907) heritage Qianling Mausoleum, where Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, is laid to rest with her husband Emperor Gaozong. Follow your guide to explore the mysteries of Emperor Wu’s Wordless Grave Stele, the Tablet of Seven Elements, and the headless Stone Statues of 61 Foreign Officials along the Spirit Way. Interestingly, archaeologists infer that the officials’ heads were broken in a massive earthquake, while folklore has it that their descendants felt so ashamed by the sight as to fool local peasants to break their heads, and some even argue the heads were smuggled overseas by grave robbers. This world’s only tomb for couple emperors actually has not been excavated so far, and the current exhibitions here such as tri-colored glazed pottery and colored figurines were all excavated from its subordinate tombs of the Tang princes and princesses. Let’s pay a visit to the Tomb of the Princess Yongtai (Wu’s granddaughter), where you’ll enjoy various colorful murals depicting the graceful Tang court ladies. With your guide, also learn the cause of death from her tombstone. A popular saying may surprise you - she was poisoned by her grandma, and the story on her tombstone was an embellished one!
In the late afternoon, your Xi’an day tour to Qianling Mausoleum will come to an end and we will drive about an hour back to your hotel in downtown Xi’an. Hope you have enjoyed this day trip with us!
► For more Xi’an classic sights, check out our day trip to world cultural heritage sites Terracotta Army Museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, as well as the time-honored City Wall, or our 3 to 4 days’ in-depth tours if you have enough time. Welcome to contact us for your custom-made itinerary!
► Recommended Nighttime Activities (at your own expense):
When you get downtown, it is recommended to go to the popular Muslim Quarter to taste some authentic Xi’an specialties, such as Chinese Hamburger, Biang Biang Noodles, or Cold Noodles, for dinner. The average cost per person is CNY 30-60 (USD 4-8.5). The shouting of vendors in ethnic costumes in this traditional block will make you feel the strong Muslim cultural atmosphere. After that, stroll to admire the splendid night views around the nearby Bell and Drum Towers, the must-visit landmarks of Xi’an. Also, watching a large-scale dinner show at Tang Dynasty Palace can add glamour to your cultural journey. Set against the backdrop of the historical stories of Emperor Wu Zetian and presented in the form of Tang-style dance and song, the show will take you time travel to the flourishing period of the Tang Dynasty in an instant. If you are interested, we can help you book the tickets.
After a comfortable private car ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll first reach the Famen Temple, a royal Buddhist pilgrimage site built over 1,800 years ago. Among its ancient religious architectural complex, your eyes will be particularly drawn to the 13-story octagonal pagoda, beneath which the mysterious Underground Palace, housing 2,499 imperial treasures including silks, gold and silver objects, and the best-known finger bone of Sakyamuni, was discovered after a heavy rainstorm that lasted nearly a month in 1981. Accompanied by your guide, enter the nearby Treasure Hall to take a closer look at most of those artifacts transferred from the palace. Marvel at the world’s oldest, largest, and highest grade Buddhist monk’s staff, also known as the “King of Tin Staff in the World”. And then head to the Namaste Dagoba, a newly built cultural scenic spot, to pay homage to the world’s only remains of Sakyamuni. Four Buddhist relics were found in the Underground Palace, of which only one was real, while the other three were said to have been made to prevent the real one from being destroyed during a serious religious crackdown. The visit here will last for 2 to 2.5 hours.
► Note:
Sakyamuni’s finger bone is only displayed on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, weekends and holidays, so if you have a strong interest in worshipping this sarira, it is recommended that you arrange your Famen Temple tour from Xi’an on these days.
Our Guest at Famen Temple
Famen Temple
After lunch, we will continue to drive an hour to the Tang-era (618 - 907) heritage Qianling Mausoleum, where Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, is laid to rest with her husband Emperor Gaozong. Follow your guide to explore the mysteries of Emperor Wu’s Wordless Grave Stele, the Tablet of Seven Elements, and the headless Stone Statues of 61 Foreign Officials along the Spirit Way. Interestingly, archaeologists infer that the officials’ heads were broken in a massive earthquake, while folklore has it that their descendants felt so ashamed by the sight as to fool local peasants to break their heads, and some even argue the heads were smuggled overseas by grave robbers. This world’s only tomb for couple emperors actually has not been excavated so far, and the current exhibitions here such as tri-colored glazed pottery and colored figurines were all excavated from its subordinate tombs of the Tang princes and princesses. Let’s pay a visit to the Tomb of the Princess Yongtai (Wu’s granddaughter), where you’ll enjoy various colorful murals depicting the graceful Tang court ladies. With your guide, also learn the cause of death from her tombstone. A popular saying may surprise you - she was poisoned by her grandma, and the story on her tombstone was an embellished one!
In the late afternoon, your Xi’an day tour to Qianling Mausoleum will come to an end and we will drive about an hour back to your hotel in downtown Xi’an. Hope you have enjoyed this day trip with us!
Headless Stone Statues at Qianling Mausoleum
Relics from Subordinate Tombs of Qianling Mausoleum
► Recommended Nighttime Activities (at your own expense):
When you get downtown, it is recommended to go to the popular Muslim Quarter to taste some authentic Xi’an specialties, such as Chinese Hamburger, Biang Biang Noodles, or Cold Noodles, for dinner. The average cost per person is CNY 30-60 (USD 4-8.5). The shouting of vendors in ethnic costumes in this traditional block will make you feel the strong Muslim cultural atmosphere. After that, stroll to admire the splendid night views around the nearby Bell and Drum Towers, the must-visit landmarks of Xi’an. Also, watching a large-scale dinner show at Tang Dynasty Palace can add glamour to your cultural journey. Set against the backdrop of the historical stories of Emperor Wu Zetian and presented in the form of Tang-style dance and song, the show will take you time travel to the flourishing period of the Tang Dynasty in an instant. If you are interested, we can help you book the tickets.
Tour Prices
| 1 traveler | 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers |
|---|---|---|
USD249 | USD149 | USD119 |
- Above prices are per person.
Price Includes
- Pick-up & drop-off from your hotel
- Private English-speaking guide
- Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Two bottles of drinking water per person
Price Excludes
- Hotel accommodation
- Meals
- Tips or gratuities for guide and driver
If you would like to take all arrangements on your own, we are pleased to offer the following independent travel information. Please note that if you take public transportation, one day is not enough to visit both Famen Temple and Qianling Mausoleum, so we suggest that you visit the two sites on separate days.One Day Independent Itinerary to Famen Temple
► How to Get there from Downtown Xi’an (2 options):1. Take Metro Line 1 to Hanchenglu Station, and leave from Exit D, where you can take a direct bus from West Xi'an Bus Station to Famen Temple. The earliest bus departs at 9:00, taking about 2 hours and costs CNY 39 per person. The entire journey may take 3 to 4 hours if you start from the heart of Xi’an.
2. Take Metro Line 2 to Xi’an North Railway Station to take a high speed train to Yangling South Station first. The recommended trains are D2717 8:30/9:04 (34 min) and 8:43/9:11 (28 min), and a second-class seat costs CNY 27.5. Upon arrival, take a 40-minute taxi for around CNY 80 to reach Famen Temple. This option costs more, but it saves time. The one-way trip from the city center takes less than 2 hours.
► Ticket Price of Famen Temple: CNY 100 (Mar. - Nov.); CNY 90 (Dec. - Feb.).
► Opening Hours: 8:30 - 17:00
► Recommended Time for a Visit: 3 hours
► Return Journey from Famen Temple to Downtown Xi’an:
As the return coach time in the afternoon is not fixed, for your convenience, take a taxi to Yangling South Station to catch a high speed train back to Xi’an. There are many trains available, with approximately two every hour.
One Day Independent Itinerary to Qianling Mausoleum
► How to Get there from Downtown Xi’an:You are recommended to take a taxi or Metro Line 2 to get to the Xi’an North Railway Station first, and take a high speed train to Qianxian Railway Station. Trains D3581 7:53/8:28 (35 min) and D3671 9:10/9:39 (29 min) are recommended, and a second-class seat costs CNY 24 or 26. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the south gate of Qianling Mausoleum in 20 minutes for CNY 20, or take Qianxian bus line 1 or 2 to Qianling station, which takes around 1 hour and costs CNY 1. The whole trip from the city center takes about 2 hours.
► Ticket Price of Qianling Mausoleum: CNY 100 (Mar. - Nov.); CNY 80 (Dec. - Feb.). The ticket includes the main mausoleum and all attendant tombs that are open.
► Opening Hours: 8:00 to 18:00 (Mar. - Nov.); 8:30 to 17:30 (Dec. - Feb.).
► Recommended Time for a Visit: 4 hours
► Recommended Tour Route in Qianling Mausoleum:
South Gate → Tomb of Prince Yide → Tomb of Princess Yongtai & Qianling Museum → Tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai → Main Tomb of Qianling Mausoleum
• Note: For a thorough tour of the large scenic area, it is recommended that you spend CNY 20 to buy a ticket for the sightseeing car, which can save time and energy, as well as reasonably arrange your travel route in a ring.
A 5-minute drive by sightseeing car from the South Gate will take you to the first spot, the Tomb of Prince Yide, the eldest grandson of Emperor Wu Zetian. Spend an hour here and expect to marvel at a replica of the largest piece of Tang Dynasty murals, which depict the magnificent City Wall, watchtowers and the guard of honor. After another 5-minute ride, get to the Tomb of Princess Yongtai to glimpse into the luxurious life of the imperial family from the mural replicas of six vivid pieces of ‘Palace Ladies’. It is also the site of the Qianling Museum, where you can enjoy more fine cultural relics. Lunch break can be taken at the Foreign Restaurant here or later at the Main Mausoleum for more dining options. Next, hop on the sightseeing car again and head to the Tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai, the 2nd son of Emperor Wu, for a short visit. As it is similar and inferior to the previous two tombs, if you’re pressed for time, skip it and go directly to the Main Mausoleum, where a 2 to 3 hours’ visit is recommended. Walk through the 500-meter-long (1,640-foot-long) Sacred Way with Wordless Grave Stele and the headless Stone Statues of 61 Foreign Officials, and you’ll reach the Mausoleum Mountain. Climb to the summit and overlook the surrounding farmland and the watchtowers on the east and west Breast Peaks. After that, descend the mountain and get to the exit of the scenic area.
► Return Journey from Qianling Mausoleum to Downtown Xi’an:
Take Qianxian bus line 1 or 2 or a taxi to the Qianxian Railway Station, and then take the high-speed train back to Xi’an. Train D3558 19:59/20:35 (36 min) or G4714 20:17/20:54 (37 min) are recommended.
► Recommended Local Food:
If time permits, you can have some local specialties for dinner in Qianxian County before returning to Xi’an. Try the Qianzhou Four Treasures, the famous traditional local foods which are rated as ‘China’s Famous Snacks’, including Crusty Pancake, Noodles, Crisp Pie, and Bean Curd Jelly.
Itineraries you may also like:
