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Lianshan Mountain, North of Qian County, Xianyang City, Shannxi Province, China
Renowned for its many Tang dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings
On the lofty peak of Mt. Liangshan, about 80 km northwest to the Tang Dynasty capital- Xian, lies the only joint burial ground of two Chinese imperial rulers. Tang Dynasty Emperor Gao Zong (628-638) and his Empress Wu Zetian (624-705) are buried together in Qian Mausoleum. The mausoleum is considered to be the most representative and best preserved of all 18 Tang mausoleums. The ground relics here mainly include stone carvings. Each of the four gates has a pair of stone lions. Outside the North Gate stand three pairs of stone horses.
Over the past 1,300 years, countless people have tried to find the entrance to this fabled underground palace, but its secrets remain veiled in mystery.
The Qian Mausoleum is tomb of the Tang dynasty emperor Li Zhi. But actually it is a multi-burial tomb of emperor and empress. Outdside the south gate there are two steles for the emperor and empress Wu and sixty-one statues of stone carving of China minority leader and friendly state envoy who attended the emperor's funeral.
The most attractive of Qian Mausoleum is two groups of stone human statue tidily and respectfully arrayed outside the Rosefinch gate of both side of scarified avenue, 32 statues in the west side and 29 in the east side, 61 in all. These residual human statues are as high as real people. These same size statues dressed different clothes.
And in the east side of Sima Avenus stands the famous Non-Inscription Stele. This blank stele designed and set up by Wu zetian is in the cemetery of the Qian Mausoleum is attractive not only because a significant position, also because its exquisite carving art, and a variety of legendary tales. Why there are no words on the stele, there are three kinds of thoughts. The first theory is that, Wu zetian set up stele without words to boast, because that she thought her denotation is far beyond verbal and word expression. The second theory is that, Wu zetian realized that she is full of sin so it is better not to write inscriptions as well .A third theory is that, Wu zetian is a wise woman, she let the future generations to comment what she did, and this is the best way.
1. The Underground Tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian
The main mausoleum remains sealed, preserving its secrets for over 1,300 years. This eternal silence adds a mystique to the site, prompting endless historical speculation and fascination. Archaeologists have confirmed through surveys that the tomb is largely intact, further deepening its allure. The fact that it remains unopened today makes it one of the most intriguing imperial tombs in China.
2. The Statues of the 61 Foreign Envoys (Sixty-One Stone Figures)
One of the most remarkable features along the Spirit Way (神道) are the 61 headless stone figures, standing respectfully on either side of the path. These life-sized statues, carved during the Tang dynasty, are believed to represent foreign envoys and regional rulers who paid tribute to the Tang court.
While their exact identities remain debated, legend says these statues once had heads, but centuries later, descendants of the portrayed felt shame at the sight of their ancestors depicted in such servile posture and destroyed them. Whether myth or fact, the broken statues today stand as solemn witnesses to the cosmopolitan nature of Tang-era diplomacy and power.
3. Wu Zetian’s Wordless Stele (The Stele Without Inscription)
Perhaps the most famous single object in Qianling is Wu Zetian’s Wordless Stele (无字碑), located to the east of the Spirit Way outside the main tomb gate. Standing nearly 8 meters tall and weighing over 90 tons, the stele is intricately carved with dragons and clouds but bears no inscription—a silence that has echoed through centuries.
Why was it left blank? Interpretations vary. Some say it reflects Wu Zetian’s self-confidence, letting history judge her legacy. Others argue it symbolizes guilt, humility, or political caution. One theory suggests her son, Emperor Zhongzong, erected the stele but dared not inscribe it, leaving his mother’s legacy open-ended. Whatever the truth, this monument is as legendary as the woman it commemorates.
4. The Tomb of Princess Yongtai
Located approximately 2.5 kilometers southeast of Qianling, the Tomb of Princess Yongtai (永泰公主墓) is one of the most richly decorated satellite tombs in the complex. The princess was the granddaughter of Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian and daughter of Emperor Zhongzong.
Tragically, she died at the age of 17 under suspicious circumstances during Wu Zetian’s reign. Her tomb, however, was built with grandeur rare for a female of her age and status. The burial site features impressive underground chambers, painted murals of palace life, and a beautifully carved stone sarcophagus, offering a vibrant snapshot of Tang court culture.
5. The Tomb of Prince Zhanghuai
Prince Zhanghuai (章怀太子), originally named Li Xian, was a son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian. He fell victim to court intrigue and was exiled and forced to commit suicide. His tomb is a masterpiece of early Tang funerary art, containing 54 large-scale murals spread over 400 square meters.
These murals vividly depict scenes of aristocratic life—polo games, feasting, musical performances, and diplomatic receptions—making it a visual encyclopedia of Tang nobility. The tomb’s structure includes multiple corridors, skylights, and stone carvings, all emphasizing the craftsmanship of the Tang dynasty.
6. The Tomb of Crown Prince Yide
Crown Prince Yide (懿德太子), named Li Chongrun, was the beloved eldest son of Emperor Zhongzong. He met a tragic end at 19 after allegedly criticizing Wu Zetian’s controversial relationships. His tomb, later relocated to Qianling, is the largest of all the satellite tombs, featuring complex underground architecture and exquisite stone reliefs of female attendants.
Despite his untimely death, Yide’s tomb honors his royal status and tragic tale, serving as a moving tribute to youthful innocence lost amid palace power struggles.
7. Imitation Tang Underground Palace
To satisfy public curiosity while preserving the original tomb, a replica of the Qianling Underground Palace (仿唐乾陵地宫) was built in 1994. This full-scale replica recreates the slope-style tomb architecture, combining archaeological knowledge with immersive exhibits.
The palace is divided into two thematic zones: one showcasing Tang cultural elements and the other focusing on imperial burial structures. Through sculptures, murals, and historical reenactments, visitors can trace Wu Zetian’s rise from concubine to empress, capturing the audacity and charisma of China’s only ruling empress.
8. Qianling Museum
Founded in 1978, the Qianling Museum is located on the site of Princess Yongtai’s tomb. The museum features more than 100 carefully selected artifacts unearthed from Qianling’s surrounding tombs.
Highlights include:
These treasures reflect the elegance and cultural richness of the High Tang period. A special exhibit on Tang foreign-style figurines (胡俑) reveals how the dynasty embraced multiculturalism and global trade.
1. Tourists can take tour bus No.3 in Xi'an railway station in east square to Qian Mausoleum. No.3 bus is one bus a day; 8:00 departs from Xi'an railway station in east square, 15:00 returns from Qian Mausoleum. Drive about 2 hours. Tickets: one-way costs 18 Yuan. Golden week will be extra buses. Off-season in January to march will have no bus.
2. In the city west bus station in Xi’an or xianyang long-distance bus station to take the long-distance bus to Qian Mausoleum, after arrived in the Qian Mausoleum county then transfer to the scenic spot by bus.
3. If you are self-driving, going westward from Xianyang International Airport for 40 km you can get there.
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