Zhaoling Tomb
» Xianyang, Shaan Xi

昭陵 唐朝具代表性的帝王陵墓

Zhaoling Tomb covers an area of more than 200 sq km (about 49,421 acres) and consists of 190 other tombs. The construction of the whole mausoleum lasts for over 120 years, making it the largest imperial mausoleum in China, even in the world. With its majestic and forceful hill tomb, huge and grand cemetery, perfect feng shui and hundreds of celebrities buried around, the Zhaoling Tomb possesses many No.1 in China and in the world.

Another name "North Tomb"

Zhaoling Tomb, also called North Tomb due to its location in the north of Shenyang, enjoys equal fame with Fu Tomb and Yong Tomb. All these tombs are jointly called three imperial tombs outside Shanhaiguan. However, Zhaoling Tomb is much beyond the other two in terms of scale and layout.

How to be a park

Zhaoling Tomb is the largest park in Shenyang City, covering an area of 330 hectares. In the eighth year of Chongde in Qing Dynasty, the tomb of Huangtaiji and his wife Bo'erjijite was completed. In 1927, Zhaoling Tomb was authorized to be a park by Fengtian government, and got the name of North Tomb.

"Li Shimin" must know

Li Shimin was the second son of Li Yuan, he is regarded as an outstanding statesman who strengthened the centralized state power system and consolidated national unity. During his reign, China experienced the powerful and prosperous "period of Great Order (627-649)."

Upon his death, this great emperor was buried in Zhaoling. Near mountain peaksm, this style of tomb looks much more impressive than do those of heaped earth. This new practice was said to have originated in burying Empress Zhangsun, who on her death-bed told Li Shimin to hold a thrifty and simple funeral, saying "please bury me on the mountain and do not heap the grave."

A place must visit

The layout of Zhaoling Tomb can be divided into three parts from south to north by three buildings: the Horse Dismounting Tablet, the Red Gate and the Square City. The first two parts are used for worship and festivities, while the third part is the burial place of the Emperor.

The Horse Dismounting Tablet & The Red Gate

The Horse Dismounting Tablet

On the Horse Dismounting Tablet, 'please dismount from the horse here' is carved in the three languages of Manchu, Han and Mongolia, to tell people that the frontage is the mausoleum of the Emperor and they should dismount to show respect to Huang Taiji.

The cloud pillar

The cloud pillar is a special kind of construction of ancient China. It is built in front of the mausoleum or palace to show that the emperor is not obstinate and is willing to listen to others' advice.

Stone Tablet

To the north of the Cloud Pillar is the Stone Tablet. It is a standard construction of Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties commemorating the departed saint.

The Red Gate & The Square City

The Red Gate

Passing the Stone Tablet, visitors can see the Red Gate, which has three gateways. During a festivity, the emperor walked through the left one and the ministers used the right one. The middle gateway led to the Divine Road which was prepared for the spirit of Huang Taiji and his queen. Only those who carried sacrifices could pass through the middle gate at that time.

The Square City

Square City is the main part of the park, and the layout is similar to that of Fu Tomb. Under the Bao City is the underground palace, the coffin chamber of Huangtaiji and his queen.

Getting around "Tomb"

Zhaoling Tomb indicates the artworks of the then society - paintings, sculptures and calligraphy. The exquisite wall paintings or murals in Zhaoling Tomb depict the lifestyle of the Tang Dynasty. Large quantities of calligraphy, sculpture, paintings, golden and silver vessels, splendid Tang San Cai (tri-color pottery), vivid murals and stone carvings in the tombs give people a good chance to learn and understand the culture, life and economy of the Tang Dynasty.

Tomb chamber

Tomb chamber is flanked by eastern and western wings in which are arrayed stone boxes containing sacrificial objects.

Zhaoling Museum

The Zhaoling Museum in the center of this area was built in the early 1970s. Now, over 8,000 pieces of funeral objects from the tombs are preserved in the museum. Most of them are national treasures.

Forest of Steles

The museum features Forest of Steles. This is a collection of 42 vertical memorial tablets, which originally stood outside the tomb mounds, together with ten flat tablets from the interiors.

Artifacts

The museum also displays all the artifacts removed from the excavated satellite tombs. There is a splendid selection of Tang funerary pottery, both glazed and unglazed, including figurines of Chinese and central Asians, horses and camels. There are some fragments of wall paintings, a ceremonial crown from a satellite tomb and a massive pottery roof finial from the Hall of Offerings, the main building of the original enclosure in front of the emperor's mausoleum.

Pines suggest to see

Another characteristic of Zhaoling Tomb is its ancient pines, which stretch for miles. There are more than 2,000 pines, most of which are over 300 years old. The green pines form magnificent scenery around the palatial palace. Amongst them, the Phoenix Pine, the Spouse Pine and the Tortoise Pine stand out.

When to visit

Opening hours: 8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m

Getting there

By bus

Buses 10, 213, 217, 220, 231, 232, 242, 245, 605 get to there.

Attractions around » Xianyang, Shaan Xi

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

  Weather

  1. Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?
  2. What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

  Food

  1. What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?
  2. What is Xi'an local delicacy?

  Shopping

  1. Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?
  2. Where can I buy chinese medicine?
  3. Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?
  4. What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

  Travel

  1. What taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?
  2. What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?
  3. Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?
  4. What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

  Customs

  1. Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?
  2. Why does Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?
  3. How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

  Other Hints

  1. What is Xi'an time?
  2. What to pack for Xi'an tours?
  3. Where is the post office in Xi'an?
  4. Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?
  5. What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?
  6. What is emergency number in Xi'an?

  • Is the weather fine all year round in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is in a warm temperate zone, and has a continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons; Xi'an is hot and wet in summer, dry and seldom snowy in winter and is prone to extended spells of rain in spring and autumn.

    The temperature during spring (March to May) increases rapidly, but is prone to fluctuation. The average temperature in March is 7.9 centigrade, rising to 14.1 centigrade in April and 19.4 centigrade in May.

    Summer in Xi'an (June to August) becomes both hot and humid, with the highest average temperature being 32 centigrade and the maximum temperature of ten above 40 centigrade.

    Xi'an also experiences a fair amount of precipitation during autumn, (September to November). The early autumn period is cool and can be overcast, late autumn is usually fine.

    Winter (December to February) is dry and cold with a little snow. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 0 Centigrade.


  • What is the best season to visit Xi'an?

    Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons during the year for Xi'an tour. With the pleasant temperature, gentle breezes and warm sunshine, spring is a good time of year for outdoor activities and traveling. Late autume is also worth to visit here.


  • What can we have for dinner in Xi'an?

    As the capital of table delicacies, Xi'an is famous for the delicious Shaanxi snacks, the delicate Guangdong cuisine, in a sweet and mild flavor. Various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and the popular Sichuan cuisine, such as hot pot, in a spicy flavor.


  • What is Xi'an local delicacy?

    When you are travelling in Xi'an, one delicacy you will surely to find on the menu is the dumpling.

    Xi'an, an ancient city that has been the nation's capital during no less than eleven dynasties spanning more than a thousand years is regarded as the home if not the birthplace of the great dumpling tradition.

    It was here that the art of creating the most tasty and delicate of dumplings was refined and no visit to the city is complete unless you partake of a dumpling dinner.


  • Can I use my credit card when visiting the attractions in Xi'an?

    No, most attractions are not allowed to pay credit card, for your convinence, it is much better to bring some cash money along the trip. most 4 star hotels or 5 star hotels provide a good service to exchange into RMB at front desk.


  • Where can I buy chinese medicine?

    You can also find the traditional chineses medicine market in Xi'an, which embody the local culture of chinese medical treatment.

    In Chinese medicine, the links between body, mind and spirit have always been recognized and indeed lie at the heart of the system. There is a saying like western medicine cure the external causes but Chinese Medicine cures the internal causes.


  • Where can I find the department stores and supermarkets?

    Department stores

    Minsheng Department Store, at No. 103, Jiefang Lu
    Parkson Shopping Center is popular in Xian and now there are three Parkson:

    1. Xi'an Luck Parkson: 119, Dong Dajie (Opposite the Hyatt Regency Hotel)
    2. Xi'an Shidai Parkson: Shidai Shengdian Plaza, Xi Dajie
    3. Xi'an Chang'an Parkson: 38, Chang'an Zhong Lu

    Supermarkets

    1. South Gate Branch (Downtown) is situated in Fen Xiang, Nan Dajie.
      Bus: No. 600, 603
    2. Chang'an Lu Branch (South Suburb) is located at the northeast corner of the crossing of Shida Lu and Chang'an Lu.
      Bus: No.19, 44, 101, 215, 239, 408, 600, 603
    3. Jin Hua Lu Branch (East Suburb) is situated near the crossing of Changle Lu and Jinhua Lu.
      Bus: No. 4, 10, 11, 13, 27, 43, 105, 209, 303, 402, 604, 605
    4. Lian Hu Branch (West Suburb) is located at the southwest of the crossing of Daqing Lu and Taoyuan Lu.
      Bus: No.2, 12, 45, 103, 104, 207, 210, 222, 223, 224, 301, 303, 605, 803
    5. North Suburb Branch is located along the Bei Erhuan Lu (Northern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No. 18, 17, 238, 228, 236, 609, 600
    6. Nan Erhuan Branch is situated along the Nan Erhuan Lu (Southern 2nd Ring Road).
      Bus: No.24, 46, 308, 311, 608


  • What souvenirs can we buy in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items.

    Some excellent offerings specific to Xi'an include: Chinese calligraphy rubbings, Tang pottery replicas, Terracotta Warrior replicas, Folk paintings, Folk paper cuttings and Green porcelain.


  • what taboos do we need to pay attention to in Xi'an?

    Xi'an is a multiethnic regin, of which the population of Islam is approximately one half, it is a taboo to eat pork and the flesh of animals which died of natrual course, in order not to trouble yourselves, you'd better not to eat anything made of pork and talk about pig in any muslim restaurant.


  • What should we prepare for our visit to Mt.Huashan?

    Famed as the most precipitous of the five moutains in China, Mt.Huashan is a hardship jouney for xi'an tour. You might prepare a long gown and a pair of jogging shoes in case of raining and dropping of.


  • Where can I meet muslim friends in Xi'an?

    Muslim quarter is a shopping center where many muslime friends gathered there. This area is paved with dark colored stone with green trees providing heavy shade during summer. There are many restaurants and stores on the street. The owners are all Moslems.

    Moslem Street has a long history. It is said that in olden days, foreign diplomatic envoys and merchants lived here then they married and had children, so gradually the population increased.

    Today, most of the inhabitants of Moslem Street are the descendants of those immigrants.


  • What about the toilet facilities in Xi'an?

    Most toilet facilities in emporiums, shopping centers, supermarkets, stations and scenic spots are free. The other will charge no more than 0.5 Yuan.


  • Where can I see Shadow Puppets in Xi'an?

    Shadow Puppets was shaped in an art form of famouse traditional folk custome.The Chinese shadow puppets have existed in China for over a thousand years.

    The Shadow Play is hold in an old house of the Qing Dynasty. The show is about 15 minutes long and performed in a very small room. you can go Gao'a family where near to Drum Tower to see the show, the performance costs about 40 yuan for each one.


  • Why does the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show become so popular here?

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a wonderful performance of the ancient music and dance, is a must when you visit Xian.

    The city, which was formerly known as Chang'an has a very long history, and was the imperial capital during 13 dynastic periods. Of these, the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) was the most prosperous and glorious of all.

    The Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show is an outstanding exponent of this ancient stable and prosperous society, keeping alive its splendid culture and providing an insight into the peaceful life style of the period.


  • How about the dress for Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show?

    There is no special dress requirement for this show, but some travelers like to dress up.

    If you have time to change your clothes after the day's tour, we suggest that you dress as you would for any formal occasion, like the Opera in Beijing, and the welcome and farewell dinners during the Yangtze Cruise.

    Jackets and ties for gentlemen and a formal dress or gown for ladies are recommended.


  • What is Xi'an time?

    Equal to Beijing, Xi'an is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China.


  • What to pack for Xi'an tours?

    Besides the medicines you usually take at home, you need to bring pain killers, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea. These medicines are especially helpful if you are going to visit Xi'an.


  • Where is the post office in Xi'an?

    1. City Center: Bell Tower Post Office, Northeast corner of Bell Tower Square
    2. South Suburb: Xiao Zhai Branch, No.3 Xiao Zhai Xi Lu
    3. North Suburb: Bei Guan Branch, No.18 Bei Guan Zheng Jie

    Opening Hours 8:30-18:00


  • Is the internet bar available in Xi'an?

    Yes, it is. tourists can easily find internet bars near colleges or universities, usually it costs you 1 - 2 Yuan per hour, but those with better facilities and faster connection speeds may cost more.


  • What about other useful numbers in Xi'an?

    Zip code Inquiry: 184
    Taxi Complain: 88624509
    Consumption Complain: 12315
    Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    Public Buses Complain: 16801315
    China Mobile Customer Hotline: 10086
    China Unicom Customer Hotline: 10010
    China Telecom Customer Hotline: 10000


  • What is emergency number in Xi'an?

    Fire: 119
    Traffic: 122
    Ambulance: 120
    Police: 110


Northwest of Xi'an City seat in Liquan County is a thrusting peak named Jiuzong Mountain, on which lies the largest of the Tang imperial tombs-Zhaoling, the tomb of Li Shimin, Emperor Tai Zong.



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