Qianling Tomb is located 85km northwest of Xian on Liang Hill. It
is the joint tomb of Emperor Tang Gaozong (Li Zhi, 628 A.D.-683 A.D.)
and Empress Wu Zetian (624 A.D.-705 A.D.), the only Empress in Chinese
history.
Qianling
Tomb is 1,047.5 meters above sea level. It was built in 684 A.D.and
it took 23 years to complete. Of the three peaks of Liangshan Hill,
the north peak, where Qianling is located, is the highest. The city
comprises the inner city and the outer city. There were four gates
on the four side of the inner city, namely, the Phoenix (south gate),
the Tortoise (north), the Black Dragon (east) and the White Tiger
(west). Many other splendid buildings such as dedicatory halls and
gate towers were built here.
An avenue lined by animal and human statues leading all the way to
the tombs from the southern approach. The exquisite carvings include
two winged horses galloping, two vermilion birds like ostriches, and
five pairs of saddled horses, each with a groom. The
most noteworthy is ten pairs of guardian generals with very large
heads, wearing long-sleeved robes and holding the hilts of long swords.
They demonstrate remarkable achievements of the sculptural arts during
the prime of the Tang dynasty.
There
are 61 stone statues of foreign envoys and chiefs of Chinese minorities
as well as imperial guards on the eastern and western sides of the
inner city. They are foreigners who came to the Chinese court in the
7th century for Tang Gaozong's funeral. Now only two statues have
heads. On the back of each stone statue were carved its nationality,
official position and name. It proves that China had close relationship
with neighborhood countries during the Tang dynasty.The
Wordless Tablet on the eastern side of the Phoenix Gate is 6.3 meters
high, and weights 98.9 tons.Figures of dragon were carved on the sides
of the tablet. It is the only Wordless Tablet placed before an emperor's
mausoleum in China.
A
tablet to Emperor Gaozong located on the western side of the Phoenix
Gate. It measures 6.3 meters high, 1.86 meters wide and weights 61.6
tons. The tablet consists of seven joints symbolizing the Seven Elements,
that is, the Sun, the Moon, Metal, Wood, Water, Earth, and Fire. The
ancient Chinese believed that the world was composed of these Seven
Elements. The inscription on the tablet praises Gaozong's political
achievements and military exploits. It was written by Emperor Zhongzong
and composed by Emperor Wu Zetian.
There
is 17 satellite tombs of princes, kings and high ministers near the
Qianling Tomb includes:
the
Tomb of Crown Yide
the
Tomb of Princess Yongtai
Tomb
of Crown Prince Zhanghuai
Xian Tour Routes Covers Qianling Tomb
XD-4. Xian Day Tour of Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Monastery
XH-4. 4 Days Xian Tour of Terracotta Warrior and Qianling Mausoleum
XH-7. 6 Days Xian Complete Tour
XK-4. Xian 4 days tour of Terracotta Army and Xianyang Terracotta Museum
XK-7. Xian 6 Days Private Tour
XST-1. Xian seat in coach tour of west line
Photo of Qianling Tomb
       
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