Xianyang travel guide

The World Famous Mausoleum - Tang Zhaoling

The majestic Zhaoling tomb exemplifies China's glorious Tang dynasty. As the largest imperial mausoleum, housing the most accompanying graves, Zhaoling represents the pinnacle of Tang burial tradition. The renowned "Six Steeds of Zhaoling," carved on the emperor's stone coffin, gallop through Chinese art history. Lavish wall paintings, sculptures, tiles, and steles fill the tomb, testifying to Tang grandeur. Venture underground into the sprawling subterranean palace, guarded by statues of warriors and animals. Marvel at the colorful murals depicting courtly scenes and the splendid afterlife. As the exemplar of Tang splendor and artistic excellence, it's no wonder Zhaoling earns acclaim as one of the finest imperial tombs ever built, a treasure of Chinese heritage. When visiting the Xianyang Museum, descend into this underground time capsule for an immersive experience of Tang dynasty glory.

The Mysterious Origin of China's Earth

Nestled in the village of Shiji Temple in Jingyang County lies an intriguing octagonal pagoda - the official origin point of China's geography. This is ground zero for mapping the country's latitude and longitude. A nail-sized red agate marker embedded in the pagoda's base represents the intersection of these coordinates for all of China. Lay your hand atop this inconspicuous stone to symbolically touch the very origin of the Chinese mainland. Let your imagination stretch across rivers and mountains from this spot, picturing the nation unfurling in all directions. As the center point from which distances are officially measured, it is the reference for China's vast landscape. When visiting Xianyang, make a pilgrimage to this curious little pagoda to stand at the source of the country's geography. Connect to the heart of the motherland at this quiet monument that offers an intriguing perspective on China's enormity.

Unique Couple Emperor and Burial Tomb

The extraordinary Qianling Mausoleum stands alone as the only joint burial site of two Tang dynasty emperors and their empress. As the tomb of Emperor Gaozong and the nation’s sole female emperor, Wu Zetian, Qianling brims with legends. A pillar erected by Wu Zetian mysteriously bears no inscriptions, while 61 headless statues of foreign dignitaries line the path, adding to its allure. Of the 18 Tang imperial tombs, Qianling is the best preserved and only one never looted. Its layout, murals, and myriad artifacts provide an intact glimpse into Tang dynasty burial traditions, earning its reputation as the "Crown of Tang Tombs." When visiting Xianyang, explore this extraordinary tomb—with two emperors and an empress entombed side-by-side, it offers an insider’s perspective on the intrigues of imperial China. Wander through a window into the past, preserved for posterity.

Visiting China's largest museum

Sprawling across the ancient Han Yangling tomb complex, the Han Yangling Museum offers an expansive look into early imperial China. As the nation's largest museum by occupied land area, Han Yangling houses several architectural ruins and thousands of cultural relics from the Western Han dynasty. Marvel at the intricately carved gateways and royal tombs being unearthed. Descend into brick-lined underground pits filled with a multitude of funerary objects, from jade figurines to lacquered chariots. Tour the fascinating exhibit halls to glimpse courtly life through pottery, bronzes, and decorative tiles. As you explore centuries-old sites and artifacts, this world-class museum provides an immersive journey into ancient Chinese ceremonies, rituals, and beliefs surrounding imperial burials. When visiting Xianyang, devote ample time to uncover the treasures on display across Han Yangling's sprawling grounds for a comprehensive experience of China's early imperial past.

History

Xianyang has a long and rich history, having served as the capital city for 13 different dynasties and as an important metropolitan area throughout Chinese history. The city's municipal history dates back to the Xia Dynasty, and it was renamed Xianyang Commandery during the Former Qin period. In 618 AD during the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian renamed it Chixian County due to the location of her mother's tomb, Shunling Mausoleum, nearby. During the Five Dynasties, Northern Song, Southern Song, and Jin eras, the city was referred to as Xianyang. In the Yuan Dynasty, Xianyang was briefly incorporated into Xingping before the Xianyang County administration was restored. In 1371 AD during the Ming Dynasty, Xianyang County was relocated to Weishui Station, now the location of Qindu District. Under the Ming and Qing dynasties, Xianyang was governed under Xi'an Prefecture. In 1993, the State Council recognized Xianyang as a National Famous Historical and Cultural City. With over 2,300 years of history since its founding, Xianyang boasts an extraordinary heritage as one of China's most historic capital cities.

Best Travel Time

At the intersection of spring, summer, and autumn from April to June and September to October each year, Xianyang has a mild climate with mostly sunny days and moderate temperatures, allowing for a better appreciation of the charm of Guanzhong.

Medical treatment

Here is some information on medical care in Xianyang for an English travel website:Medical Care in XianyangXianyang has quality medical facilities including the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine (029-33339999), one of the top 3 hospitals locally. There are also many 24-hour pharmacies throughout Xianyang for convenient medication purchases and minor ailments.For emergencies, contact:- Xianyang First Hospital Emergency Center: 029-33212804- Xianyang Old Affiliated Hospital Emergency Center: 029-33216281It's recommended to travel with international medical insurance. Hotels and tour companies can help arrange transportation to clinics or hospitals if required. Though medical care is easily accessible in Xianyang, it still helps to take precautions and visit a doctor promptly if you have any concerning symptoms or health issues. Let us know if you need any other recommendations for medical care and facilities in Xianyang!