Maoling Mausoleum & Tomb of Huo Qubing

 Maoling Mausoleum

Maoling Mausoleum, located about 45 km (27.9 miles) west of Xian city, is the tomb of Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206B.C.-24A.D.)

Emperor Wudi ordered the building of the mausoleum in 139 A.D., and after 53 years of construction it finally was completed. At that time, many halls and rooms were also situated around the mausoleum. Even a county, in which about 277,000 people were living, was founded to the southeast of the mausoleum. Countless treasures were also buried in the mausoleum to accompany the great emperor. After thousands of years, however, only the hill-like mausoleum still exists. Now the mausoleum is 46.5 meters (152.6 ft) high, with a length of 39.5 meters (129.6 ft) from east to west and 35.5 meters (116.5 ft) from south to north.

According to the historical records, there are more than 20 tombs scattered around the mausoleum. Now only a part of them are certified by archaeologists.

 Tomb of Huo Qubing

The tomb of Huo Qubing, who was a great general during the reign of Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty (206B.C.-24A.D.), is 1 km (0.62 miles) east of the Maoling Mausoleum in Xingping County, Xian.

As a great general who had never been defeated, Huo Qubing was respected and favored by people and Emperor Wudi. Hence, after his death, Emperor Wudi ordered that a grand tomb be built for him. The shape of the tomb looks like Qilian Hill, where Huo Qubing fought against Huns for many years. Many stone carvings depicting his achievements vividly and lively are also situated around his tomb. The 16 stone carvings including Crouching Tiger, Lying Elephant, Human and Bear, Stone Guard and pig, fish, frog are considered the best preserved Han Dynasty stone carvings in China. Among all the stone carvings, Horse Treading a Hun is the most famous for the great techniques and lifelike images. The Maoling Museum in the tomb yard was founded in 1979, and about 4,100 pieces of culture relics are well preserved in the museum. All of the invaluable treasures were discovered around the Maoling Mausoleum and the Tomb of Huo Qubing.

Admission Fee: CNY28
 

 How to Get to Xian/Xianyang

Xian has long been the pivot of transportation within China and abroad. Xianyang International Airport , one of the four largest international airports in China, has opened more than one hundred air routes within China and more than a score abroad. Xian Railway Station is one of the most important stops of New Eurasian Continental Bridge in China. Road lines and national highways also intercross in the city. Besides, it is easy to catch a bus and hire a taxi or car in the city. Special sightseeing buses are also available to get to some main attractions in the city.