Hike Tang Imperial Tombs, Qianling, Jianling, and Zhaoling

Embark on a private guided exploration of three meticulously chosen Tang Dynasty imperial tombs: Qianling, Jianling, and Zhaoling Mausoleums.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at 8:30 AM, carrying a trekinfini pick-up sign bearing your name. You will then be transported to Qianling Mausoleum by a comfortable private vehicle, covering an approximate distance of 80 kilometers in approximately 90 minutes. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided exploration of the mausoleum and its surroundings, starting from the East Azure Dragon Gate and proceeding through the North Black Tortoise Gate before reaching the summit of Mount Liangshan via the West White Tiger Gate. Following the ascent, you will proceed to the South Vermilion Bird Gate, subsequently descending to the Nipple Hills, and finally transitioning to the first ceremonial gate for panoramic views of the entire mausoleum complex.

Following the visit to Qianling Mausoleum, you will take a lunch break (not included in the tour), during which your guide may recommend local dining options. To accommodate any special dietary requirements, please inform them in advance. At 1:00 PM, you will continue your journey to explore the Tang Jianling Mausoleum, where Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty is interred. This mausoleum is renowned for its numerous above-ground stone statues, including ornamental columns, animals, and guards, all of which stand along the Sacred Way. Amongst these, the stone carvings at the Jianling Mausoleum exhibit exceptional intricacy and preservation compared to other 18 Imperial Tombs of the Tang Dynasty.

Next, you will travel to the Tang Zhaoling Mausoleum, the burial ground of Emperor Taizong, also revered as one of the greatest Chinese emperors. Located at Mt. Jiuzong, this mausoleum features six stone horse reliefs lining the Sacred Way, which are considered some of the most significant pieces of Chinese sculpture outside of China. One pair of these horses was stolen from the site in 1920 and sold to the University of Pennsylvania for over $125,000; however, the remaining four are preserved within the Xi'an Stele Forest Museum.

Finally, after concluding your visit to both mausoleums, you will be driven back to your hotel in Xi'an (approximate distance of 76 kilometers, expected duration of approximately 1.5 hours).