This is the mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong and his wife Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history The Qianling Mausoleum, located inside Liangshan Hill 6km away from Qian County, is the most unique and well-preserved of the Tang dynasty mausoleums.
The mausoleum was built in 684 B.C. with its construction lasting 23 years. According to historical records there were inner and outer walls with four gates in each direction as well as countless halls, pavilions and marvelous stone carvings around the mausoleum. Now only the ancient stone carvings still remain around the mausoleum. There are 114 statues of horses, lions, ostriches, servants and even foreign ambassadors as well as steles and ornamental columns in the mausoleum showing the splendor and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Qianling Mausoleum is so well preserved also because it was never broken into by grave robbers. To the southeast of the mausoleum, there are many other mausoleums. Historical records state that 17 people were buried by the near the Qianling Mausoleum. Five of them have been excavated, including the tombs of Crown Prince Zhanghuai, Crown Prince Yide and Princess Yongtai. Many treasures such as colorful murals and Tang San Cai (tri-color pottery) were discovered in the tombs. These treasures are all on dispay at the Qianling Mausoleum.
