Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang
Located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, this is one of the earliest surviving imperial mausoleums in China and one of the largest and best-preserved royal tomb complexes…
Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang, Xi'an
Key facts
- Admission
- Combined ticket with the Terracotta Army Museum (Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum)
- Opening hours
- Daily ticketing and entry 8:30–17:00, closing 18:30 (16 March–15 November); daily ticketing and entry 8:30–16:30, closing 18:00 (16 November–15 March of the following year)
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Getting there
- Take Tourist Bus Route 5 (游5路) from the east side of the railway station
- By car
- From Xi'an, drive along the Xilin Expressway (西临高速) for 35 km to reach the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 652. Open in Google Maps
About Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang
Located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, this is one of the earliest surviving imperial mausoleums in China and one of the largest and best-preserved royal tomb complexes in ancient China. The earthen mound is backed by Mount Li and faces the Wei River, creating an impressive and majestic sight. According to the *Records of the Grand Historian* (史记·秦始皇本纪), construction began when the emperor ascended the throne and took more than 700,000 workers over 37 years, roughly eight times the number who built the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Countless traps were set inside to deter tomb robbers, and the lavish tomb contained precious treasures and vessels, with rivers and seas of mercury poured into its chambers. About 500 metres west of the mausoleum, numerous graves of labourers have been discovered, and 1,500 metres to the east lies the famous Terracotta Army. As for the interior, recent archaeological finds have confirmed that the underground palace lies beneath the earthen mound of the complex, and its design is remarkably ingenious.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang cost?
Admission to Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang is Combined ticket with the Terracotta Army Museum (Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum), as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang?
Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang is open Daily ticketing and entry 8:30–17:00, closing 18:30 (16 March–15 November); daily ticketing and entry 8:30–16:30, closing 18:00 (16 November–15 March of the following year).
How do I get to Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang?
Take Tourist Bus Route 5 (游5路) from the east side of the railway station
How long should I spend at Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang?
Plan on 2–3 hours for Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang.
Where is Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang?
Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang is in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, in the Northwest of China.
More places in Xi'an
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