# Mausoleum of Emperor Qinshihuang (秦始皇陵)

Xi'an, Shaanxi Province · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mausoleum-of-emperor-qinshihuang
Language: en

## 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
- **Good for:** History & Culture

## 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.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 652. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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