Private Day Tour: Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Famen Temple used to be an imperial temple in the Tang Dynasty, which holds the relics of Sakyamuni. It has become world famous among Buddhist followers. Qianling is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, the only female monarch in Chinese history. This tour covers two famous Tang historic sites.
Available options
Only guide and transfer
Historical & Cultural Tour: Only include private transportation and English seaking tour guide service, don't include entrance fee and lunch.<br/>Pickup included
All inclusive Tour
Historical & Cultural Tour: Includes private transfer, English tour guide,entrance fees of Qianling Mausoleum&Famen Temple(Battery car exclude)<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver
Battery cart in Qianling Mausoleum
Professional English speaking guide
Entrance tickets
Detailed itinerary
1
At 08:30 your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby. Today’s adventure begins with the Famen Temple which situated about 118 km west of Xi’an. Famen Temple is a famous Buddhist temple which holds the genuine relics of Gautama Buddha (Sakyamuni). Besides the the genuine relics of Gautama Buddha you will also see lots of exquisite Buddhist ware.
2
You will visit the Qianling Mausoleum. It is the shared mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. Emperor Gaozong, whose name is Li Zhi, is the 3rd emperor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). And Wu Zetian, wife of Lizhi, is the only female ruler of Chinese nation. After her husband died, she killed her son who should have taken the throne and set herself as the legal top ruler of the nation. Qianling is not excavated yet.
3
If time allows, you will pay a visit to Tomb of Prince Yide or Tomb of Princess Yongtai to have an inner look of imperial tomb of the Tang Dynasty. After the fantastic tour, our driver and tour guide will transfer back to your hotel.
What's not included
Gratuities to guide and driver
Optional activities
Battery cart in Famen Temple
Any Meal
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
You will receive a confirm email from local operator about the tour details within 48 hours after booking.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
You will be contacted at least one day ahead of the travel day via email to advise the pickup info. The tour guide will also call you or leave you a message through your hotel room the night before tour about pickup time.
Offered pickup/drop-off service is available for hotels within 2nd ring road of Xian city. If your hotel beyond the range, please expect it might occur additional transfer fee accordingly.
You are suggested to wear comfortable shoes on tour day.
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Xian
Xian is one of the oldest cities in China, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the famous Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and as the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
Top Attractions
Terracotta Army
Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Historical
2-3 hours
150 RMB (including museum)
Ancient City Wall
The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the old city and offers a unique perspective of Xian's history and urban landscape.
Historical
1-2 hours
54 RMB (including bike rental)
Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is a bustling area known for its vibrant street food scene, historic mosques, and unique Islamic architecture. It offers a glimpse into the multicultural history of Xian.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free (food and shopping costs extra)
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xian. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Historical
1-2 hours
50 RMB (including museum)
Shaanxi History Museum
The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most important museums in China, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi region. It houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free (but requires a reservation)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Roujiamo
Also known as the Chinese burger, it consists of braised pork belly stuffed in a crispy flatbread.
Snack
Contains pork
Liangpi
Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy sauce and various toppings.
Dish
Vegetarian options available
Yangrou Paomo
Lamb soup with bread pieces, a staple dish in Xian.
Dish
Contains lamb
Biangbiang Noodles
Wide, hand-pulled noodles with a thick, chewy texture, often served with a spicy sauce.
Dish
Vegetarian options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in Lishan Mountain
Biking along the Ancient City Wall
Visiting Huaqing Palace hot springs
Tea tasting in local teahouses
Exploring the Terracotta Army
Visiting the Shaanxi History Museum
Walking the Ancient City Wall at sunset
Trying local street food in the Muslim Quarter
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This is the best time to visit Xian as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this period.
15°C to 35°C
59°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Xian is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
Getting there
By air
- Xian Xianyang International Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
Xian Railway Station, Xian North Railway Station
By bus
Xian Long-distance Bus Station, Xian North Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Xian Metro is efficient and covers most major attractions. It's the fastest way to get around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Yanta District
Beilin District
Muslim Quarter
Qujiang New District
Day trips
Huaqing Palace
15 km from city center • Half day
Huaqing Palace is a complex of hot springs and palaces known for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. It was a favorite retreat for emperors and is associated with the Tang Dynasty.
Lishan Mountain
20 km from city center • Full day
Lishan Mountain is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and historical sites. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Famen Temple
120 km from city center • Full day
Famen Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, known for housing the relics of the Buddha. It is a significant pilgrimage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.
Festivals
Chinese New Year • January or February (varies)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month
Qinling Mountain Marathon • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- Try local street food, but choose busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and food safety.
- Use the metro or bike-sharing services to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
- Book tickets for popular attractions like the Terracotta Army in advance to avoid long queues.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
