01City Guide
Maoling Mausoleum of Emperor Wu
汉武帝茂陵
All Ages
Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb). Covered by the Maoling Scenic Area ticket.
Typical Visit
45-60 minutes
Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb).
Hours
Apr-Oct 08:30-18:00; last entry 17:30. Nov-Mar 08:30-17:30; last entry 17:00.
Transport
No direct metro. Use a private car, arranged driver, or pre-booked ride to Maoling Museum in Nanwei Town, Xingping.
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Time
Spring or autumn; use early or late hours in summer
Visitors
Visitors comfortable with outdoor walking; the mound climb is optional
How to Visit
1
Start at the Maoling Museum entrance
Navigate to Maoling Museum and complete real-name ticket purchase at the entrance before entering. Tickets are CNY 75 from March to November and CNY 55 from December to the end of February. From April to October, hours are 08:30-18:00, with ticket sales and entry ending at 17:30. From November to March, hours are 08:30-17:30, with ticket sales and entry ending at 17:00.
Tip:Do not treat the final 30 minutes before closing as entry time. If you also plan to walk to the Mausoleum of Emperor Wu, finish this section earlier in the afternoon.
2
Visit the indoor galleries before going to the stone-carving corridor
Begin with the historical and excavated-relic exhibitions, then follow signs towards the Tomb of Huo Qubing. The galleries provide background on the people, tomb area, and artefacts; visit the outdoor carvings while you still have time and energy.
Tip:Do not go straight to the tomb mound and skip the galleries, or the relationship between the carvings and the mausoleum area will be harder to understand.
3
Follow the stone-carving corridor piece by piece
Walk through the stone-carving corridors on both sides of the Tomb of Huo Qubing, looking for works such as Horse Trampling a Xiongnu Warrior, stone horses, reclining oxen, and Man and Bear. Allow about 30-45 minutes for the outdoor and partly sheltered displays, including time to read the labels.
Tip:These are protected artefacts. Do not touch, climb on, or cross barriers around them, and do not block narrow passages while taking photos.
4
Treat the climb up the Tomb of Huo Qubing as an optional light ascent
If comfortable with stairs, take the steps beside the mound to the viewing pavilion, then return the same way. The climb up and down usually takes about 5-10 minutes. The mound-top area is open and can be visited after the stone-carving corridor.
Tip:There is limited shade in midday summer heat. Visitors with young children, reduced mobility, or difficulty with stairs can stay on level ground and still see the key carvings.
Highlights
- The museum uses the Mausoleum of Emperor Wu, the Tomb of Huo Qubing, and Western Han history as its core framework.
- The historical and excavated-relic exhibitions connect imperial tomb customs, attendant tombs, and archaeological remains.
- The Exhibition on the Life and Deeds of Huo Qubing is north of the tomb area and fits naturally with the mound and carving corridor.
- The stone-carving corridor, including Horse Trampling a Xiongnu Warrior, is central to understanding the artistic importance of the Tomb of Huo Qubing.
Insider Tips
✦A private car, arranged driver, or pre-booked ride from Xianyang or Xi'an gives the most control over timing; agree on a return pickup point before setting out.
✦The museum and tomb grounds are open and exposed, so bring drinking water, sun protection, and shoes suitable for walking.
✦The Tomb of Wei Qing is not a standard open visitor site. Do not attempt to enter through side gates or construction areas.
✦Allow about 1.5-2 hours for Maoling Museum and the Tomb of Huo Qubing alone; add walking and circuit time if continuing to the Mausoleum of Emperor Wu.
More Xianyang Attractions
02Historic Walk
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霍去病墓
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Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb). Included within the Maoling Museum grounds.
Typical Visit
45-75 minutes
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Typical Visit
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Typical Visit
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