01Historic Walk
Maoling Museum
茂陵博物馆
All Ages
Admission
CNY 75 (Mar-Nov); CNY 55 (Dec-end Feb).
Typical Visit
1.5-2 hours
Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 30 peak season / CNY 20 off season for the basic ticket; allow about CNY 35 for the ticket-and-sightseeing-shuttle combination.
Hours
Peak season (Mar-Nov): 09:00-18:00. Off season (Dec-Feb): 09:00-17:00. Entry usually stops around 16:30.
Transport
No direct metro; driving or a hired car from Xi'an is the most practical option.
Duration
Allow 1.5-2 hours for the return summit hike, plus time for the ruins.
Best Time
Spring and autumn; avoid midday summer heat and wet trail conditions.
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1
Treat Zhaoling Mausoleum as a separate transport stop
From Xi'an, driving or hiring a car is the most practical option; navigate to "Tang Zhaoling" or "Zhaoling Mausoleum." The mausoleum and Zhaoling Museum are about 12 km apart, with a drive of roughly 15 minutes.
Tip:They do not share an entrance or a scheduled internal shuttle, so arriving at the foot of the mountain by bus and then trying to find a car can be difficult.
2
Budget for a ticket-and-shuttle combination
The basic ticket is about CNY 30 in peak season and CNY 20 in the off season; the more practical ticket with the sightseeing shuttle is about CNY 35.
Tip:Do not budget only for the basic ticket. The mountain road is steep and long, so walking instead of using the shuttle adds substantial physical effort.
3
Start with the North Sima Gate ruins, then decide whether to hike to the summit
The shuttle or a private car only reaches the visitor area at the foot of the mountain or near the North Sima Gate ruins. From there, follow the ridge trail of earth and loose stones to the main peak of Jiuzong Mountain.
Tip:The return hike is about 3 km with around 260 m of ascent and takes 1.5-2 hours. There are no continuous steps, and the path becomes slippery after rain.
4
Treat the summit as a short hike without shade, not a quick stop
See the North Sima Gate ruins and the replica Zhaoling Six Steeds first, then hike up for views across the Guanzhong Plain. The uphill walk usually takes 20-40 minutes each way.
Tip:There are no supplies at the summit. In summer, the route is exposed to strong sun, and the mountain drive can cause motion sickness; bring water, snacks, and non-slip shoes.
Highlights
- The joint mausoleum of Tang Emperor Taizong Li Shimin and Empress Wende, built around Jiuzong Mountain and central to understanding the Tang practice of using a mountain as an imperial tomb.
- The North Sima Gate ruins, which preserve clues to the ceremonial layout.
- Replica carvings of the Zhaoling Six Steeds, with context for where the originals are held.
- A ridge walk to the summit with views across the Guanzhong Plain and the wider burial-ground area.
- A visit that combines archaeological remains with a physically active outdoor walk.
Insider Tips
✦Zhaoling Mausoleum and Zhaoling Museum have separate tickets and entrances; do not apply the ticket or opening hours of one to the other.
✦Peak season runs from March to November, 09:00-18:00; the off season runs from December to February, 09:00-17:00. Entry usually stops around 16:30, so do not leave the summit hike too late.
✦Parking is free at both sites, but the mountain road requires confidence with winding roads. Without a car, hiring one or asking a driver to wait is more reliable than trying to hail a ride on site.
✦Young children and travellers with limited mobility can stay around the North Sima Gate ruins; the summit route is not an accessible walking route.
More Xianyang Attractions
02City 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
03Historic Walk
Tomb of Huo Qubing
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
04City Guide
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咸阳古渡廊桥
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Admission
Free pedestrian access
Typical Visit
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05City Guide
Han Yangling National Archaeological Site Park
汉阳陵国家考古遗址公园
All Ages
Admission
Mar-Nov: CNY 70; Dec-Feb: CNY 55; students half price.
Typical Visit
1.5-3 hours
06Food District
Mawei Post Folk Culture Experience Park
马嵬驿民俗文化体验园
All Ages
Admission
Free public area
Typical Visit
Half day