Spend a day outside Xi'an visiting two cornerstone Tang sites: Famen Temple, home to a revered Buddhist relic, and Qianling Mausoleum, the shared tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu. This private tour blends cultural depth with easy walking and air-conditioned transfers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull away from Xi'an's ring roads at dawn, the city receding as fields and low ridgelines take over. By midmorning the bus drops you near Famen Temple; prayer flags snap and incense wafts as you enter a modern complex that guards an ancient relic said to be from Sakyamuni. The stones and polished halls feel deliberate and orderly, a place where reverence and tourism meet.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short periods of standing and walking on mostly paved surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Both sites date to the Tang Dynasty: Famen Temple grew around a relic believed to be from Gautama Buddha; Qianling is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, an unexcavated imperial complex.
Conservation
Both attractions balance preservation with public access—follow marked paths to protect archaeological surfaces and avoid touching artifacts to limit wear.
Reserve your spot on the Private Day Tour: Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early to beat crowds
Morning pickups and early arrivals reduce time spent in lines and give better light for photos at open-air tomb sites.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures can swing between shaded temple halls and exposed mausoleum grounds—carry a light jacket.
Cash for smaller purchases
Some site vendors and small museums accept only cash; keep small bills for snacks and souvenirs.
Respect photography rules
Follow signage and guide instructions—some relics and interior shrine areas restrict photos.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for paved paths and uneven stone steps at mausoleum sites.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects from summer sun across exposed mausoleum grounds.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Useful for cool mornings and breezy ridge-top sections.
spring
Refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated between included bottled-water stops and reduce waste.