Mausoleum of Emperor Qin

Introducing Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
The mausoleum of the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang endures as a mystery to archaeologists and historians as it remains largely sealed up and unexplored. The construction of the emperor’s mausoleum began long before Qin Shihuang became the first Chinese emperor. When Qin Shihuang was 13 years old, he ascended the throne of Qin, and immediately began building his eternal resting place. It was only in 221 BC, however, when Qin Shihuang successfully unified China that full-scale construction would begin, as he then commanded manpower totaling 700,000 from across the country. The mausoleum took over 38 years to complete, and was only finished several years after his death.

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qin Shi Huang Ling 秦始皇陵
• Best Time to Visit: Apr, May, Sept & Oct.
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 to 2 hours
• Distance from Xian: 35 km (22 mi)
• Opening Hours
  Mar 16 to Nov 15: 8:30-18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
  Nov 16 to Mar 15: 8:30-17:30 (last entry at 16:30)
• Entrance Fee: CNY120 (including Terracotta Warriors Museum)
• Address: Qinling, Lintong County, Xian

What to expect at Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

The Historical Records
An account of the construction of Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum and its description can be found in the Records of the Grand Historian, which was written by the Han dynasty historian, Sima Qian. According to this source, Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum contained ‘palaces and scenic towers for a hundred officials’, as well as numerous rare artifacts and treasures. In addition, the two major rivers of China, the Yangtze and the Yellow River, were simulated in the mausoleum using mercury. The rivers were also set mechanically to flow into the great sea. Whilst the rivers and other features of the land were represented on the floor of the mausoleum, its ceiling was decorated with the heavenly constellations. Thus, Qin Shihuang could continue to rule over his empire even in the afterlife. To protect the mausoleum, the emperor’s craftsmen were instructed to make traps which would fire arrows at anyone who entered the mausoleum. Qin Shihuang’s funeral was conducted by his son, who ordered the death of any concubines of the late emperor who did not have sons. This was done in order to provide company for Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. When the funerary ceremonies were over, the inner passageway was blocked, and the outer gate was lowered, so as to trap all the craftsmen in the mausoleum. This was to ensure that the workings of the mechanical traps and the knowledge of the mausoleum’s treasures would not be divulged. Finally, plants and vegetation were planted on the mausoleum so it resembled a hill.

Remains of the Mausoleum
As a part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, the terracotta warriors have dazzled the world. But the materials unexcavated are also worth studying. Qin bricks and tiles, engraved with decorative patterns, are strew everywhere around the tomb. There are many satellite tombs built for accompanying Qin Shihuang. Ministers, princesses and princes, the famous and the not so famous were inhumed there. The burial pits for horses, rare birds and pottery figures were ever regarded as the sacrificial objects to the Emperor. Hence the remains from these tombs and pits are beneficial for archaeologists to make further research. Hopefully one day, the entire Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor will be unearthed and displayed to the public.

How to get to Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
• From downtown Xian: Take Tourism bus No. 5 (306) from east square of Xian Railway Station and get off at Bingmayong Stop.
• From Lintong: Take bus No.101 to Qinling Station.

Additional travel advice on Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
• The admission ticket is a pass for Qin Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum and Emperor Qin's Mausoleum. You can visit the two sites and take the shuttle bus between the Terracotta Warriors and the mausoleum with the ticket.
• Battery-powered motor vehicles and ancient-style carriage are available for visitors to tour around the mausoleum.
• The weather of Xian is very dry, drink more water and use some moisturizer to help your skin retain moisture. If you come in summer, use some sun block to protect your skin from the strong UV of Xian.