Mausoleum of First Emperor Qin, Xian (must see)
The Tomb of the first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang is located 30 kilometers east of the city of Xian. Only a small pyramid like structure remains although excavations around the tomb show that it was once a large and grand mausoleum.
The tomb of the first emperor Qin was discovered as a result of the accidental discovery of the terracotta army nearby. The emperor ordered the construction of the tomb as soon as he ascended the throne. Excavations show that it once consisted of an inner sanctuary and an outer city. Originally, it covered an area of 250,000 square meters and was 115 meters high. What is left of the tomb today is a pyramid covering 120,000 square meters with a height of 87 meters. It took 38 years to build the mausoleum. The emperor died in 259 BC and was interred in the tomb. Other discoveries made around the tomb are Qin dynasty decorated bricks and tiles and satellite tombs of princes, princesses and officials.
Ancient carriages and battery powered vehicles take visitors around the tomb today. There are also 30 free shuttle buses that carry visitors between the mausoleum and the museum of the Terracotta Army. One can climb to the top of the pyramid. The tomb has not been fully excavated and it is believed that there are many treasures still waiting to be discovered inside.
The tomb of the first emperor Qin was discovered as a result of the accidental discovery of the terracotta army nearby. The emperor ordered the construction of the tomb as soon as he ascended the throne. Excavations show that it once consisted of an inner sanctuary and an outer city. Originally, it covered an area of 250,000 square meters and was 115 meters high. What is left of the tomb today is a pyramid covering 120,000 square meters with a height of 87 meters. It took 38 years to build the mausoleum. The emperor died in 259 BC and was interred in the tomb. Other discoveries made around the tomb are Qin dynasty decorated bricks and tiles and satellite tombs of princes, princesses and officials.
Ancient carriages and battery powered vehicles take visitors around the tomb today. There are also 30 free shuttle buses that carry visitors between the mausoleum and the museum of the Terracotta Army. One can climb to the top of the pyramid. The tomb has not been fully excavated and it is believed that there are many treasures still waiting to be discovered inside.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Xian. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mausoleum of First Emperor Qin on Map
Sight Name: Mausoleum of First Emperor Qin
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Xian, China
Create Your Own Walk in Xian
Creating your own self-guided walk in Xian is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Xian Introduction Walking Tour
Xian became a cultural and political center of China in the 11th century BC and was the capital city of eleven imperial Chinese dynasties.
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Shopping Streets Tour
Back in the day, Xian was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Foreign traders used to come here to procure local merchandise such as tea, silk, and porcelain that were in high demand internationally throughout centuries.
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Religious Sites
A melting pot of different cultures and faiths, Xian, once the start of the historical Silk Road, for centuries had seen traders from far and wide come to do business. Many a foreigner eventually settled in Xian, bringing along their cuisine, customs, and religious practices. Hence the number of pagodas, Buddhist and Taoist temples, as well as mosques found in the city, some of which trace back... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles