Zhao MausoleumThe Zhao Mausoleum (Zhaoling) is the imperial tomb complex of Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty, dating to the 7th century. It is one of the major imperial mausolea from early Tang China.
The site is noted for the stone statuary and animal figures that line the approach to the tomb mound and for an on-site museum that exhibits funerary sculptures and artifacts recovered from the necropolis. The tomb mound and its sculptures are the principal visitor highlights.
The mausoleum was constructed in the 7th century for Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) and functioned as an imperial burial complex; archaeological work and conservation have taken place in the 20th and 21st centuries to document and preserve the site.
Zhaoling is located in Shaanxi province near the city of Xi’an, set outside the urban core among the historic imperial mausoleum sites of the region.
- Dating & sculptures: Notable for its 7th-century origin as the imperial tomb of a Tang dynasty emperor and for the surviving stone statuary lining the approach to the tomb mound.
What to See#
- Spirit way: A ceremonial approach lined with stone statues and animal figures that mark the processional route to the tomb mound.
- Site museum: An on-site museum and display area that presents funerary sculptures and archaeological finds recovered from the mausoleum complex.
Best Time to Visit Zhao Mausoleum#
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for visiting outdoor mausoleum complexes in Shaanxi.
Weather & Climate near Zhao Mausoleum#
Zhao Mausoleum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (630 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -7° - 3° | -4° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| February | Acceptable | -4° - 6° | -2° | 9 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 2.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Good | 0° - 11° | 4° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 50 mm | overcast | 51% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.9h |
| May | Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 65 mm | overcast | 51% | 2.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| June | Very Good | 16° - 27° | 21° | 65 mm | overcast | 53% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.3h |
| July | Very Good | 18° - 28° | 23° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.1h |
| August | Very Good | 17° - 27° | 22° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 1.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.3h |
| September | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 108 mm | overcast | 69% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.2h |
| November | Good | 0° - 10° | 3° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.2h |
| December | Acceptable | -5° - 5° | -3° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Zhao Mausoleum#
The mausoleum complexes in Shaanxi are generally accessible from Xi’an by road; Xi’an is a major rail hub. From Xi’an, arrange a day trip by car or join an organized excursion that includes driver and guide.
Tips for Visiting Zhao Mausoleum#
- Hire a licensed guide when exploring imperial tombs-the scale and context of mausoleums are best understood with explanation.
- Combine the tomb visit with other nearby Tang and Ming historical sites to see the changing funerary styles across dynasties.
- Wear comfortable shoes-the mausoleum complexes can be extensive with long walks between pavilions.