How to Get from Xi'an to Qianling Mausoleum by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North to Qianxian Station — just 29–35 minutes, ¥24–26 for a second-class seat — then a 20-minute taxi (about ¥20) to the mausoleum's south gate. This is the fastest and most reliable option, with frequent trains throughout the day. The budget alternative is the tourist bus from Xi'an Railway Station (about 1.5–2 hours, ¥25), but schedules are less predictable. Qianling is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor.

Qianling Mausoleum (乾陵) is located in Qian County, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, about 80 km northwest of Xi'an. It is the joint burial tomb of Emperor Gaozong of Tang (唐高宗李治) and his wife Wu Zetian (武则天) — the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right. Qianling is the only Tang Dynasty mausoleum that has never been looted, and its underground palace remains sealed. The site is famous for its Stone Statues of Sixty-One Foreign Officials (六十一蕃臣像), the Wordless Stele (无字碑), and the dramatic approach lined with stone animals and officials. The ticket also includes entry to several nearby satellite tombs (陪葬墓) with well-preserved murals.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — High-Speed Train + Taxi (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most dependable way to reach Qianling.

Step-by-step

1. Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Station (西安北站) to Qianxian Station (乾县站).

   • Journey time: 29–35 minutes
   • Fare: ¥24–26 for a second-class seat (¥39–42 first class)
   • Frequency: Multiple D-series trains throughout the day
   • Book through the 12306 app or at the station

   Example morning trains:

   Train No.	Departure	Arrival	Duration	2nd Class
   D3581	07:53	08:28	35 min	¥26
   D3671	09:10	09:39	29 min	¥24
   D3577	10:31	11:06	35 min	¥26

   [!TIP] Take the D3581 (07:53) or D3671 (09:10) for a full morning at the mausoleum. Even the earliest trains from Xi'an North are easy to catch — the metro reaches Xi'an North via Lines 2 and 14.

2. Take a taxi from Qianxian Station to Qianling Mausoleum.

   • Distance: About 8–10 km
   • Journey time: About 15–20 minutes
   • Cost: Approximately ¥20–30 by taxi
   • Ask the driver to take you to the South Gate (南门) — the main entrance where the ticket office and Sacred Way (神道) begin.

3. Total journey time: About 1 hour. Total cost: about ¥44–56.

[!TIP] You can ask the taxi driver to wait for you or arrange a pickup time. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Qianling, so a wait of 2–3 hours may cost an additional ¥50–100. Alternatively, use DiDi to call a taxi when you are ready to leave (coverage in Qianxian is generally good during daytime).

Option 2 — High-Speed Train + Local Bus (Cheapest by Rail)

If you want to save money on the taxi, you can take a local bus from Qianxian.

1. Follow Step 1 above to reach Qianxian Station.
2. Take Qianxian Bus 1 or Bus 2 (乾县1路/2路) toward Qianling.
   • Fare: Approximately ¥1
   • Journey time: About 40–60 minutes (the bus winds through town and makes many stops)
   • Get off near the mausoleum entrance
3. Total journey time: About 1.5 hours. Total cost: about ¥25–27.

[!NOTE] The local bus is very cheap but slow and infrequent. If you are short on time or traveling with companions, the taxi is well worth the small extra cost. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel.

Option 3 — Tourist Bus from Xi'an Railway Station

A tourist bus service runs from Xi'an Railway Station to Qianling.

• Departure point: East Square of Xi'an Railway Station (西安火车站东广场)
• Departures: Morning departures typically between 07:00 and 10:00 (frequency depends on passenger numbers and season)
• Fare: Approximately ¥25 per person
• Journey time: About 1.5–2 hours (the bus may make stops at other Tang tomb sites along the way)
• Return: Buses typically depart Qianling between 13:00 and 16:00, with the last return around 17:00–17:30

[!WARNING] The tourist bus schedule can be unreliable — it may not run in low season or may wait until enough passengers have gathered before departing. Arrive early and confirm at the tourist bus information booth on the east square. If you need a guaranteed departure time, take the HSR instead. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel.

How to Get Back

• By HSR: Trains from Qianxian back to Xi'an North run throughout the day and into the evening. Example evening returns include D3558 (19:59–20:35) and G4714 (20:17–20:54). Take a taxi from the mausoleum back to Qianxian Station (about ¥20–30, 15–20 minutes). Check 12306 for exact times on your travel date.
• By tourist bus: The last return bus to Xi'an departs around 17:00–17:30. Arrive at the bus parking area early.
• If you miss all transport: A taxi or DiDi from Qianling back to Xi'an costs approximately ¥200–350 depending on traffic and your destination. Budget hotels are available in Qianxian town if you need to stay overnight.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Confirm the last return train on 12306 and the last tourist bus at the east square information booth. If taking the HSR, allow at least 30 minutes for the taxi from the mausoleum to Qianxian Station.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Qianxian Station with Qianling. The high-speed train arrives at Qianxian Station (乾县站) in the town, not at the mausoleum itself. You still need a taxi or local bus to reach the tomb entrance about 8–10 km away.

2. Relying on the tourist bus without checking. The tourist bus from Xi'an Railway Station does not run on a fixed timetable in low season. It may be cancelled or delayed. The HSR is far more predictable.

3. Only visiting the main mound and missing the satellite tombs. Your Qianling ticket includes entry to several satellite tombs — most notably the Tomb of Prince Zhanghuai (章怀太子墓) and Tomb of Princess Yongtai (永泰公主墓) — which have stunning Tang Dynasty murals. These are a short walk or shuttle ride from the main site.

4. Underestimating the walking. The Sacred Way from the south gate to the main mound is over 1 km long, and the entire site covers a large area. Wear comfortable shoes. A sightseeing cart (¥20) is available if you prefer not to walk.

5. Not allowing enough time. Qianling and its satellite tombs require at least 2–3 hours to explore properly. If you also visit the nearby Zhaoling Mausoleum (昭陵, tomb of Emperor Taizong) or other Tang tombs, you will need a full day.

6. Visiting in the heat of summer without water. The site has limited shade along the Sacred Way. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen in summer.

Before You Go

• Admission: Peak season (March–November) ¥100; off-season (December–February) ¥80. The ticket includes the main mausoleum site and selected satellite tombs.
• Sightseeing cart: ¥20 (optional, for getting between the main gate, tombs, and satellite sites)
• Opening hours: Peak season approximately 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00); off-season 08:30–17:30
• Address: Qianling Town, Qian County, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province (陕西省咸阳市乾县乾陵镇)
• Highlights not to miss: the Wordless Stele (erected by Wu Zetian with no inscription — a famous historical mystery), the Sixty-One Stone Statues (foreign envoys who attended Gaozong's funeral, now mostly headless), and the murals in the satellite tombs.
• The underground palace of Qianling itself has never been excavated — you are visiting the above-ground ceremonial approach and the surrounding satellite tombs. There is a small museum near the entrance with artifacts from the excavated tombs.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our local team can help with train tickets, Qianling entry, or arranging a private guided tour of the Tang mausoleums. Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Xi'an Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
• Xi'an to Terracotta Warriors by Public Transport — Xi'an's most famous day trip
• Xi'an to Mount Hua (Huashan) by Public Transport — for hikers and adventure seekers
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

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Transport information is based on 12306 train listings via Trip.com, GoChinaCompass Qianling transport guide, TravelChinaGuide, Rome2Rio, and China History Trip (checked August 2026). Local bus and tourist bus schedules may change seasonally — verify before travel.

Last verified: August 2026