Xianyang 3-Day Guide: Capital of the Qin Empire, Han-Tang Imperial Tombs, China's First Imperial Capital
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Xianyang 3-Day Guide: Capital of the Qin Empire, Han-Tang Imperial Tombs, China's First Imperial Capital
Xianyang — China's first imperial capital, where Qin Shi Huang unified the six states. Home to China's most imperial tombs — 28 Han-Tang tombs on Xianyang Plateau ("China's Valley of the Kings"). Qianling — joint tomb of Empress Wu Zetian (China's only female emperor) and Emperor Gaozong. Maoling — Emperor Wu of Han's tomb, largest Han Dynasty imperial tomb. Yuanjia Village — Guanzhong's hottest folk village.
Day 1: Qianling (100 RMB) → Yuanjia Village (free)
China's only undisturbed Tang imperial tomb. Wordless Stele (Wu Zetian's blank monument — merits and faults left for posterity to judge). 61 Foreign Envoy stone statues (heads destroyed, witness to Tang diplomacy). Yongtai Princess Tomb (30 RMB, accessible underground palace with murals).
Yuanjia Village — Guanzhong folk food paradise: saozi noodles (8-12 RMB), roujiamo meat sandwich (5-8 RMB), yangrou paomo lamb soup (15-25 RMB), zenggao sticky rice cake (3-5 RMB).
Day 2: Maoling Museum (75 RMB) + Huo Qubing Tomb
Emperor Wu of Han's tomb — largest Han imperial tomb, 53 years of construction. Museum with extensive Han Dynasty artifacts. Huo Qubing's Tomb — "How can I think of home when the Xiongnu are not yet defeated?" Stone carvings before the tomb are China's earliest giant stone sculptures — "Horse Stepping on Xiongnu" most famous. 1h from Xianyang.
Day 3: Xianyang Museum (free) → Ancient Ferry Bridge (free) → Departure
Qin and Han Dynasty cultural relics — terracotta warriors discovered before the famous pit. Ming Dynasty Confucian Temple building. Ancient Ferry Bridge across Wei River — sunset views. Wei River divides Xianyang and Xi'an.
HSR to Xi'an 15min. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport located in Xianyang. Budget: 500-1000 economy, 1200-2000 comfortable.