This day trip combines two of the most important Tang dynasty sites in Shaanxi, both west of Xi’an, and it is one of the best ways to spend a day if you want to go beyond the usual highlights. Famen Temple, in Fufeng county, is a Buddhist temple famous for a pagoda crypt that was opened in 1987 and found to contain a rich hoard of Tang treasures, including a relic held to be a finger bone of the Buddha. The relic and the objects sealed with it, gold and silver vessels, silk and ritual items, are displayed in a museum on the grounds, and a large modern hall and buildings nearby have made the site a major pilgrimage destination. Qianling is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, the only woman to rule China as emperor in her own right. The mausoleum is a mountain, with a long processional road, the spirit way, that is lined with pairs of stone animals, courtiers and foreign envoys, and with two steles, one of which was famously left without an inscription. The setting is open and landscaped, and the stone figures, weathered and worn, give a powerful sense of Tang power at its height. It is a day of scale, quiet and history rather than a day of crowds.
How to visit
Both sites lie in the countryside to the west of the city, so most visitors go with a driver or a private guide, who covers the transfers and the logistics in one day. A private day tour is the practical choice, since the sites are far apart and public transport is slow. The round trip usually takes six to eight hours, depending on traffic, how long you spend at each place, and whether lunch is included. Bring ID, and check opening days, since some museum sections close on certain days.
What to expect
At Famen Temple, the museum and the pagoda crypt collection are the heart of the visit, and the temple complex is large enough to need a couple of hours. Qianling is more about walking and atmosphere, along the spirit way and, if you have the energy, up towards the mound, which gives wide views over the surrounding farmland. Footpaths are mostly flat to moderate, and there is little shade, so wear a hat in summer and warm layers in winter. Simple local food is available near both sites.
Making the most of it
This is a good day for travellers on a longer stay who have seen the Terracotta Army and want to see another side of ancient China, and a rewarding one for those interested in Buddhism or in the story of Wu Zetian. It is less suited to young children or to anyone with only two or three days, as the day is long and the sites are quiet.
Spring, with blossom and green fields, and autumn, with clear light, are the most comfortable times to go. Take some cash for small purchases and a light snack, as meals along the road are basic, and keep your phone charged for photographs, since the stone statues of the spirit way are the most photogenic part of the day. Dress modestly at the temple, where visitors are expected to be respectful.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day private trip by car to a Buddhist temple and museum and then to an imperial tomb with a long avenue of stone statues.
Best time
Spring or autumn on a weekday, outside national holidays.
How long
Six to eight hours including driving.
Tips
Bring ID, wear comfortable shoes, carry a hat or layers, and start early to keep the day relaxed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want to see Tang history and Buddhism beyond the standard highlights.
- Families
- A long day with lots of walking, so it suits older children better than young ones.
- Couples
- A quiet day out for couples who enjoy history and open landscapes.
- Pair with
- Hanyangling on another day, or the Shaanxi History Museum for more Tang objects.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Why is Famen Temple famous?+
Its pagoda crypt was opened in 1987 and contained a large hoard of Tang treasures along with a relic held to be a finger bone of the Buddha. The objects are shown in a museum at the temple.
Who is buried at Qianling?+
Qianling is the joint tomb of the Tang emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, who later ruled China as emperor in her own right.
Can I do both in one day?+
Yes, most day tours combine them, and the round trip takes six to eight hours depending on traffic and how long you spend at each place.
How far are they from Xi’an?+
Both are in the countryside west of the city, roughly one to two hours each by road, with Famen being the farther of the two.
Do I need a guide?+
A private driver or guide is the practical option because the sites are far apart. A guide also helps explain the Tang history and the symbolism of the stone statues.
