Tang Tombx

The Qianling Tomb dates from the heyday of the Tang dynasty and contains the mortal remains of the third Tang Emperor Gaozong (reigned 649-683) and of his Empress Wu Zetian. The seventeen further tombs are those of relatives and high dignitaries, including Prince Zhanghuai and Princess Yongtai. The road to the tombs is lined with statues of men and animals.

The tomb of Prince Zhanghuai (Tang Zhanghuai Taizi Mu), the second son of Emperor Gaozong, lies 3km/2mi southeast of the Qianling Tomb. It contains wall-paintings which give an insight into court life, such as that showing a game of polo. This tomb had been robbed and the archaeologists found only a few burial objects.

Close to the Zhanghuai Tomb lies the Tomb of Princess Yongtai (Yongtai Gongzhu Mu), the granddaughter of Emperor Gaozong. It is 87m/285ft long and is also decorated with wall-paintings. Burial objects found here included gold and silver jewelry and china; these are now on display in the Qianlin Museum.

To the northeast of the town of Liquan lies the Zhaoling Tomb, built in the years 636 to 649 for Emperor Taizong and covering an area of 10,000ha/25,000acres. The burial site includes 167 tombs of relatives, high officials and generals.

The finds made here - colored clay figures, paintings and stone engravings - are in the Zhaoling Museum (9km/5.6mi to the southeast).