What's the difference between the two sites?

Qian Mausoleum is an imperial necropolis showcasing Tang Dynasty burial customs and art through murals and monumental architecture. Famen Temple is a Buddhist pilgrimage site with reliquaries, religious art, and artifacts spanning 1,400+ years of worship history.

Can I actually see Buddha's finger bone?

Yes—Famen Temple's main relic is an authenticated finger bone of Sakyamuni Buddha, housed in the Relic Pagoda. It's displayed in the Treasure Hall with other precious jade and Buddhist relics discovered during 1987 excavations.

Are the tomb paintings at Princess Yongtai's tomb well-preserved?

Yes. Forty murals depicting daily Tang court life—including hunting scenes, ceremonies, and attendants—remain vibrant and detailed due to underground preservation. The site allows close viewing of these exceptional examples of 7th-century royal art.

How much walking is involved?

Expect 2–3 hours of walking across both sites combined. Terrain varies from paved paths at the Sacred Road to gravel areas and some stairs. Most routes are accessible, but comfortable shoes are essential.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, though children aged 5+ will get more from the historical context. The sites are outdoor-heavy and require sustained walking; younger children may find the 11-hour duration tiring. Interactive elements like viewing murals and large sculptures generally hold their interest.

What's included in the price and what isn't?

The private tour includes hotel pickup, guide, transportation between sites, and entrance fees. Meals, personal purchases, and tips are not included. Confirm meal breaks and dining options with your supplier in advance.

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Private Day Tour to Famen Temple and Qian Mausoleum from Xian

(3)

Xi'an, China

Cultural ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsLuxuryBus & Minivan Tours

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About this activity

Explore two of China's most significant Buddhist and imperial sites on this 11-hour private day trip from Xi'an. Visit Qian Mausoleum, the grand resting place of Tang Dynasty Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian, then travel to Famen Temple, home to authenticated relics of Buddha himself and a repository of Tang Dynasty treasures.

At 7:30 am, your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby in Xian, then you will take 1.5-hour ride to Qian Mausoleum.

Qianlin Mausoleum was built for a couple, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wuzetian in Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). But they were buried into 2 separate tombs respectively, and there is Sacred Road in between these two tombs with sculptures standing on both sides of the road.

Your guide will take you to visit the Sacred Road, the famous stele, and view the big tombs. Afterwards you will visit the Tomb of Princess Yongtai who was buried nearby. In this tomb, there are well-preserved 40 pieces of tomb paintings about the daily life of the royal family including the hunting, fighting, ritual, maids etc. From these tomb paintings, you will know the high standard of art during Tang Dynasty.

Afterwards you will continue driving 1.5 hours to Famen Temple. The history of Famen Temple can be traced back to Northern Zhou Dynasty(6th Century AD), but it was named Famen in 618AD in Tang Dynasty. In1987, four relics were found under the Relic Pagoda. Two of these were made of white jade. The third relic was from a famous monk. These three are called duplicate relics. The true relic, a finger bone of the Sakyamuni Buddha, is yellow-colored, with bone-like secretory granules. Thereafter, Famen Temple became a Buddhist place of pilgrimage. You will visit Treasure Hall, Grand Hall, Relic Pagoda and Namaste Dagoba, the Dagoba was designed to not only be a place of worship but to house the relics unearthed from the Famen pagoda. However, the True Relic will only be exhibited on 1st, 15th of each month for Chinese calendar, Saturday, Sunday and Chinese holidays.

Afterwards you will take 2.5-hour ride back to your hotel in Xian where the trip concludes.

Highlights

✓Walk the Sacred Road at Qian Mausoleum lined with guardian sculptures between two imperial tombs
✓See Princess Yongtai's tomb featuring 40 well-preserved Tang Dynasty murals depicting court life, hunting, and rituals
✓Witness the famous inscribed stele and massive burial mounds of one of China's most powerful couples
✓Visit Famen Temple's Treasure Hall and Relic Pagoda housing Buddha's finger bone and precious jade relics
✓Explore the newly rebuilt Namaste Dagoba, designed as a pilgrimage shrine and reliquary

Insider tips

★Arrive early at Qian Mausoleum to avoid midday heat and crowds; the Sacred Road is most atmospheric in morning light
★Princess Yongtai's tomb interior can be dimly lit—bring a small flashlight or use your phone to better view the intricate murals
★Famen Temple draws pilgrims on Buddhist holidays; weekday visits offer a more contemplative experience

Good to know

•Hotel pickup at 7:30 am; confirm your hotel address and lobby location with supplier the day before
•Comfortable walking shoes essential—you'll cover uneven terrain across two large archaeological sites
•Bring sunscreen, hat, and water; sites have limited shade despite 11-hour duration
•Some areas of both sites involve climbing stairs or walking on gravel; not ideal for mobility restrictions

Who it's for

History enthusiasts interested in Tang Dynasty imperial culture and Buddhist heritageArt lovers wanting to see authentic ancient murals and sculptural traditionsCultural travelers seeking deeper context than typical group tours providePhotography-focused visitors documenting archaeological sites and religious architecture

Best time to visit

Visit October to April when temperatures are mild and skies clear. Avoid midday heat by maximizing early morning hours at Qian Mausoleum; afternoons are better suited to the indoor halls at Famen Temple.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Ruth S.

Jun 2026

our guide Yuki sorted everything for us and the view from the old fort ramparts was the highlight, and mid-week so it was quiet.

Nick B.

Apr 2026

the carvings on the main temple wall unreal ... honestly better than the tour we did in Seville last year, tbh

Lucy B.

Feb 2026

our guide Giulia really knew their stuff and the frescoes inside the chapel was the highlight, and handy if youre short on time, and 2 solid hours of history.

from€413.23€411.59/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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