1. Home
2. China Provinces Guide > Shaanxi > Shaanxi Attractions >

Huangdi Mausoleum, also called the First Mausoleum of China, is the tomb of Huangdi, hidden inside the dense evergreen cypresses on Qiaoshan Mounatin, 1 kilometer north of Huangling County, Shaanxi Province's Yan'an City. Mt. Qiao won the name because it looks like a bridge. More than 8000 cypresses on Mt. Qiao, most alive for thousands of years, form the largest old cypress forest in China. 

What to see?
Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, is a sovereign and cultural hero in Chinese mythology, is believed to have reigned from 2,697 BC to 2,598 BC. Although he was an actual ruler, his deeds have been embellished with time: for example, he has been credited with introducing the systems of government and law to human kind, civilizing the Earth, teaching people many skills and inventing all manner of items. China has commemorated the Yellow Emperor since the Spring and Autumn Period around 8 BC.

Covering an area of 4 square kilometers, it is surrounded by a verdant forest and clear water. When you reach the top of Mt. Qiao, a stone stele will first catch your eye. In front of the mausoleum is a pavilion, where stands another tall stone stele displaying the characters of 'Huangdiling'. Then you see the tomb of Huangdi. It is a 4-meter-high mound, around which is a 1-meter-high brick-wall.

In history, many emperors held memorial ceremonies to Huangdi. About 40 meters ahead of the tomb is a platform called 'Hanwu Xiantai', where Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24) held ceremonies honoring Huangdi. Longyu Pavilion is a remarkable structure in the tomb area. Its fanciful architecture stands 5 stories and 20 meters  high, and tourists may walk up steps to overlook Mt. Qiao and Huangling County. Since Longyu Pavilion is the highest point in the tomb area, it is also used for spotting fires. 

When you climb up Longyu Pavilion, you may clearly see Mt. Yintai, located to the south of Mt. Qiao. The shape of the mountain reminds one of a big Yintai , so people call it Mt. Yintai. Interesting sights on the east and west hillsides are abundant: the mazes, forests and clear waters here feel secret, deep and remote. Another interesting view is that of Mt.Yintai.

Travel Tips
Add: Huangling County,Yanan City,Shaanxi Province
Admission Fee: CNY 91 (Mar. 1 to Nov. 30); CNY 51 (Dec. 1 to end of Feb.)Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Recommended time for a visit: half a day