Qianling Stele without Inscription
Mentioning the Stele without Inscription, it is world-renowned. The entire stele is made from a single massive stone, standing 7.53 meters tall. It is not only grand but also has a sense of seamless beauty. Originally, the stele had no inscriptions. In the middle of the stele, there is a carved dragon, with four dragons on each side, totaling nine dragons, hence it is also called the 'Nine-Dragon Stele'.
'Opposite to the Wordless Stele', it was personally written by Wu Zetian and is a merit stele praising Emperor Gaozong of Tang. Long before Qianling, emperors' tombs did not have steles, nor were there epitaphs inside the tombs. Qianling broke this tradition, thus holding significant historical importance.
The most striking feature is undoubtedly the Statues of Sixty-One Foreign Envoys. Outside the Zhuque Gate of Qianling Mausoleum, on both the east and west sides, there are two groups of headless stone figures, each dressed differently. Some wear robes with waistbands, some have turned-down collars with tight sleeves, and some have loose hair with left-lapelled garments. However, all stand with their feet together and hands clasped in front, neatly and respectfully arranged in front of the mausoleum, creating a very mysterious atmosphere.
Shuangru Peak
Many people call this place 'Sleeping Beauty' because the two peaks resemble a woman's 'double breasts'. This resemblance is especially pronounced after the addition of two structures at the peak tops. The name 'Shuangru Peak' thus came into being. It is said that the purpose of the structures is twofold: one is to guard the main palace beneath the main peak of the mausoleum; the other is to highlight the landform features, adding to the charm and mystery of the 'female guardian of the palace'.
Yide Crown Prince's Tomb
Yide Crown Prince Li Chongrun was buried in Qianling Mausoleum. He was the eldest son of Emperor Zhongzong Li Xian (Zhe) and the eldest grandson of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian. He was killed by Empress Wu Zetian at the age of 19. After Li Xian was restored to the throne, he posthumously honored him as 'Yide Crown Prince'. In the second year of Shenlong (AD 22), his coffin was moved from Luoyang to Qianling Mausoleum for burial, and he was specially honored with the title of 'Mausoleum'.
Princess Yongtai was the seventh daughter of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, and the granddaughter of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, and Empress Wu Zetian. Her name was Xianhui. Over 1,000 precious cultural relics have been unearthed here, including murals, pottery figurines, wooden figurines, tri-colored glazed figurines, gold and silver jade artifacts, and bronze artifacts. The murals are particularly breathtaking.
