Qianling Mausoleum, Imperial mausoleum in Qian County, China

The Qianling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian on Mount Liang, built into the mountain rather than raised as a mound. Its inner wall enclosed a trapezoidal area of about 240,000 square metres, with gatehouses on each side. A 61-metre tunnel cut into the northern peak leads to the underground chambers, while the southern Nipple Hills form the entrance.

The burial site was established for Emperor Gaozong and later expanded to house Empress Wu Zetian, who ruled China as the first woman to do so. The construction spanned decades and reflects the political power and artistic maturity of the Tang period.

The spirit way is lined with stone horses, winged horses, ostriches, lions, officials and 61 headless statues of foreign diplomats who attended Emperor Gaozong's funeral in 683. The ostrich carvings recall birds sent as tribute by the Western Turks in 620 and the Tushara Kingdom in 650.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the ascent follows uneven steps and long pathways. The tour takes several hours, so an early start helps avoid midday heat.

The spirit way holds 61 headless stone statues of foreign diplomats and tribal chiefs from the 680s, inscribed on the back with their countries and names; 36 identities had been confirmed by 2003. A 1556 earthquake toppled the heads of all but one.