Huangdi Mausoleum (黄帝陵), memorial mausoleum of legendary Huangdi, is the most important ancient grave site in China. After many years' development and construction, the mausoleum became not only a mausoleum, but a key point of interest for historical Chinese culture. The main sights in this scenic spot are Huangdi Mausoleum and Xuanyuan Temple. Before visiting this location, one should know about Huangdi in detail.

Huangdi, the initiator of Chinese civilization, was a great tribal leader in the final primitive society of ancient China. His family name was Gongsun. Because he grew up at Xuanyuan hill (in Xinzheng County of Henan Province), he was called Xuanyuan (轩辕). He worshipped the virtue of the yellow earth (the source of foods and clothes); hence people call him Huangdi (黄帝). It is said that 5000 years ago, Huangdi cooperated with Yandi (炎帝) to defeat the Chiyou (蚩尤) tribe, then unified the other tribes and established the Hua Xia  (华夏) nationality (the former name of the Chinese Nation). Huangdi was able to make weapons, vessels and vehicles, and to raise silkworms. He and his contemporaries created the characters, instruments, medicines and counting systems etc, which ended the savage and wild period. Huangdi is remembered in history for punishing evils and for the first unification of the Chinese Nation. It is said that Huangdi lived for 118 years. Once during his tour in Henan Province, a yellow dragon fell down from the heaven after a thunderbolt. The dragon said to Huangdi: 'Your task is finished. You should follow me to heaven.' Huangdi knew he could not disobey destiny so he rode on the dragon. As they flew over Mt. Qiao (桥山), Huangdi asked to be allowed to go down to comfort his country. People cried out and came here; they pulled on Huangdi's clothes to try to keep him on earth, but it was in vain. He only left his clothes. Afterwards, people buried Huangdi's clothes here and established the mausoleum. Some writings claim Huangdi himself was buried here.

Huangdi Mausoleum is the tomb of Huangdi, hidden inside the dense evergreen cypresses on Mt. Qiao (Bridge). 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. Huangdi Mausoleum is called the First Mausoleum of China and is located in the center of the top of Mt. Qiao, 1 kilometer (about 0.6 miles) north of Huangling County, Yan'an City. Covering an area of 4 square kilometers (about 1.5 square miles), Huangdi Mausoleum 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 (4.4 yards) mound, around which is a 1-meter-high (about 1.1 yards) brick-wall. In Chinese history, manyemperors held memorial ceremonies to Huangdi. About 40 meters (about 43.7 yards) 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 inthe tomb area.Its fanciful architecture stands 5 stories and 20 meters (about 21.9 yards)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 (great seal), 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 Qiao from the top of Mt Yintai.

Xuanyuan Temple (轩辕庙) is also named Huangdi Temple, established in the Ming Dynasty (1368 --- 1644). The main structures inside the temple are Temple Gate, Chengxin Kiosk, Stele Pavilion and 'Renwen Chuzu' (Huangdi, the initiator of Chinese civilization) Hall. Inside the grand 'Renwen Chuzu' Hall, Huangdi's seat of spirit tablet (an exquisite piece of wood with his name on it) is worshipped. People can do obeisance or hold ceremonies in front of it. Among 14 cypresses in the courtyard, the must-see ones are two: the cypress planted by Huangdi and the Jiangjun (general) cypress. It is said that Huangdi planted the cypress thousands of years ago to encourage planting of trees and forestation.

Now the huge green umbrella is 19 meters high (about 20.8 yards) and is the oldest cypress in the world. There is another legend about the Jiangjun cypress that says Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty ever hung his visor on the pine, so people call it Jiangjun cypress. It is also a rare type of cypress. Situated in the west portion of Xuanyuan Temple is the Gongde (merits and virtues) Altar, the theme of which is the outstanding achievements of Huangdi. Gongde Altar is a round platform with three concentric cylindrical walls on which embossed characters describe Huangdi and his country's contribution to human progress. The altar is surrounded by 33 stone steles (representing 33 provinces of China) called China Tongxin (meaning 'with one heart') Stone Steles, symbolizing the solidarity of the Chinese Nation.

Huangdi made great contributions to Chinese civilization and the role of China among the four ancient civilized countries in the world. Today, Huangdi Mausoleum, the center of magnificent cultural activity in China, is the symbol of Chinese civilization and the 'root' of the Chinese Nation. For thousands of years, every Tomb- Sweeping Day swarms of people have come here to hold a memorial ceremony to Huangdi.

Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Admission Fee: CNY 90 (Mar.1 to Nov. 30)
                       CNY 50 (Dec.1 to Feb.28/29)
Recommended Time for a visit: Half a day
Phone:  0911-5212742，5214375  
Web site: http://www.hdlinfo.com/index/
Address:  Bridge Mountain, Huangling County, Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province. Transportation: Coach from the Bus Station in south Xian Railway Station directly to
                         Huangdi Mausoleum