Known as the most important ancient grave in China, the Huangdi Mausoleum has long been attractive to many tourists. At the foot of the mountain was the Xuanyuan Temple (Xuan Yuan was another name for Huangdi).

According to historical record, the temple was first built at the western foot of the mountain during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Later in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), it was restored and over 1,000 cypress trees were then planted in the temple.

In the Song Dynasty (960-1279), however, the temple was badly damaged by flooding. Emperor Taizu ordered the moving of the temple to the eastern foot of the mountain where it now stands. In the following dynasties, the temple was restored many times.

The cultural relics were neglected during the "cultural revolution,", which made it survive those turbulent years.

At the gate of the temple, there is a huge cypress. It might take seven or eight people to encircle the tree with out-stretched arms. No wonder, many researchers regard it as the "father of world cypresses." Legend has it that the tree was planted by Huangdi himself, which would make it over 4,000 years old.

Above the door of the magnificent main hall is a large horizontal tablet with a four-character inscription: renwenchuzu - founder of human civilization. The hall itself is full of cobwebs and up on the wall is a relief sculpture of Huangdi, who looks more like an ordinary farmer than a legendary figure.

Huangdi's tomb is located on the top of the Qiaoshan Mountain.

On the path to the tomb lies a stone tablet,from where, one should notice that, anyone - no matter officials or common people - should go on foot to pay their respect to Huangdi.

The mausoleum looks like a huge hump overgrown with weeds. In front of the mausoleum is an ancient pavilion where the memorial ceremony used to be held. Obviously, the pavilion is in need of renovation, except for the well-preserved tablet of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).The tablet is inscribed with four characters "qiaoshanlongyu" meaning "Riding a dragon over the Qiaoshan Mountain."

Opening hours: 7:30-18:30