Tang Dynasty tombs inherited and even developed the tradition of Han Dynasty tombs, with doors on four sides, forming a magnificent picture of the superficial characteristics of an imperial residence. Square walls were built around the mausoleum hills, called the inner city. In the middle of the four sides are doors, with an arched gateway. In the four corners are watchtowers. Within the Zhuque (rose finch) Gate, which is the south gate, is a worship hall where grand worship ceremonies were held. Outside the Zhuque Gate is a 3-4 km-long path leading to the tombs, At the southernmost end is a pair of earthen watchtowers, behind which is a door, from which one goes northward to reach the second pair of earthen water towers and the second door, several hundred meters from the Zhuque Door. From there, one goes further to the third pair of earthen water towers in front of the Zhuque Door. In the vast area between the first and second layer of doors are scattered numerous Subordinated tombs. The greatest number of these, 167, are in theZhaoling Mausoleumof Emperor Taizong.

Zhaoling Mausoleum and Zhenling Mausoleum of Emperor Xuanzong have a circumference of 60 km. The scope of the entire mausoleum area is very great, Surpassing the walled city of Chang'an. Second comes theQianling Mausoleum, with a circumference of 40 km, equivalent to Chang'an. And then come various tombs with circumferences ranging from 10-30 km. Among the various tombs, the Qianling Mausoleum is best preserved. The stone carvings of Tang dynasty tombs is splendid. Arranged on both sides of the path leading to the tombs are stone carvings, Such as stone pillars, winged horses, ostriches, stone horses and persons leading horses, as well as stone figures. In addition, in the Qianling Mausoleum between the stone figures and the third watchtower, there are a characterless tablet and a recorded tablet narrating the history of a sage.

Between the third water tower and the stone lion in front of the north Zhuque Gate on the left and right sides, there are a total of 61 statues of guests of the king. The east, west and north gates in the inner city are like the south gate, with a pair ofstone lionsand a pair of earthen watch towers. outside the earthen watchtowers at the north gate are added three pairs of horses, called "sixdragons", indicating they are the inner stables of the imperial palace. pine, cypress, Chinese scholar tree and poplar are widely planted in side the mausoleum district, setting off the stone carving which, undoubtedly has enriched the content of the mausoleum district and expanded the control space of the mausoleum district, contrasting the height and grandeur of the mausoleum hill, and playing a great role in playing up the atmosphere of dignity and nobility.

It can be seen that this mausoleum system is identical with the planning idea of the city of Chang'an. The entire mausoleum area is equivalent to the walled city; the Subordinated tombs are in the suburbs' the area stretching northward from the second door is equivalent to the imperial city; the stone figures and stone lions symbolize the guards of honor posted when the emperor goes out; the "inner city" inside the Zhuque gate is equivalent to the palatial city. The design of the mausoleum, like the design of the capital city, is permeated with strict ritual system logic, both designed to give prominence to the dignity of imperial power.