Museum Updates
War heroes carved in stone: The Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
China Bound
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The legendary Six Steeds of Zhao Mausoleum are six monumental stone reliefs standing inside the mausoleum of Emperor Taizong of Tang (r. 626-649) in Liquan county, Shaanxi province. These powerful horses once carried Emperor Taizong through fierce battles that helped found the Tang Dynasty (618-907), symbolizing the emperor's extraordinary military achievements.
Some horses stand alert and resolute; others strain forward with dynamic energy. Their muscles and expressions are masterfully captured in stone. Today, four of the steeds are preserved at the Xi'an Beilin Museum, while two were stolen and are now housed overseas.
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