About Xi’an

Introduction

Called Chang’an in ancient  times, Xi’an served as the capital of 13 dynasties. Now it is known as one of  the four civilized ancient capitals with Athens, Cairo, and Rome.

Xi’an is located in the  Guan Zhong Basin in the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin in the  hinterland of China. Geographically, it is high in the southern region and low  in the northern. The Qinling Mountains, the dividing marker between North and  South China, lie to the south of the city with a ridge ranging from 2,000-3,200  meters above sea level. Xi’an experiences a monsoon 
climate in a warm temperature zone with  clearly defined four seasons, and moderate rainfall. The golden seasons for  traveling in Xi’an are the warm, blossomy spring from March to May and the cool  autumn from September to November.

As the capital city of  Shaanxi Province with a population of 7 million, Xi’an is a main industry base  of Northwest China, among whose most important industrial concerns are  machinery, electrical equipment, TV, aviation and light industry. There are more  than 500 scientific research institutions and about 100 colleges and  universities. At present, Xi’an has already become a modern international  metropolis with thriving economy, scenic environment, and civilized social  order.

Attractions in Xi'an

The continuous history of Xian has apparently resulted in  its magnificent culture. Today's Xian is a world famous tourist city and an  inexhaustible treasure house of cultural relics. Now heads of state from many  countries and people from all walks of life come to the city to broaden their  knowledge of Chinese civilization.

Foremost is the China's greatest archeological excavation,  the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Life size  terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations  symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang , the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty  (246-209B.C). The State Council authorized the building of a museum on the site  in 1975 for the protection of the discovery. So far, altogether over 7,000  pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed and  displayed in the museum. It is cited as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' and was  listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.

Spending some time at  the Huaqing Hot Springs on the way back from the Terra Cotta Army site  is a must for every visitor to Xian. For centuries emperors came here to bathe  and enjoy the scenic beauty, and it has been a favorite spa since the Tang  Dynasty (618-907 A.D). The palace complex has also been the scene of political  intrigue, so there is plenty of interest to discover during your  visit.

Covering an area of about  100,000 square meters, the Banpo Village Remains was a village settlement of the earliest  inhabitants of Xian, typical of the Neolithic Yangshao culture. At this site,  archaeologists have discovered nearly 10,000 production tools and daily utensils  of various kinds and the remains of 45 houses, 200 cellars, 6 pottery kilns, 174  adults' burial pits and 73 children's burial jars.

Every Ming city  (1368-1644) had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was sounded at dawn and  the drum at dusk. The two buildings at Xian are the best known in China.  The Bell Tower was built in the city center and from the top  can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Xian. Not far away to the west is  the Drum Tower , a large drum inside was for marking the  passage of time each night in ancient times. Now, they are outstanding examples  of the ancient architecture of Xian.

Housing more than 2,300  famous steles and inscribed memorial tablets of the Han, Wei, Sui, Tang, Yuan,  Ming, Qing dynasties and known as the largest 'stone-book warehouse’ in China,  the Forest of Stone Steles in Xian is a treasure house of calligraphic art.  It is situated on the street Sanxue Jie, near the south gate of the  Xian City Wall . The City Wall in Xian is the most complete  city wall to survive in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military  defensive systems in the world. It was built first in the early Ming Dynasty  (1368-1644) and renovated in recent years. Outside the city wall is a moat. A  circular park has now been built along the high wall and the deep  moat.

Xian is the capital city  of the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907). Many visitors come here in the hope of  experiencing the glorious Tang culture. "Back to Tang Dynasty" is what echoes in  their minds. Tang Paradise, opened in 2005, is the biggest  Tang culture theme park which is praised as "Garden of History", "Garden of  Nature" and "Garden of Human Culture". Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, by  presenting an outstanding performance of Tang’s dance and music, explains to  visitors the splendid culture and living style of that remote dynasty. These are  the two sites recommended to you to have a glance at Tang Dynasty.

If you are interested in  archaeology, you can visit the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi  (Hanyangling), the joint tomb of Liu Qi, a notable emperor in Western  Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD), and his empress, Empress Wang. Qian Mausoleum (Qian Ling), the joint  mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong and his empress Wu Zetian, the only woman ruler in  Chinese history. Also Western Zhou Chariot Burial Pit, a right place  to understand ancient Chinese burial system.

The natural scenery in and  around Xian is also worth mentioning. Mt. Huashan, one of the five sacred mountains  in China, is famous for precipitous crags, narrow and steep mountain paths. Taibai Mountain National Forest  Park is noted for picturesque mountainous scenery,  lively hot spring and profound cultural relics.

Xian has many  temples. Ba Xian An Monastery (Temple of the Eight  Immortals) is an important and popular spot celebrating  Taoism; Daxingshan Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in  China; Green Dragon Temple (Qinglong  Temple) is a notable Buddhist temple built in Tang  Dynasty (618-907)…

Moslem Street (Huimin Jie) is an old street paved with bluestone plate,  both sides of which stand a row of muslin restaurants decorated in Ming  (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties’ styles. This is the right place to  taste Xian snacks, and maybe you can have a chance to Visit A Local Family to experience locals’ life on the street.  Another street you’d better not miss is Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning)  Gate which is a cultural street also designed in  ancient architectural style. Strolling on this street, you can buy many articles  unique to China, such as the four treasures of study, calligraphic works and  paintings like Peasant Painting, Huxian County.

Additional attractions are  the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D), while  worshipers still frequent the Great Mosque and the famous Famen Temple noted for its collection of Sakyamuni's  relics. Xian Museum is the treasure house of 130,000 precious  cultural relics belonging to several dynasties. These together with the  magnificent Shaanxi History Museum are all highly recommended attractions to be  visited when you come to Xian. Qinling Zoological Park provides visitors with a fresh and free  environment to watch animals. Moreover, a unique type of dwelling Farmers' Caves, exists mainly in northern part  of Shaanxi Province, is also worth visiting.