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Xi'an
If Beijing represents China today and Shanghai tomorrow, then surely Xi'an represents China's past. Once the Eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road, Xi'an has welcomed foreign visitors for thousands of years. Today, Xi'an's key attraction is the Terracotta Army, one of the man-made wonders of the world. If your journey takes you to Xi'an solely to view the Terracotta Warriors it will be a worthwhile journey, yet there are many other attractions to see. Xi'an is home to a large Muslim community and the Muslim snack street will have you thinking that you have left China for the Middle East. Take a trip around the City's ancient city walls and be sure to feast your stomach at a Dumpling Banquet and your eyes at the Tang Dynasty show.
What you must see!
What you must do!
Xi'an Xian yang International Airport is located 50 kilometres North West of the city of Xi'an. Travel time is typically between 45 – 60 minutes to a central city hotel. Xi'an has a number of Rail stations. The main station is located centrally in the city. China Holidays can offer the services of a professional guide, a registered driver and a private air-conditioned vehicle to transport you to your accommodation.
The archaeological discovery of the late 20th century, the Army of the Terracotta Warriors provides one of China's top historical sights, having been well preserved for 2000 years in an underground vault of earth and timber. Sculpted by 750,000 people over a period of 38 years, the life size terracotta soldiers and their horses stand in battle formation to protect the Emperor in the afterlife. Amazingly, every figure differs in facial features and expressions.
The Banpo Neolithic Village appears to have been occupied from around BC4500 until around BC3750 and was discovered in 1953. A large hall covers the residential area of the original village. The ruins include residential dwellings, pottery manufacturing, burial locations and storage cellars. Museum displays of artifacts are on site.
Built nearly 700 years ago to fortify the city during the height of the Silk Road era, the walls and moat still surround the city of Xi'an today. 16 kilometres long, 12 metres high and 18 metres wide, the wall provides the perfect opportunity to view Xi'an, without the hassle of the traffic below.
Dating from the 14th century, the Bell Tower was rung each morning to signify the start of the working day and conversely the Drum Tower was used to mark nightfall. The Bell Tower is considered to be the centre of the city and consequently there are a variety of hotels, shops and restaurants in the vicinity.
Located west of the Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter has been home to the city's Hui community (Chinese Muslims) for over 1300 years. The bustling streets accommodate a wide variety of shops, markets and family owned factories. The Great Mosque built here was designed in the true Chinese architectural style with most of the grounds taken up by gardens.
Completed in the 7th century, this famous pagoda was built to house the Buddhist sutras bought by a Xi'an monk on his travels through India. Surrounded by gardens, the pagoda is one of the finest examples of the Buddhist variety. Climb to the top of the pagoda and experience lovely views of the surrounding area.
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