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See You in Xi'an!
Xi’an, Weinan
Xi’an (pronounced “shee-ahn”) is a historic city that served as the political and cultural center to early dynasties. Its crowning jewels stand in plain sight. Bell towers, city walls, and religious structures are as glorious as the days they were first built. Take your cameras, bring a hunger for history, and marvel at the city that has kept its past alive in so many ways. We’re taking you through Xi’an’s ultimate tourist spots!
More than 8,000 Terracotta Warriors guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was the first Emperor of the unified China states. The clay troops were meant to be his army in the afterlife. Each soldier was crafted with a unique face, said to be modelled after Emperor Qin’s real-life forces. Have the full experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and book a tour; you may even request to meet the farmers that first discovered the Terracotta Warriors while digging for water in 1974!
- +86 29 8139 9001
Lintong, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市临潼区- http://www.bmy.com.cn/2015new/index.htm
Located within the Daci’en Temple, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda once held sacred sutras (manuscripts), statuettes of Buddha, and other relics. The priceless collection is all thanks to Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk who made a 17-year pilgrimage to India. His insights on the faith and the cultures along the Silk Road are still studied to this day. Xuanzang’s statue welcomes guests approaching the Pagoda. Ascend the seven-tiered tower for a bird’s eye view of the Xi’an skyline where ancient architecture and modern high-rises meet. There’s an extra fee to enter the temple complex, then another to enter the Pagoda.
Yanta West Road, Xiao Zhai Shang Ye Jie, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市雁塔区小寨商业街雁塔西路 邮政编码: 710007
The olden Xi’an City Wall is one of the most atmospheric spots to enjoy the metropolis. Locals gather around the base, leisurely playing Mahjong, jamming to local instruments, or doing their morning exercises. Rent a bike from the Southern Water Tower and zoom along the perimeter! Watch as Xi’an’s modern cityscape races past on one side with ancient arched rooftops on the other. The Wall has been around since the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It safeguarded Xi’an while it played three crucial roles: the starting point to the Silk Road, the imperial city, and an early capital of China.
Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
西安市莲湖区 邮政编码: 710014
In the midst of modern buildings, the Bell Tower rises at the heart of Xi’an. Its roundabout routes cars to the North, East, South, and West Roads until the City Wall gates. Legend has it, the belfry was used to restrain a river dragon! In reality, its early days were spent tolling the large bronze bells to tell time. Jingyun Bell, on display on the balcony, is the largest of them all and weighs 6.5 tonnes! Climb up to the terrace, admire its design up-close, and watch the city in-motion around you.
North Street, East Street, South Street, and West Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
西安市碑林区北院门小吃一条街 邮政编码: 710001
Due to Xi’an’s role as a gateway to the Silk Road, Islamic influences from the West gradually entered the city. Merchants and students settled into the area, forming its Muslim Quarter within the City Wall. The streets north of the Great Mosque of Xi’an overflow with people combing through colorful shops and food stalls. The best way to explore is through your tastebuds! Hunt down Xi’an’s must-eats: rou jia mo (肉夹馍, Chinese-style burger), majiang liangpi (麻酱拉皮/凉皮, spice jelly noodles), and yangrou paomo (羊肉泡馍, flatbread in mutton soup)!
Xida Avenue, Beiyuan Gate, Hongbu Road, and Zaoci Street, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
The Great Mosque of Xi’an (also known as Huajue Mosque) is a dazzling mix of Islamic and far-eastern Architecture. The prayer hall is off-limits to non-Muslim visitors, but the five courtyards invite admiration from locals and tourists. Take your time to wander through the picture-perfect pavilions and manicured gardens. At first glance, the place of worship looks like a traditional Chinese temple. However, devout Muslims will know that the mosque dutifully faces Mecca. A closer look also reveals little touches like Arabic calligraphy carved into wood and stone!
Beiyuanmen Snacks Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市莲湖区北院门小吃一条街 邮政编码: 710001
See the remains of Shaanxi’s (pronounced “shan-shi”) earliest resident, the Lantian Man, at Shaanxi History Museum! The prehistoric man was discovered in Lantian County, about 50 kilometers southeast of Xi’an, cementing Shaanxi as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization! Here, the treasure trove of artifacts complement the city’s many historical attractions outdoors. There are a bevy of ceramics, metal ornaments, and fossils displayed in various exhibits. Admission is free, but you must present your ID or passport. Come early, as they only admit 4,000 people per day.
- +86 29 8525 3806
91 Xiaozhai East Road, Xiao Zhai Shang Ye Jie, Yanta District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市雁塔区小寨商业街小寨东路91号 邮政编码: 710061- http://www.sxhm.com/
Thousands of steles (stone pillars) comprise the Beilin Museum (a.k.a. the Forest of Stone Steles Museum). The steles serve to immortalize ancient wisdom, literature, and historical records. The Five Classics of Confucius, found in the museum’s collection, encompasses all three! Stroll through an enchanting sculpture garden where animal guardians from the Tang Dynasty watch over the temple. On top of it all, elegant paintings and calligraphy accompany the stoneworks all throughout the galleries.
15 Sanxue Street, Zhong Lou Shang Quan, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市碑林区钟楼商圈三学街15号
Learn the art of calligraphy from long ago at Tangbo Art Museum! Guided visits start with a tour of the premises for inspiration. Large parchments, graced with beautiful paintings and skillful scripts, hang all over the halls. Afterwards, it’s time to put ink to paper! Expert teachers will reveal the secrets to the perfect stroke and the rest is up to you. Inquire ahead and book your slot before making your visit. Tea ceremonies and paper-cutting lessons are also offered, in case you’d like to explore a different artform!
- +86 29 8552 2418
26 Gong Yuan South Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- http://en.xianartmuseum.com/index.php
At the foot of Mount Li, Huaqing Pool provides a change of scenery for those visiting Xi’an! Verdant trees and rolling peaks replace the urban metropolis. Find serenity in the tranquil gardens, hot springs, and breathtaking flora fit for kings. In fact, the stunning estate was a site for several long-lost palaces that welcomed weary Emperors seeking a little peace of mind.
- +86298381200
38 Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
陕西省西安市临潼区华清路38号- http://www.hqc.cn/
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