Visit Xian to see the Unesco World Heritage listed Terracotta Warriors.Xian was the capital of ancient China. It was thought to be the largest city in the world during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).The famous Silk Road from China to the rest of Asia started here. There are many things you can see apart from the wonderful Terracotta Warriors. You can walk (or ride a bike) on the chinese wall around the city, wander through the Muslim quarters, climb the pagodas, bang the big drums and visit museums. This ancient capital is in Shaanxi Province next to Sichuan. It is about an hour by plane from Chengdu or Chongqing. XianThe city itself is interesting because the old four walls designed to protect the city are still there.It is not like other Chinese cities where a fragment of an old wall stands - here the wall is still there and fully functional. Remember to go up on the wall (fee about 40 RMB). Walk around it or hire a bike and cycle on it. It is about 14 kms around. This ancient city was the capital of ancient China. The first Emporer Qin (221 BC - 206 BC) ruled a unified China from here. His tomb is nearby and he built an army of warriors from terracotta clay to guard him after his death. Terracotta WarriorsThey are the reason most people come to Xian, and are well worth visiting.Much has been written about them so I will not dwell on them - just a picture and a few tips. You should hire a guide to show you around inside the museum complex which is very large. The guides (who speak English) provide very useful information. You will get a lot more out of it. In 2007, the guides cost between 50 RMB and 100 RMB. It is a long walk from the car park to the museum entrance. There are lots of hawkers and shops along the way. Tourist guides will offer their services in the car park but they are also available at the entrance. You may strike a better bargain if you are patient. There are lots of shops selling Terracotta Warrior replicas stretching for quite a distance before the actual museum. Don't feel compelled to buy from these shops. Inside the museum is the official shop that sells "authentic" replicas of all sizes. All sizes can be purchased. Life size statues can even be shipped to your home address. Bell Tower and Drum TowerThese two buildings are worth a look.They are right in the centre of Xian so you cannot miss them. One building has a lot of big bells in it, the other a lot of big drums. The Bell Tower was built in the late 14th century. Invaders could be seen from the Tower - so the bells were rung and the gates to the city were closed. Right next to the Bell Tower is the smaller Drum Tower. This was also built in the 14th century. Muslim QuartersThis small area is a gem. It is right next to the Drum Tower. It is an area where Chinese Muslims live. This Muslim Mosque looks very Chinese in its architecture. It is the place of worship for Chinese Muslims.It was built during the Tang Dynasty over 1200 years ago and has been renovated several times. Xian is at the beginning of the ancient famous Silk Road trade route. Muslim traders from the west introduced the Muslim religion and some settled in Xian. Their descendants are today's Chinese muslims. This Chinese mosque is open to the public except in the prayer hall although you can look through the open door. There is a bazaar (market place), a mosque which you can visit and a labyrinth of small alley ways of shops, restaurants and houses.  The day time is for shopping.There are lots of small shops and stalls selling anything and everything - clothes, jewellry, handbags, knick knacks and so on. The place comes alive at night with many restaurants and food stalls open for a cullinary treat. So I recommend at least two visits there - one during the day and one at night. It certainly is a very colourful area with the many restaurants, shops and people milling around. Little Goose and Big Goose PagodaThere are many pagodas in China but these two are worth seeing. These date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. They have suffered from earthquakes during the years and been rebuilt and added to. I climbed up to the top of the Little Goose Pagoda. It was a good climb! You will enjoy this if you like a bit of physical exercise and climbing narrow stairs through tiny archways. You will be rewarded at the top with a magnificent view of Xian. I recommend you spend at least three days in Xian. One day will be used for the Terracotta Soldiers. The Terracotta Soldiers are
World Heritage listed by Unesco. If you are REALLY interested in Ancient Chinese history, you could easily spend a week or more exploring museums, temples and tombs. After all, this area was the capital of Ancient China. Getting ThereThe easiest way is flying.The airport is a modern airport about one hour by car from the city. The country side from the airport to the city is flat and uninteresting, though probably there are lots of relics under the surface! Don't worry - that changes once you get inside the 4 walls of Xian. I recommend you organize a hotel pickup at the airport. It is a long way from the main city. You can also get to Xian by train or bus from Chengdu and Chongqing. Return to the Xian top of page.
Return to Chinese holidays.
Return to the Sichuan home page.
|
The wall that surrounds Xian was first built some time during the Tang Dynasty - so it is over 1300 years old. Major refurbishments have been made over time to make it what it is today.
The Terracotta Warriors are about 30 minutes drive from the center of the town. Public transport is possible but unless you speak and read Chinese or have a Chinese friend to take you it will be difficult.
The drums were used as kind of a time measurement. There were 24 different drums which were beat at different times of the year - eg early autumn. It was like a weather forecast for the farmers.
The picture typifies much of Xian and China - an ancient building against the back drop of modern China.