2/11/2013

Essential Xi’an

Xi'an is one of the oldest cities in the world with a vivid and rich history and culture. It is not only the birthplace of the Chinese Nation, but also the birthplace of human civilization in Asia and the cultural center of prehistoric civilization. As such, Xi'an has a wealth of historical sites and relics to visit and see . The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horse of Xi"an, is the greatest archeological found of this century. The other landmark like Big Wild Goose Pagoda mirrors China"s long history.Around Xi'an,the Famen Temple  enjoys the reputation of  being the 'forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,' because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni -- the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xi'an is  also marvelous. Mt.Huashan ,one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.
 Below are our suggested day by day itineraries for your reference based on your travel time in Xian:
1.If you have only half day free in Xi'an,we suggest:
Half day: Shaanxi Provincial   History Museum, Drum Tower 
2. If you have only one day free in Xi'an, we suggest:
Day--1: Visit the Terra-cotta Warriors and Xi'an  Ancient City Wall
3. If you have two days free in Xi'an, we suggest:
Day--1: highlight city tour of Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Xi'an Ancient City Wall, The Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day--2:  the Terra-cotta Warriors and Banpo Museum ( 30km away from Xian City)
4. If you have 3 days free in Xi'an, we suggest: 
Day--1: highlight city tour of Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Xi'an Ancient City Wall, The Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day--2: east excursion to the Terra-cotta Warriors and Banpo Museum ( 30km away from Xian City)
Day--3: west excursion to Famen Monastery. and Qianling Tomb ( 85km away from Xian City ) 
5. If you have 4 days free in Xi'an, we suggest: 
Day--: highlight city tour of Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Xi'an Ancient City Wall, The Bell Tower and  Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day--2: east excursion to the Terra-cotta Warriors and Banpo Museum ( 30km away from Xian City)
Day--3: west excursion to Famen Monastery  and Qianling Tomb ( 85km away from Xian City ) 
Day--4: east excursion to Mt. Huashan ( 120km away from Xian City )
  If all the Xi'an private day tours on this page are not what you are expecting, please contact us to plan a tailor-made Xi'an day tour.
 Terra Cotta Army Museum
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and was the legendary starting point for the famous Silk Road. It served as the provincial capital for 13 dynasties, spanning a period of 1,100 years. Xi’an is unlike any major city in China, with an intact city wall, quaint local customs and a long history, even by Chinese standards. Xi'an is home of the world renowned Terra Cotta Army, an archeological site of unimaginable size and importance The Terra Cotta Army was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb and to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 life-size terra cotta figures and horses buried here. The museum complex features extensive exhibits, artifacts and a movie of the rich history of the site, plus breathtaking examples of the countless treasures unearthed here. 
 
Banpo Village Ruins Museum 
The Banpo Village Ruins, located east of Xi'an, is one of the most important sites of the Neolithic culture that existed 6,000-7,000 years ago. Archeologists have uncovered a residential area, a pottery workshop and a cemetery in an area that covers some 50,000 square meters of ancient ruins. The museum features prehistoric art, folklore and architecture of this important archeological discovery.
 
 Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the Tang Dynasty in 652 A.D. Climbing the stairs of the seven-story building rewards the visitor with a bird’s-eye view of Xi’an. It is also a tradition to throw coins from the windows of the pagoda in the hope that this will bring good luck. A visit to the pagoda is also an opportunity to learn more about the history and mystery of Buddhist practices in the Shaanxi Province. The Temple is said to have been built to house and protect Buddhist scriptures collected in India by the Chinese monk, Xuan Zang.


Huaqing Hot Springs
Huaqing Hot Sping
Huaqing Hot Springs, at the east of Xi’an, is located at the foot of the Lishan Mountains. For centuries, emperors came here for its scenic beauty and to bathe in the hot springs. It has been a popular destination ever since. During the Western Zhou dynasty, the Li Palace was constructed on this spot. In the Qin dynasty a pool was added, and the palace was extended in the Han dynasty. In the Tang dynasty, the construction of Huaqing Palace was ordered, forming the basis of what you'll find today. Huaqing Hot Springs has many pavilions, bridges, pools and hot springs, adorned with elegant willows. One visit and you'll know why the emperors were drawn to this magical location.
  
Qianling Mausoleum
When you visit China you will certainly come to the ancient city of Xi’an, and when you visit Xi’an you will certainly go to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, however, it will be a life long regret if you leave Xi’an without visiting Qiangling Mausoleum, because you may miss a chance to have a general understanding of the thousand year old history in feudal China there.The Mausoleum lies in the Qianxian County, about 100 kilometers northwest of Xi’an city. It is the joint tomb of the third emperor and his empress consort Wu Zetian - the only woman emperor in Chinese history who ruled China successfully in the most prosperous period of the Tang Dynasty. Among the many mausoleums of different dynasties still in existence, this is the only one in which two emperors were buried together. You can see with your own eyes the unique, huge and magnificent tomb with 17 satellite tombs. In addition, you will have a full understanding of this part of history in ancient China.

 Shanxi Provincial History Museum
As the region's capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xi'an was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The renowned Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to the areas of rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is housed in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynastic exhibits that take you through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.


Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Drum Tower
Bell Tower
In Xi'an, you will visit the two towers than are of great significance for the local community. The two-story Drum Tower was built in 1380 and was used to boom out the time to the local community. Today, it houses a museum and an extensive collection of drums. Across town, the Bell Tower stands, and is still used to strike the time. It was first built for the Yingxiang Temple and moved to its present site in 1582. Two special towers stand within the famous walled city.


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