Xi’an(1086 views)

Release date:2011-02-17 23:35:02

Xi’an with more than 3,100 years of history is a significant ancient capital among four great ancient capitals of China. Xi’an still has its ancient charm and splendor and is the current capital city of the Shaanxi Province. If Beijing’s fame lies in long-winding Great Wall of China, Xi’an’s fame lies in mighty Terracotta Army. Many great archeological discoveries that received international attention such as 6,500 year old Banpo Neolithic Village and 500,000 year old Lantian Man were also discovered in Xi’an.

Geography & Climate
Xi’an is situated on Guanzhong Plain with Qingling Mountains to the south, Wei River and Loess Plateau to the north, and Hua Shan- a scared Taoist Mountain to the east.

Dust storms precede summer in March and April. Thunderstorms are frequent during summer while spring and autumn are dry. Xi’an’ experiences temperate and semi-arid climate.

Food & Dining
Xi’an’ location at the centre of China has an indirect influence on its cuisine. Different style of cooking such as Tun (deep-fry), Qiang (quick fry, cook with sauce and water), Chao (stir-fry), Zheng (steaming), Dun (braise) make Shaanxi cuisine special. Salt, vinegar, capsicum and garlic are also used widely to create unique flavor. Famous Xi’an dishes like Yang Rou Pao Mo, Xi’an Dumplings and other Muslim dishes are worth a try. Xi’an Dumplings are prepared almost in all styles that one can imagine such as steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, boiling and even roasting.

Shopping
Shopping centers are mainly seen around Dong Dajie, Nan Dajie and Jiefang Lu. Also, another shopping mall called Century Ginwa Shopping Mall located near the Bell Tower and Drum Tower is a fantastic shopping destination for those with expensive tastes. Xi’an’ famous department store, Kai Yuan Shopping Mall is also in the same vicinity.

Attractions
Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Xi’an’ got world-wide recognition mainly due to the Terracotta Warriors unearthed here. Life size statues of warriors, horses that dates back to 221 BC are said to have constructed in order to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in his after- life. A real battle ground with warriors, horses and weapons that were used in ancient times are arranged in the exact way how the military then used to stand for a war. Terracotta Warriors Museum is a must- see attraction while traveling to China.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum
If pyramids were considered the biggest tombs in history, then Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum with interior city and exterior city can be considered as a small empire. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are only a small part of it and more are expected to be excavated. Emperor Qin is the first Emperor of China under whom the country became united and name China came into being. The Mausoleum is situated on Mount Li, 35 kilometers away from Xi’an city.

Forest of Stone Steles Museum
Built at the site of a famous Confucius Temple and on the street called Sanxue near Xi’an City Wall is the Forest of Stone Stele Museum. It costs 45 Yuan to visit this museum. This museum has 3,000 stone steles and that’s why museum got such a name. Seven exhibition halls in the museum display calligraphy, paintings and historical documents.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Big Wild Goose Pagoda with an interesting story is a holy place for Buddhists. Interior of this seven-storied pagoda with a height of 211.6 feet is spotted with fine engravings of Buddha and steles. Big Wild Goose Pagoda also known as Dayan Pagoda is located 4 kilometers from the down town of Xi’an City. Inside the compound of Da’Cien Temple built in remembrance of a kind Queen, are the towers called Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

As the name suggests Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a smaller pagoda with 13 stories and 142 feet height. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is noted for its construction style that prevents damage to an extent caused by an earthquake. As you go up you can find that each storey is shorter than the previous one rendering a needle shape to the pagoda. Other attractions here are the Xi’an Museum, Jianfu Temple, and White Clothing Pavilion. Here, you can avail an intelligent guide system at a refundable price of 100 Yuan that enables visitors to listen to the details in their own language. Entrance fees at both pagodas are 50 Yuan.

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