Terracotta Warriors   兵马俑

The buried army of Qin Shihuangdi is one of the largest and most stunning archaeological finds of the 20th century. Discovered in 1974 at Lintong, 35 kilometres east of Xi'an, the warriors and horses have deservedly become known as a Wonder of the World. Now exhibited in situ, the life-size terracotta figures so far excavated testify to the power of the man for whom they were moulded to protect in afterlife.

This site is an archaeological find on a monumental scale. Literally an army of sculptured warriors, it is a stunning display that every visitor to China should see.

Qin Shihuang's Tomb  

The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is the largest preserved tomb in China. No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1974. Qin (d. 210 B.C.), the first unifier of China, is buried, surrounded by the famous terracotta warriors, at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures are all different; with their horses, chariots and weapons, they are masterpieces of realism and also of great historical interest.

There is not actually a lot to see on this site aside from a large hill so if you are interested to stop because of the historical significance it does not take that long.

Huaqing Hotsprings   华清池

Huaqing Hot Springs has been a favorite spa since the Tang dynasty. For centuries emperors had come here to bathe and enjoy the scenic beauty. The more energetic visitors may climb some or all of Li Mountain, on which are situated several Taoist and Buddhist temples. A cable car has now been installed to make this possible for everyone.

Don't expect to jump in the hot springs for a nice refreshing dip. The name is deceiving - it HAD working hot springs in the time of the emperors. Now there is no swimming. A visit to Huaqing Hotspring is more like visiting a park with some buildings and ponds. Expect a nice walk, pleasant scenery, climb a hill if you wish, but no swimming!

Banpo Ancient Village   半坡

In 1953 when workers were laying the foundations for a factory at Banpo, less than seven kilometres (four miles) east of Xi'an, they came upon the remains of an ancient settlement. The discovery of this New Stone Age village has been described as the 'greatest single contribution to prehistoric archaeology in East Asia' (John Hay, Ancient China, Bodley Head, 1973). Between 1954 and 1957, archaeologists working at the site obtained the first detailed data on the layout of a Neolithhic village. Dating from approximately 5000 to 4000 BCE, it is the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement anywhere in the world. Its remarkably well-preserved condition makes it a major attraction for visitors to Xi'an.

An area of 4,000 square metres (one acre) has been fully excavated, enclosed and put on view to the public. Foundations of 45 houses have been uncovered, some round, some square. The largest dwelling may have been a communal meeting place, or alternatively the house of the chief. Among the other impressive finds are: 200 storage pots, a collection of pottery and tools, a potterymaking centre and a graveyard with more than 250 graves. The museum is simply but sensibly laid out. The main hall, in the rear, was built over the excavation site. Two...   Read more here

Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Dinner   唐歌舞饺子宴

The Tang Dynasty Dinner Show is a combination of Chinese traditional dumpling banquet and the fabulous Tang Dynasty dance and music. Tang Dynasty (618 - 907AD) was the most prosperous dynasty in Chinese history and also the climax of China’s development in music and dance.

You begin with a dumpling banquet before the show. Dumplings come in various artistic shapes and sizes, all handmade, and filled with different combinations of meat and vegetables. If you've ever experienced dimsum in the west then you might want to give this variation a try.

After dinner sit back, digest and watch a show fit for an emperor!

Big Wild Goose Pagoda   大雁塔

The Big Goose Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful building left in Xi'an today, is one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks. Completed in 652 CE, the pagoda was built at the request of the Tang monk, Xuan Zang, whose pilgrimage to India is immortalized in the 16th-century Chinese novel Pilgrimage to the West or Monkey.

Xuan Zang asked Emperor Gaozong to build a large stone stupa like those he had seen on his travels. The emperor offered a compromise brick structure of five storeys, about 53 metres (174 feet) high, which was completed in 652 CE. Originally called the Scripture Pagoda, it is said to be where Xuan Zang translated into Chinese the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India. Its present name, Big Goose Pagoda, has never been satisfactorily explained.

Shaanxi Museum   陕西历史博物馆

The National Museum of Shaanxi History opened in 1991, eighteen years after Premier Zhou Enlai first suggested that such an establishment was needed to exhibit the province's archaeological treasures. Occupying a large site in Xi'an's southern suburbs close to the Big Goose Pagoda, the museum, housed in a complex of striking Tang dynasty style pavilions, is popular for visitors to the city.

The exhibits here represent the very best of the museum's collection, the greater portion of which remain stored in its underground warehouse. The permanent exhibition on the ground and first floors is supplemented by touring exhibitions, usually two, in the basement. Included elsewhere in the museum are lecture theatres, conference rooms, a library, research laboratories and an extensive restoration centre. A new unit for restoration has been funded by an Italian Antiquities Department donation of US$4 million.

For security reasons, visitors to the museum must leave their bags in the cloakroom before entering the galleries.

Walk or Bike the Old City Wall   城墙

The old city wall is high and wide which leaves a road on the top which is empty. A peaceful retreat from the billions for strolling or getting on a bike. We organize as part of our tours a bike trip on the city wall. You can bike the entire circuit in 1-2 hours or just cruise along part of it then return. You can stop at various viewpoints and look down at the scene below. Nice for photographers. Great fun and a chance to work off some of those delicious Chinese meals we serve you!

Xi'an's 14th-century wall still stands, although today it is intersected by a few modern roads. It is one of the most important city walls in China and certainly one of the best examples from the Ming. Construction began during the reign of Hongwu, the first Ming emperor, on the remains of the Sui and Tang wall and took eight years to complete. Repairs and renovation have now been carried out by the local government to restore the wall to its original splendour and the structure is now once again completely connected. The circumference is 13.7 kilometres (8.5 miles), and it is 12 metres (40 feet) high, 12-14 metres (40-46 feet) wide at the top and 15-18 metres (49-59 feet) wide at the bottom. It is surrounded by a moat.

Drum Tower   鼓楼

Each Ming city had a bell tower and a drum tower. If you are in Xi'an for more than a brief visit the Bell Tower is worth a visit. It is located adjacent from the Drum Tower and close to Muslim Street.

The Drum Tower is quite similar to the nearby Bell Tower, except for its rectangular shape. It was first built in 1380, and restored in 1669, 1739 and 1853. The brick base, on which the wooden structure is built, is 52.6 metres (172 feet) long, 38 metres (125 feet) wide and 7.7 metres (25 feet) high. A road goes straight through it, under a vaulted archway. The triple-roofed, two-storey wooden building is a further 25.3 metres (83 feet) high off its brick platform.

The second storey, which is surrounded by a parapet, is now splendidly restored like the Bell Tower, and is used as an antique shop and sometimes holds art exhibitions. It also houses a collection of a variety of drums in different shapes and sizes and made from different materials. There is an exhibition of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture on the third floor. A drum performance is given several times during the morning and the afternoon. The Drum Tower looks down on the irregular grey-tiled roofs of the Muslim quarter.

Great Mosque of Xian   西安大清真寺

The Great Mosque of Xian is located down an alley off of Muslim Street. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, the Great Mosque of Xi'an is completely Chinese architectural style, having neither neither domes nor traditional-style minarets.

The Great Mosque of Xian is the largest and best preserved of the early mosques of China. Built primarily in the Ming Dynasty when Chinese architectural elements were synthesized into mosque architecture, the mosque resembles a fifteenth century Buddhist temple with its single axis lined with courtyards and pavilions.

Muslim Street   穆斯林街

Muslim Street while touristy, is genuinely local too. A great place to stroll and see traditional Muslim culture alive and well in China. Worth visiting by day or night, the food is authentic and is a great place to have a Muslim style meal. There are a variety of shops selling different souvenirs and the area should be the itinerary for photographers. Not to be missed, Muslim Street is one of Xian's major attractions.

The early Muslims in China came from what was known at Xiyu, or 'the west', areas usually identified as Arabia or Persia. These people were much different from the Chinese in terms of their language, culture and physical appearance. Like other foreigners in China, they were labeled 'foreign sojourners'. Islam was first introduced by Arab merchants during the Tang dynasty, and flourished during the Yuan (1279-1368). The Muslims gradually became concentrated in the northwestern part of the walled city, where they remain to this day. The community now numbers more than 60,000, or about one percent of the city's population. The residents, whose families have lived here for hundreds of years, are proud of their religion. They strongly identify with their mosque, frequently introducing themselves as 'belonging' to this or that mosque. This is because...   Read more here

Xi'an 西安

Xi'an is considered one of China's must see destinations, the home to the Terracotta Warriors. People usually visit Xi'an for 1 or 2 nights and is a good part of a loop between Beijing and Shanghai or other destinations. You can get there by plane or the overnight train is also convenient from Beijing.

Xi'an is one of the few ancient Chinese cities with its old city wall still intact. You can walk on it or even ride a bike. The Muslim area is colorful and authentic, worth a walk around and also not a bad place to have dinner and do a bit of shopping.

The Terracotta Warriors are about 1 hour outside the city, look on the map below for details. Nearby the warriors are the Huaqing Hotsprings, which is more of a nice park with an historic spring, but no swimming.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner