1、Xian Travel GuideXian, the eternal city, records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. Called Changan in ancient times, Xian is one of the birthplaces of the ancient civilization in the Yellow River Basin area of the country. During Xians 3,100 year development, 13
2、 dynasties such as Western Zhou (11th century BC - 771 BC), Qin (221 BC - 206 BC), Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD) and Tang (618 - 907) placed their capitals here. So far, Xian enjoys equal fame with Athens, Cairo, and Rome as one of the four major ancient civilization capitals.Xian is the capital of S
3、haanxi province, located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. With the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north, it is in a favorable geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a semi-moist monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between the f
4、our seasons. Except the colder winter, any season is relatively suitable for traveling.The cultural and historical significance of Xian, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Shaanxi enjoy the laudatory title of Natural History Museum. The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praise
5、d as the eighth major miracle of the world, Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed on the World Heritage List, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 3,000 years old Banpo Village Remains fr
6、om the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC), and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Around Xian, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaa
7、nxi, because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni - the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian 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.Traditional downtown Xian refers to the a
8、rea encircled by the city wall, this has now been expanded to encompass the area within the second ring road (Er huan Lu). The Bell Tower is the geographical center of Xian and the four main streets are respectively Dong Dajie, Xi Dajie, Nan Dajie and Bei Dajie which are also the main commercial str
9、eets. Xiao Zhai, the busiest commercial area is in the southern part of the city and is popular with both youths and students since many universities are located here. Shuyuan Men and the still under construction Luoma Shi are must-visit pedestrian streets in the city. Xian is also famous for its qu
10、antity of colleges throughout China. The old campuses of many colleges and universities are massed in the southern suburb of Xian, but most have established new campuses in far southern suburb - Changan District due to the lack of space within the city.As tourist development grows in Xian, the hotel
11、 industry flourishes more and more. It is very easy to find a hotel in Xian, ranging from 5 star hotels to youth hostels. Of course, it will be any travelers first choice to stay in the city center due to the superior geographical location and the convenient transportation.Praised as the capital of
12、table delicacies, Xian has been rich in the delicious Shaanxi snack, delicate Guangdong Cuisine, various kinds of fashionable foreign delicacies, and popular Sichuan Cuisine such as the hot pot. Among all the delicacies, the most famous and popular one is the Muslim Snack Street.Xian is the most imp
13、ortant city in northwest China, and so there are a lot of shopping outlets for locals and tourists alike. There are many big shopping centers, department stores and supermarkets in and around Xian city - the biggest and most comprehensive being Kai Yuan Shopping Mall and Century Ginwa Shopping Mall.
14、The night life in Xian has a unique glamour. Traditional ways include enjoying the night scenery around the Bell Tower, taking part in a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, strolling on the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square and watching the music fountain performance. More modern and fashionable ways inclu
15、de singing in the KTV, hanging out in a bar, or dancing in a Disco. All in all, any experience in this ancient city will bring you fun and possibly a little surprise!History of XianIt is no exaggeration that Xian is the first choice if you are willing to find the longest history of China. This regio
16、n is one of the vital birthplaces of the profound Chinese civilization. Benefiting from the fertile land and comfortable climate in ancient time, the rulers of 13 dynasties have set up their capitals in Xian successively. Thus, Xian is one of the cities which preserve a wealth of historical heritage
17、s in China.Prehistory The Lantian Man, which was found in Lantian County of Xian, has inhabited in this land about 800,000 years ago. The founded skulls fossils is said to be the earliest and best preserved ones in China until now. Coming to 300,000-400,000 years ago, the primitive people around Xia
18、n have turned into the stage of primitive clan communes gradually. The base of this regions agricultural production should be started when the Banpo Man made living here about 6,000 years ago. They have settled down in the eastern suburban of Xian City, setting up the Matriarchal clan villages.In th
19、e Slave SocietyThe slave society of China mainly refers to the periods of the Xia (21st-16th century BC), Shang (16th-11th century BC), Western Zhou (11th century BC-771BC) as well as Spring and Autumn Peroid (770 BC-476). During this long history, more and more nations have immigrated to the Guanzh
20、ong Plain the center of which is just current Xian. Therefore, both of this regions economy and political system has gained rapid development. Until to the Western Zhou Dynasty, the Wenwang have moved the capital-Fengjing to the west bank of the Fenghe River nearby Xian. It played as the dynastys re
21、ligious and cultural center. Later, his heir Wuwang built the political center on the east bank of the Fenghe River, namely, Haojing. This should be the first recorded dynasty founded the capital in Xian City.In the Warring State Period (476BC-221BC) and the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC)Coming to the
22、end of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, namely, the Warring States Period, there mainly distributed seven powerful states in China. Qin, one of the seven states, was located in the center of Shaanxi Province and east Gansu Province. Later, Ying Zheng, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, set up the first feudal dynasty
23、in Xianyang (consists of current Xian and Xianyang cites) after unifying the other six states. Although this dynasty fallen soon, a great number of historical relics were left, for example, the so famous Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Until now, some traditions and cuisines from the Qin Dynasty ar
24、e still kept by the Xian locals.In the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220)The Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24AD), which is the third dynasty setting up its capital in Xian, constructed its capital -Changan on the relics of the Qins Xianyang. Once, Changan City was the largest one in the world, covering an area
25、of about 36 square kilometers (13.9 square miles). Now, the site of the Weiyang Palace is preserved well in Xian. The famous Silk Road which starts from the Changan City appeared during the period of Wudi, opening the communication between China and overseas countries. On the other hand, the emperor
26、s carried out a series of policies to help the rehabilitation of the people. The Changan became a thriving city both in economy and polity in the world wide.In the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) DynastiesAt the found of the Sui Dynasty, the Hans Changan City has been destroyed seriously owing to l
27、ong years of wars from 220 to 589. Therefore, the emperor built a new city just to southeast of the old Changan City, called Daxing City. After the Tang Dynasty overthrew the Sui and captured the Daxing City, the first emperor of Tang renamed the city as Changan City again. Later, some subsequent co
28、nstruct and renovation projects were taken. In the early period of Emperor Taizong, the Daming Palace was constructed, which was the political center of the whole dynasty later. There is no doubt that Tang should be the most prosperous dynasty in Chinese history. Thus, as the center, Changan was one
29、 of the largest economical, political and cultural centers in the world at that time. Most overseas travelers and businessmen came to Changan, enjoying the citys gloss.On the other hand, the Buddhism also expanded rapidly in Changan with the support of the governors. Now, the existing Big Wild Goose
30、 Pagoda should be the outstanding representation of the Buddhist building in Xian. Additionally, the prosperous and peaceful city attracts a great number of artist and poets, inspiring them to create so many masterpieces throughout the ages. In fact, the Tang culture has influenced this region deepl
31、y, spanning from architectural style to food, even to the citys soul.In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)From the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Changan City has lost its top position gradually; however, it was still one of the vital prefectures in the later dynasties. In 1369 of the Ming Dynasty, Xian gai
32、ned its current name officially. From the next year, the current Xian City Wall has been constructed.The Summary of the Modern HistoryOctober 22, 1911-the local revolutionists pulled down the governance of the Qing Dynasty in Xian.1925-the national army led by Dr. Sun Yat-sun overthrew the reactiona
33、ry warlord in Xian.1927-some members of the Chinese Communist Party launched a military school in Xian, training a number of revolutionists.December 12, 1936-Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng captured the Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek by initiating a military exhortation, namely, the Xian Incident. Th
34、e incident spurred the Kuomintang to unify the Communist for resisting the Japanese invaders.May 20, 1949-Xian City was liberated by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. May 25, 1949The Peoples Government of Xian City was launched.Attractions in XianThe continuous history of Xian has apparently resu
35、lted in its magnificent culture. Todays Xian is a world famous tourist city and an inexhaustible treasure house of cultural relics. Now heads of state from many countries and people from all walks of life come to the city to broaden their knowledge of Chinese civilization.Foremost is the Chinas grea
36、test archeological excavation, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang , the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (246-209B.C). The State Council authorized the buildi
37、ng of a museum on the site in 1975 for the protection of the discovery. So far, altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed and displayed in the museum. It is cited as the Eighth Wonder of the World and was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the wor
38、ld cultural heritages.Spending some time at the Huaqing Hot Springs on the way back from the Terra Cotta Army site is a must for every visitor to Xian. For centuries emperors came here to bathe and enjoy the scenic beauty, and it has been a favorite spa since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D). The pala
39、ce complex has also been the scene of political intrigue, so there is plenty of interest to discover during your visit.Covering an area of about 100,000 square meters, the Banpo Village Remains was a village settlement of the earliest inhabitants of Xian, typical of the Neolithic Yangshao culture. A
40、t this site, archaeologists have discovered nearly 10,000 production tools and daily utensils of various kinds and the remains of 45 houses, 200 cellars, 6 pottery kilns, 174 adults burial pits and 73 childrens burial jars.Every Ming city (1368-1644) had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was s
41、ounded at dawn and the drum at dusk. The two buildings at Xian are the best known in China. The Bell Tower was built in the city center and from the top can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Xian. Not far away to the west is the Drum Tower , a large drum inside was for marking the passage of ti
42、me each night in ancient times. Now, they are outstanding examples of the ancient architecture of Xian.Housing more than 2,300 famous steles and inscribed memorial tablets of the Han, Wei, Sui, Tang, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties and known as the largest stone-book warehouse in China, the Forest of Sto
43、ne Steles in Xian is a treasure house of calligraphic art. It is situated on Sanxue Jie, near the south gate of the Xian City Wall . The City Wall in Xian is the most complete city wall to survive in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. It was buil
44、t first in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and renovated in recent years. Outside the city wall is a moat. A circular park has now been built along the high wall and the deep moat.Xian is the capital city of the prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907). Many visitors come here in the hope of experiencin
45、g the glorious Tang culture. “Back to Tang Dynasty“ is what echoes in their minds. Tang Paradise, opened in 2005, is the biggest Tang culture theme park which is praised as “Garden of History“, “Garden of Nature“ and “Garden of Human Culture“. Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, by presenting an outs
46、tanding performance of Tangs dance and music, explains to visitors the splendid culture and living style of that remote dynasty. These are the two sites recommended to you to have a glance at Tang Dynasty.If you are interested in archaeology, you can visit the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi
47、 (Hanyangling), the joint tomb of Liu Qi, a notable emperor in Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD), and his empress, Empress Wang. Qian Mausoleum (Qian Ling), the joint mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong and his empress Wu Zetian, the only woman ruler in Chinese history. Also Western Zhou Chariot Burial Pi
48、t, a right place to understand ancient Chinese burial system.The natural scenery in and around Xian is also worth mentioning. Mt. Huashan, one of the five sacred mountains in China, is famous for precipitous crags, narrow and steep mountain paths. Taibai Mountain National Forest Park is noted for pi
49、cturesque mountainous scenery, lively hot spring and profound cultural relics.Xian has many temples. Ba Xian An Monastery (Temple of the Eight Immortals) is an important and popular spot celebrating Taoism; Daxingshan Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China; Green Dragon Temple (Qinglong Temple) is a notable Buddhist temple built in Tang Dynasty (618-907)Moslem Street (Huimin Jie) is an old street paved with bluestone plate, both sides of which stand a row of muslin restaurants decorated in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644
