Xian
Wed, 12/03/2008 - 21:30
| Xian was the capital of a number of imperial dynasties in Chinese history, including the mighty dynasties of Qin, Han and Tang. | | | |  | Attractions | Banpo MuseumThe museum is located a short distance east of Xian, in Banpo Village, where remains of a prehistorical culture was excavated in the 1950s. On display are stone tools, pottery and other artifacts that date back to over 6,000 years ago.
Drum Tower and Bell TowerLocated at the center of Old Xian, the towers were built in the 14th century. The drum and bell installed in the towers were used to sound time to the residents of the city.
Forest of StelaeA depository of stone stelae from ancient times. The historical museum was originally built in the 11th century and currently shelters over 2,000 stelae, some of them bearing the calligraphies of noted Chinese artists from centuries ago.
Great Goose PogodaIn Chinese, Dayanta, the Great Gogoda is located in Ciensi (Temple of Motherly Love) a few kilometers west of Xian. The pogoda and the temple were consutructed in the 7th century by the emperors of the Tang Dynasty, at the behest of Xuanzhuang, the famous monk who had traveled to India to bring back Buddhist sutras (the story of Xuanzhuang inspired the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West.
Great MosqueLocated in the northwestern part of old Xian, the mosque was originally established in the 8th century when Islam first arrived in China. The existing architecture dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Today. the mosque is both a tourist sight and an active worship center for the Muslim residents of Xian.
Shaanxi Historical MuseumOne of the largest and best museums that present precious artifacts and arts from the earliest Chinese historical era onward, especially of the Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, which were based in the region centered around Xian.
Small Goose PogodaBuild in the early 8th century, the Small Goose Pogoda is part of Jianfusi (Temple of Dedicated Happiness). The temple was established to honor a deceased emperor and to house Buddhist sutra introduced from India.
Terracotta WarriorsThe underground army of the First Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, dating back to 2,200 years ago. Discovered and excavated in the 1970s, the soliders, horses and chariots, all of real-life sizes, became a world-famous historical site and tourist attraction.
Xian City-WallXian served as the capital of a number of imperial dynasties in China. Is is one of the few major cities that still has preserved its historical city-wall. The existing wall was constructed in the 14th century and is 13.9 km (8.6 ml) in length. As such, the wall can be said to be the world's largest city-defense system in the pre-modern times.
| | | Xian TransportationAirport:
Xian Xianyang International Airport is 45 km northwest of the city center of Xian. Means of transportation include shuttle buses and taxis.
Railway Stations:
The main railway station in Xian is Xian Railway Station (Xian Huoche Zhan), which is located at the intersection of Jiefang Road and the Northern Beltway Huancheng Bei Lu). A small number of trains arrive and depart at Xian Railway South Station (Xian Huoche Nan Zhan).
Long Distance Bus Stations
Xian City Bus Station (Xian Shi Qiche Zhan), on Fengqing Road. Provincial Xian City Bus Station (Sheng Xian Shi Bus Station), next to Xian Railway Station. Xian Southern Gate Bus Station (Xian Nanguan Qiche Zhan), outside Zhuquemen (Zhuque Gate). City East Bus Station (Chengdong Qiche Zhan), No. 17 Changle Middle Road. Weiyang Road Bus Station (Weiyang Lu Qiche Zhan), on Weiyang Road.
Taxi:
Smaller taxis: ¥6 for the first 2 km; ¥1.5 for each additional km. Larger taxis: ¥8 for the first 2 km; ¥2.4 for each additional km. | | | | | | | | | |
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