The ancient city has been the ancient capital of China for a millennium. Twelve dynasties ruled the country from here, which is why Xi'an is so rich in historical and cultural attractions. Later, caravans of the Great Silk Road went through the city.
Today, this modern metropolis with a developed infrastructure carefully preserves the monuments of antiquity and the picturesque beauty of the surrounding area. Therefore, both connoisseurs of antiquity and lovers of active recreation strive here.
The city, which is more than three thousand years old, is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations among tourists. And everyone finds something to see in Xi'an.
TOP 10 attractions in Xi'an
Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army
An archaeological find of world importance was discovered by chance in 1974, excavations are still ongoing. The unique ancient monument is considered one of the iconic places in China. It is this attraction that attracts the bulk of tourists to Xi'an. It represents many clay figures of warriors in combat gear, horses and carts, in full size. Warriors of different ranks and types of troops stand in a battle formation adopted in antiquity. Among several thousand figures, you cannot find the same: they are different not only in their clothes, but also in their hairstyle, facial expression, and gestures. The armor - axes, swords and sabers - has been preserved in excellent condition after more than two millennia. The only thing that was not preserved during the excavations is the colors. The paints quickly disappeared into air.
This Chinese legend was created by order of the first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuang, as a symbol of the army, thanks to which the united state was created. Since 210, the terracotta army has guarded the peace of its creator. According to archaeologists, at least a thousand people worked on the creation of this grandiose historical relic for 30 years.
The Terracotta Army Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And copies of the figurines are considered the most popular souvenir of the city.
Ancient city wall
Ancient city wall
The magnificent medieval building competes with the Great Wall of China. The city wall of Xi'an is perfectly preserved and today serves as the border between the historical and modern parts of the city. Since it was built for protection, its dimensions are amazing: the height reaches 15 meters, and the length is about 14 kilometers. The most notable is the 17-meter thickness of the wall. You can walk along it, ride bicycles, like on a wide, cobbled street. Only when approaching the numerous battlements, one can recall the height from which a wonderful panorama opens: on the one hand - to the old city, on the other - to the modern one.
The wall is a great place for active walks, hiking or biking. The latter can be rented immediately. You will need them to ride along the perimeter of the historic center and explore the ancient ramparts located 120 meters from each other. During the day, theatrical shows for tourists are held here, in the evening this medieval fortress is beautifully illuminated by Chinese lanterns.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
One of the visiting cards of the city, famous and revered throughout China. Seven-tiered, over 64 meters high, the pagoda is one of the main landmarks of Xi'an. It is located outside the historic center, behind the fortress wall, and the surrounding metropolis emphasizes its antiquity. Built in the 7th century, the pagoda was repeatedly restored after destruction to its original appearance.
The pagoda is part of a functioning Buddhist monastery and is dedicated to a monk who translated books on Buddhism into Chinese. His giant statue can be seen in the first building. The sacred texts translated by him are kept here. In addition to the sutras, there are many other relics in the pagoda, and on the territory of the temple there are ancient exhibits. Huge Buddhas pay attention: the golden statues are very beautiful. An interesting place is the burial place of monks, it is a forest of stupas, ancient and very elegant. The temple complex is famous not only for its ancient architecture, but also for its picturesque gardens, courtyards with many small details that give the place a special atmosphere.
Little Wild Goose Pagoda
Little Wild Goose Pagoda
Located in the southern suburb of Xi'an, next to the parkland. Picturesque vegetation, graceful marble bridges across the artificial lake - all this emphasizes the special charm of the pagoda.
It is interesting with a complicated story. Since its construction, in the 7th century, the pagoda has experienced more than 70 earthquakes. After one of them, a meter-long crack formed in the building. In the 15th century, there were no funds for repairs in the city, and the pagoda worked in a damaged state. A century later, during the same earthquake, the crack closed. The reason is the talent of the ancient Chinese architects who created the foundation in the form of a hemisphere. It was this that distributed the pressure evenly throughout the structure, which allowed the pagoda to survive.
Today, the graceful ancient pagoda houses the Xi'an Museum. And the surrounding area in the morning and in the evening is announced by the ringing of a cast-iron bell, preserved from the 7th century.
Mount Huashan
It is better known as "The steepest mountain under heaven" and is one of the five sacred mountains of the Celestial Empire. Five mountain peaks look like flowers from afar, and the name of the mountain comes from the word “hua” flower. Huashan is sheer cliffs and high ridges, surrounded by steep paths. For tourists, the paths are equipped with iron chains. The mountain became a sacred place thanks to the Taoist temples located on it. They, as well as peaks of extraordinary beauty, attract tourists here. For them, a trip to the mountain is an opportunity to actively relax in nature after exploring the antiquities of Xi'an.
- Temple of the Jade Spring is located at the base of the mountain, built in the style of a traditional South Chinese garden - with pavilions around the pond. From here begins the most dizzying ascent to the top.
- The Peak Terrace of the Clouds is named after the steep cliffs surrounding it, giving the impression of a flat terrace at the top. It is covered with incredibly green vegetation. A great place to relax after getting up.
- The Golden Castle Gorge is a popular place for photo shoots against the backdrop of a huge four-meter castle, surrounded by many small castles left by tourists.
- Peak of the Jade Maiden is famous for the temple of the same name. At the top, there is also the Pool of the Jade Maiden, the Rootless Tree, and the Sacrificial Tree. The guide will introduce you to the wonderful legends about trees.
- The peak that meets the Sun is a whole tourist platform, even equipped with an astronomical telescope. The most exciting climb is at night to meet the dawn.
Bell tower
Bell tower
Located in the very center of the old city, at the crossroads of the four main streets of the city going east, west, north and south. Very high, 36 meters, the tower also stands on an eight-meter base of green brick.
The tower was originally built at the end of the 14th century, during the Ming dynasty. In the following centuries, it was rebuilt several times. But the huge bell has survived from the Ming Dynasty. At all times, its ringing marked the beginning of a new day. Currently, a recording of the bell sounds, but the one that you can admire.
The entrance to the tower is on the north side. In its exhibition hall you can see a collection of wax figures of the rulers of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties.
Drum tower
Drum tower
It is located near the bell tower and was built at the same time as it - in 1380, at the beginning of the Ming dynasty. In ancient times, both towers announced the coming and ending of each day. Now every evening you can see an interesting drumming ceremony. It is repeated several times during the evening and is very popular with tourists. Simultaneously with the drum show, you can see a theatrical performance: the soldiers of ancient China beat the bell and the drum, symbolizing the time of day. You can get acquainted with the collection of drums in the museum of the tower, there are many of them, from the smallest to the largest.
In addition to the drum show, the tower is remembered for its magnificent evening illumination. Climbers will be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the city, which opens from the observation deck of the tower.
Xi'an museums
The Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum is an ancient building of magnificent architecture of the 1st century. It contains about 40 thousand historical relics - from bronze items, which are more than three thousand years old, to gold and silver, from the time of the Tang dynasty.
Banpo is a museum established at an archaeological site. The settlement of the Neolithic era provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the way of life of the ancient people. Very entertaining.
Museum "Forest of stone steles" - an amazing collection of stone columns with sayings. A kind of stone library. Among the several thousand exhibits there are very ancient ones dating back to 206-220 BC.
Muslim quarter
Muslim quarter
This quarter in the heart of ancient Chinese Xi'an is a very colorful sight. The Muslim world of communication, food, trade, celebration: original, bright, fun and very noisy. The personification of the multinationality and multiconfessionalism of Xi'an. Tourists come to this quarter to the bazaar, where you can buy absolutely everything, while you can bargain with taste and fun.
This quarter is home to the Xi'an City Mosque, one of the four largest mosques in the country. It was built in the 18th century, as evidence that the Great Silk Road passed through Xi'an. Tourists can view the mosque from the outside, admire the surrounding gardens and parks, in the Chinese style. Only a Muslim can enter the prayer hall.
Musical fountain show
The largest musical fountain in Asia is located in Xi'an. On an area of 110 thousand square meters, there is the longest light line, the world's largest speaker system and the largest number of benches for spectators. You can list the number of pumps, nozzles and colored lights. Mention the high-tech lighting system and professional sound equipment. But, the main thing is that the sounds, light and color of the fountain combine incredibly harmoniously and change synchronously in accordance with the new musical theme.
The grandiose and enchanting spectacle attracts a huge number of spectators, but there are enough places for everyone. The presentation of classical music is especially interesting.
