TRAVEL XIAN
GENERAL INFORMATION- Xian is the capital of Shaanxi province and one of the oldest city in China, located in central-northwest China. Xian is about 3000 years old city; in old times the city was known as Changan (eternal city). It is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. It remained 1100years as the capitol of Chinese Dynasties. It was the city of 13 dynasties and 73 emperor ruled here, the main dynasty was Zhou, Qin (221BC-207BC), Han (206BC – 220BC), Sui (581AD 618AD), Tang (618AD-908AD). This city is one of the four capitals (Beijing, Nanjing, Luoyang, Xian) of China. This place is terminus of Silk Route and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty. The City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) is the largest and intact castle in the world. It is one of the four capitols of major ancient civilization with Rome, Cairo and Athens. Xi'an, formerly the capital of China, was the first to be introduced to Islam in China. Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty officially allowed the practice of Islam in 651 AD. Xi'an has a large Muslim community. Tourism has been an important component of the local economy, and the Xi'an region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.
SILK ROAD-The Silk Road is a historically important international trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried out along its length, beginning during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). In the second century BC in West Han Dynasty under the reign of Liuche Emperor, in order to enlarge the territory and establish friendly relationship with neighboring countries, the glorious Silk Road across Europe, Asia and Africa was created. This is the first time that China exchanged economic and culture ideas with western countries, hence the Silk Road became world-renowned. The east starting point of Silk Road is in Xian. It is the prosperity of Xian in that period that laid the solid foundation for launching the glorious silk road. Xian made great contribution to the availability of Silk Road. The Chinese took great interest in the safety of their trade products and extended the Great Wall of China to ensure the protection of the trade route. Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the civilizations of China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, and Arabia, opening long-distance, political and economic interactions between the civilizations. The Four Great Inventions of China and religions of the West were introduced into their counterparts.
GEOGRAPHY- Xi'an lies in the south-central part of Shaanxi province, on a flood plain created by the eight surrounding rivers and streams. Nearest river is Wei River.
CLIMATE-
SILK ROAD-The Silk Road is a historically important international trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried out along its length, beginning during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). In the second century BC in West Han Dynasty under the reign of Liuche Emperor, in order to enlarge the territory and establish friendly relationship with neighboring countries, the glorious Silk Road across Europe, Asia and Africa was created. This is the first time that China exchanged economic and culture ideas with western countries, hence the Silk Road became world-renowned. The east starting point of Silk Road is in Xian. It is the prosperity of Xian in that period that laid the solid foundation for launching the glorious silk road. Xian made great contribution to the availability of Silk Road. The Chinese took great interest in the safety of their trade products and extended the Great Wall of China to ensure the protection of the trade route. Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the civilizations of China, the Indian subcontinent, Persia, Europe, and Arabia, opening long-distance, political and economic interactions between the civilizations. The Four Great Inventions of China and religions of the West were introduced into their counterparts.
GEOGRAPHY- Xi'an lies in the south-central part of Shaanxi province, on a flood plain created by the eight surrounding rivers and streams. Nearest river is Wei River.
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 5 8 14 21 26 31 32 31 25 19 12 6
LOW -4 -1 4 9 14 19 22 21 16 10 3 -2
HIGH 5 8 14 21 26 31 32 31 25 19 12 6
LOW -4 -1 4 9 14 19 22 21 16 10 3 -2
AREA- 826km2
POPULATION- 65,02, 000
CO-ORDINATES- 34°16′N 108°54′E
TIME ZONE-UTC+8
AIRPORT- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY) is located 40 km northwest of the city Centre. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the 8th largest international airport in China. There are bilingual signs in both Chinese and English in the airport. T2 has the most domestic flights and T3 operates some domestic and all of the international air routes departing and arriving at Xian. It consists of the Departure Hall on the 2nd Floor, the Arrival Hall on the 1st Floor, the Interlayer with eight arrival gates as well as the underground floor. There is free cross-terminal shuttle bus running between T2 and T3. It runs every 15 minutes from 08:30 to 20:00 and runs about 5 minutes between terminals.
ATTRACTONS & SIGHTS-
POPULATION- 65,02, 000
CO-ORDINATES- 34°16′N 108°54′E
TIME ZONE-UTC+8
AIRPORT- Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA: XIY) is located 40 km northwest of the city Centre. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the 8th largest international airport in China. There are bilingual signs in both Chinese and English in the airport. T2 has the most domestic flights and T3 operates some domestic and all of the international air routes departing and arriving at Xian. It consists of the Departure Hall on the 2nd Floor, the Arrival Hall on the 1st Floor, the Interlayer with eight arrival gates as well as the underground floor. There is free cross-terminal shuttle bus running between T2 and T3. It runs every 15 minutes from 08:30 to 20:00 and runs about 5 minutes between terminals.
ATTRACTONS & SIGHTS-
001-ARMY OF TERRACOTA WARRIORS & HORSES- Army Of Terracota Warriors & Horses are located 40km from Xian. They are the archaeological excavations. The Terracotta Army and the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (in 246BC) took 38 years and 720 thousand builders to complete. The Terracotta Army figures’ excavation is regarded as one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. It had laid underground for more than 2000 years before farmers digging a well in 1974 uncovered what is now considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang at the age of 13years (in 246BC), started the work of mausoleum and it took 11 years.They are in three pits, Pit No1 is the biggest and are about 8000 in numbers and life size warriors and 100 chariot and 30,000 weapons. It measures about 210 meters long and 62 meters wide and the bottom of the pit varies from 4.5 meters to 6.5 meters below ground level. Ten earthen walls were built at intervals of 2.5 meters, forming 9 circling corridors. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard. No. 2 Pit, found in 1976, is 20 meters northeast of No. 1 Pit. It contained over a thousand warriors and 90 chariots of wood. Pit No 3 also is 25 meters northwest of No. 1 Pit. It looked like to be the command centre of the armed forces. It went on display in 1989, with 68 warriors, a war chariot and four horses.
002-BIG WILD GOOSE PAGODA-The construction started in 652AD is 210ft in height and was built to store the translations of Buddhist sutras obtained from India by Xuan Zang. It is a holy place for Buddhists. In front of this there is a free fountain with a music and light show. It is located in the southern suburb of Xian city about 4kms from downtown of the city. As why it is called Big Wild Goose Pagoda, there is a legend. According to ancient stories of Buddhists, there were two branches, for one of which eating meat was not a taboo. One day, they couldn't find meat to buy. Upon seeing a group of big wild geese flying by, a monk said to himself- 'Today we have no meat. I hope the merciful Bodhisattva will give us some.' At that very moment, the leading wild goose broke its wings and fell to the ground. All the monks were startled and believed that Bodhisattva showed his spirit to order them to be more pious. They established a pagoda where the wild goose fell and stopped eating meat. Hence it got the name 'Big Wild Goose Pagoda'.
003-MUSICAL FOUNTAIN-Located at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda covering an area of 1,10,000sqmts (20,0002 m water area) and is the Asia 's largest musical and light fountain this has water ,music and light show against the backdrop of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Here are eight groups of sculptures figures and forty landscaped areas. It has 22 different styles low and high, wide and thin, straight and inclined, flying see-gull, like lotus flower, like clouds etc.
004-CITY WALL OF XIAN-This was constructed in 14th century during Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) on the foundation of the Chang'an Imperial city wall of Tang dynasty(A.D.618-A.D.907).It is the world's largest city wall, as well as the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world, it takes 4-5 hours by foot. There is a landscaped park around the wall and moat. The wall is 40ft high and 40-60ft wide at top and 50-60 ft. wide at bottom, its length is 13.7km with a deep moat surrounds the wall and covers the city of 12km2 area. There are main four gates on each direction. This is near to bell tower and take about 10mts walk along the south street to ascend the wall. The south gate is the most beautifully decorated one and named Yongning. Each city gates has three gate towers. The wall is lit up at night and makes for a pleasant stroll.
005-BELL TOWER-The Bell Tower, is a traditional building that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital Xian. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the Tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty. This building having wooden tower and which is the biggest tower in China, and is 118ft high and was built in 1384 by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. The engravings on the doors reflect the decorative fashion of Ming and Qing Dynasties, recounting popular stories of ancient China.
006-DRUM TOWER- Near Muslim Quarters. The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower of Xian, across the Bell and Drum Tower Square. In ancient China, especially from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the drums were used to signal the running of time and on occasion were used as an alarm in emergency situations. It is a two-storied structure, about 112 feet high and about 172 feet long from east to west as well as about 124 feet wide from north to south. It was initially built in 1380 during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In modern times, the Drum Tower is not used as a timer any more.
007- GREAT MOSQUE OF XIAN - The great Mosque is the oldest in China and situated near Drum Tower on Huajue Lane. This mosque was built in 742AD during Tang Dynasty. This was the result of Islam was introduced in Northwest China by Arab merchants and travellers from Persia and Afghanistan during mid-7th century and settled down in China and married local women. It is a mixture of Muslim and Chinese architecture. Their descendants became Muslim today. In China, this Great Mosque is the only one open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Non-Muslims, however, are not admitted to the main prayer hall or during times of prayer. Covering an area of 6,000 square meters, the whole complex can be divided into four courtyards.
008- SMALL WILD GOOSE PAGODA-The Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area is located in the southern suburb of Xian, about 2 kilometres to the south of the City Wall. Covering an area of 16.3 hectares (40.4 acres), it mainly consists of the Xian Museum, the ancient Jianfu Temple built in the year 684 A.D during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the year 707 A.D during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). As it is newer and smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda the name was given to distinguish the two. Unlike the grand Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it is elegant and beautiful in its appearance. It is an important cultural relic and one of the remaining symbols of ancient Chang'an (the name of Xian in the Tang Dynasty).
009- TANG DAYNASTY MUSIC & DANCE SHOW-The Tang Dynasty Show offers the chance to experience a traditional Chinese evening. The Tang Dynasty is regarded as the most progressive and prosperous era in the days of Imperial China and its music and dance symbolize the glory and beauty of Chinese civilization. By combining poetry with the skilled playing of musical instruments, singing, dancing and also stunning costumes, the modern presentation is certain to give you an impressive view of ancient China including its splendid history, brilliant arts, distinct traditions and customs. There are over 100 artists for a performance with a colourful spectacle of traditional music and dance routines. Located at Tang Dynasty Palace, 75 Chang'an Road, Xi'an. Show time are from 20.30 to 21.40 .Ticket=220RMB/pp (only dance & Music show).
010-SHOPPING AT STREET MARKETS-
i-Shu Yuan Men (The Art Street/Ming and Qing Street)-Shu Yuan Men (Book Courtyard Gate), a well-known ancient-style street, is located by the ancient city wall, behind the Forest of Steles. Numerous local arts and crafts including replicas of antiques, paintings and paper-cuts are sold on the crowded street all year round. It is a place that most tourists like to come to on their first visit to Xi’an. Located near the Bell Tower in Beilin District. Calligraphy, historical relics, painting, antiques etc.
ii- Xian Antique Market-Located at the intersection of Zhuque Lu and Nan Erhuan Lu (southern 2nd ring road) near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
iii- Bell & Drum Tower Commercial Centre- There are four famous streets in Xian - East Street, South Street, North Street and West Street. They belong to the Bell Tower Commercial Area which is the most important in the city, permeated with strong modern atmosphere. You can find several big department stores and supermarkets there.
i-Shu Yuan Men (The Art Street/Ming and Qing Street)-Shu Yuan Men (Book Courtyard Gate), a well-known ancient-style street, is located by the ancient city wall, behind the Forest of Steles. Numerous local arts and crafts including replicas of antiques, paintings and paper-cuts are sold on the crowded street all year round. It is a place that most tourists like to come to on their first visit to Xi’an. Located near the Bell Tower in Beilin District. Calligraphy, historical relics, painting, antiques etc.
ii- Xian Antique Market-Located at the intersection of Zhuque Lu and Nan Erhuan Lu (southern 2nd ring road) near the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.
iii- Bell & Drum Tower Commercial Centre- There are four famous streets in Xian - East Street, South Street, North Street and West Street. They belong to the Bell Tower Commercial Area which is the most important in the city, permeated with strong modern atmosphere. You can find several big department stores and supermarkets there.
011-HANYANG TOMB- It is the largest underground museum in China. Liu Qi (188 to 141 BC) the Emperor Jing of Han. He was the sixth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC to 9 AD) era. He became the emperor in 156 BC. It was customary for emperors to build big tombs for themselves in the Han Dynasty and he followed the custom soon after he became an emperor. He started to construct his own mausoleum in 153 BC about three years after he became emperor, and it was basically completed in 125 BC after he was dead. The imaginary kingdom that he built and that people can now visit is now more than 2,000 years old. He had a big burial mound built that now looks like a small hill because of erosion.
The Hanyang Tomb and Museum is about 20 kilometers or 12 miles from Xian. The museum has an underground exhibition hall. The archeological digs which took 30 years, in the big mausoleum complex of Emperor Liu Qi (188 to 141 BC) of the Han Dynasty, his wife, officials, dynastic clan members, and commoners. There is also a graveyard for slaves who built the complex. The underground hall was opened in 2006. The archeological dig site only covers a small area, but the whole burial complex is immense. It covers a total area of about 10 square kilometers. It is like a little city or a little kingdom complete with miniature statues of animals, servants and soldiers positioned in various places like a make-believe miniature kingdom. Unearthed burial objects include naked pottery figurines, chariots and horses, weapons, articles of everyday use and a large number of pottery animals.
The area is still being excavated, and as new artifacts are found, they are being exhibited. The archeological excavations and miniature statuary are interesting. The cultural relics are protected by a special glass imported from Czech. Seeing them on the ground, visitors may truly feel the unearthed process of the national treasure, and the splendid Han culture.
The empress' tomb is east of the emperor’s tomb. It is 450 meters or about 500 yards away from the emperor's tomb, and it is much smaller in comparison. It is square, and it is 350 meters or about 400 yards in length. There is a smaller mound of earth for her tomb. It will take tourists about 1.5 hours to visit Hangyangling tomb.
Presented by - V P Gupta
The Hanyang Tomb and Museum is about 20 kilometers or 12 miles from Xian. The museum has an underground exhibition hall. The archeological digs which took 30 years, in the big mausoleum complex of Emperor Liu Qi (188 to 141 BC) of the Han Dynasty, his wife, officials, dynastic clan members, and commoners. There is also a graveyard for slaves who built the complex. The underground hall was opened in 2006. The archeological dig site only covers a small area, but the whole burial complex is immense. It covers a total area of about 10 square kilometers. It is like a little city or a little kingdom complete with miniature statues of animals, servants and soldiers positioned in various places like a make-believe miniature kingdom. Unearthed burial objects include naked pottery figurines, chariots and horses, weapons, articles of everyday use and a large number of pottery animals.
The area is still being excavated, and as new artifacts are found, they are being exhibited. The archeological excavations and miniature statuary are interesting. The cultural relics are protected by a special glass imported from Czech. Seeing them on the ground, visitors may truly feel the unearthed process of the national treasure, and the splendid Han culture.
The empress' tomb is east of the emperor’s tomb. It is 450 meters or about 500 yards away from the emperor's tomb, and it is much smaller in comparison. It is square, and it is 350 meters or about 400 yards in length. There is a smaller mound of earth for her tomb. It will take tourists about 1.5 hours to visit Hangyangling tomb.
Presented by - V P Gupta