The
city of Xian (population 6 million) was the first city in China
to open up its doors to the Ancient world, not in 1980 under the "Open Door" policy but in fact during the Tang dynasty
when Xian blossomed as the first stop on the Silk Road China.
Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for
eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this Xian
was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role
in bridging the gap between east and west.
Many of the sites to visit are outside Xian
and the surrounding countryside offers a treasure trove of historical
and religious relics of China. The most famous site is the Terracotta
Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose Mausoleum
lies close the warriors. Both these sights are to the east of
Xian. There are other less famous but equally fascinating places
worth visiting too. The Famen Temple claims to house the Buddha's
fingers and still draws crowds of practicing monks (and tourists)
to marvel at the fingers and the Tang dynasty treasures which
are kept here. The countryside around Xian is also attractive
and there are numerous mountains, including Mount Huashan which
are a great break from the city.
The easiest way to see the sights around
Xian is either to join an organized tour or to take the excellent
Green Bus tours. These buses leave from the Bell Tower in Xian
at regular intervals throughout the day. Riders purchase one ticket
which allows them to hop on and off as many of the buses as they
choose. Buses pass through the major sites approximately every
ten minutes and this is a great way to see the sites at your own
pace. The Eastern trip can be done in one day and includes: the
Ban Po Remains, the Huaqing Springs , Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum
and the Terracotta Army. The Western trip is further so allow
a long day for thi s one! To the west the Green bus passes through:
Xianyang City, the Imperial Tombs, Yang Gueifei's tomb and the
Famen Temple. Aside from being a major tourist destination
and historical city, today Xian is an important industrial and
manufacturing center. Despite the incredible history that Xian
carries, it is a modern and prosperous area. The nightlife here
is pretty up to date and Xian's University is considered to be
one of the best in China. As a result, the city has a large student
population who contribute to the cultural life of the city, making
Xian one of the most pleasant cities in China and an ideal place
to break the journey between Beijing and Shanghai. |
