Xian, the eternal city, records the great changes of the Chinese nation just like a living history book. When you start your trip in China, Xian is the city you never miss to visit for life. The following 20 sights are the best shows of China's splendid history of civilization, if you want to know the glorious history of China, come here!
The Tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, the first royal cemetery in China, is the crystallization of people’s hardwork and wisdom. Its grandeur and mystery will really overwhelm you.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin, which is called “the eighth wonder of the world”, is the grave dumps of the Tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.
As the symbol of the old-line Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Kept under the pagoda is a stone tablet with an inscription made by a famous calligrapher in the tang Dynasty, which is an important relic.
Opened in 2005, Tang Paradise is the biggest Tang culture theme park which is praised as "Garden of History", "Garden of Nature" and "Garden of Human Culture".
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.
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 time each night in ancient times. Now, they are outstanding examples of the ancient architecture of Xian.
During the Tang Dynasty, the Emperor Xuanzong ordered large-scale construction by transforming spring wells into pools housed in walled palaces. These were called the “Huaqing Palace” and “the Spring Pool”. The Tang Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Lady Yang often came here for pleasure.
The Shaanxi History Museum is an obligation to be a showcase of ancient civilizations. Its architectural buildings, internal apparatus, and exhibits have made it famous as a first-class museum in China.
The Great Cien Temple
The Great Cien Tempe is the most famous and brilliant temple in ancient Xian. Once Longevity Monk Zang had been managing affairs of the temple here and established the sects of Buddhism.
The Palace of Qin
The depth of the palace reaches over 120m. Its dignified and distinguished-looking construction will undoubtly dim other buildings.
Mt. Huashan is one of the five sacred mountains in China, famous for precipitous crags, narrow and steep mountain paths.
Xian Museum
Xian Museum is the treasure house of 130,000 precious cultural relics belonging to several dynasties, which is a highly recommended attraction to be visited when you come to Xian.
Mt. LishanIt looks like a black steed, once was considered the place where the Goddess mended the sky. Especially at sunset, the whole mountain would be covered with a golden sunshine, which provides a quiet and peaceful spectacle.
Qian Mausoeum, the joint mausoleum of Emperor Gaozong and his empress Wu Zetian, is the only woman ruler in Chinese history.
It is the famous temple as dagoba for the fingerbone of Sakyamuni in the ancient times in China.
It is the Tomb of Chinese people’s ancestor Emperor Huangdi. In it stand several ancient cypresses. When you enter the mausoleum, you’ll feel like enter a family ancestral hall, which would make you awestruck.
It is the unique great waterfall in Yellow River as well as the second greatest one in China. You cannot feel its magnificence unless you go to visit in person.
The Remains of Lantian ManAccording to scientists, Lantian ape-man lived 500,000-600,000 years ago, considerably pre-dating Peking Man.
Banpo Village Remains
It is a village settlement of the earliest inhabitants of Xian, typical of the Neolithic Yangshao culture. It has a history of 6000 years now.
Covering an area of 12,000 squre meters, the Great Mosque is the best-known Islamic Mosque in Xian city. The distribution of pavilions, halls, towers and platforms in the mosque is compact and exquisite, blending the traditional architectural styles of Islam Han.