Some Iconic Xian Travel Attractions
Xian is an ancient city rich with culture and history, offering visitors many sights to see beyond its most notable attraction – the Terracotta Army!
One of Xian’s main attractions is its city wall, one of the best preserved ancient military defensive systems in China. You can stroll or cycle along its length to experience old Xian. And everything is easily available through Cathay Pacific flights, including Hong Kong to Xian.
The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower
Bell Tower and Drum Tower are two of Xian’s most striking historic structures, situated less than 100 meters apart in its center. Built during the Tang Dynasty in 1380 (without nails!), these medieval towers remain as striking symbols of ancient Xian. Though no longer timekeepers themselves, both remain iconic landmarks that provide insight into its rich past as well as being outstanding examples of architecture in China as a whole.
Visitors to both towers can explore their interior and watch musical performances. A massive cowhide drum covered by full pieces can be heard ringing out at sunrise and sunset; additionally there are 24 smaller drums depicting Chinese characters to represent each of the 24 solar terms.
Travelers can get an insight into how the city used to function by walking or cycling along Xian’s old walls, which surround its central core. A walk or cycle along these walls provides travelers with an excellent vantage point from which they can admire its buildings.
One of Xian’s many attractions is its Big Wild Goose Pagoda, once used by pilgrims praying for good fortune and gathering to pray. Although not as tall or towering as other monuments in Xian, its unique design certainly stands out among all others monuments here.
Attractions to visit in Xian include exploring its iconic Terracotta Army, discovered only recently in 1974. Although access may require taking a short bus or train ride, its well worth your while – as this museum stands alone worldwide! Additionally, cycling around city walls or tasting local cuisine in Muslim Quarter may all make worthy stops as part of your exploration – only problem being time limitations prevent that! Click here for assistance planning your Xian visit.
The Mausoleum Site Museum
The Mausoleum Site Museum in Xian is an incredible attraction that showcases various ancient relics. Conceived as an archaeological museum to display finds from Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb in 1974 and since becoming one of China’s top attractions. Today it serves as an invaluable window into China’s past while serving as a cultural landmark and window into Chinese history.
The museum was constructed on an enormous scale, combining modern technology with ancient culture, history, and art from China’s past. It includes two parts – an above-ground mound and an underground palace – as well as replicating terra-cotta warriors buried with its first Emperor.
These funerary art relics were intended to protect an emperor in his afterlife. These statues feature numerous expressions and incredible detail; you could spend hours gazing upon their marvel. Xian is home to one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites – make sure not to miss visiting Mausoleum Site Museum during your stay here!
Emperor Qin Shi Huang was an extraordinary ruler who brought together all regions of China under his rule and standardized all aspects of society – writing system, unit of measurement and currency among them. To represent his efforts of unification as well as protect him against barbarian invaders that attempted to breach China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang built his mausoleum in Lintong District of Xian which could easily be reached from city center.
For an historic perspective of Xian, visit the Great Mosque of Xian. This sprawling complex serves as an active place of worship and features both Chinese and Muslim architectural influences – making it an excellent way to escape from bustling streets!
Once you’ve seen all the major historic sites in Xian, check out Tang Paradise – a massive theme park with modern constructions inspired by traditional Tang architecture that makes for an interesting exploration. Each evening there is also an incredible laser light show which makes this park even more spectacular.
The Muslim Quarter
Xian is known as one of China’s crossroads and nowhere does this become more evident than in its Muslim Quarter. Here, an intricate network of narrow alleyways are home to landmarks from Islamic, Jewish and Christian religions alike – such as Masjid Al Asqa, said to have been visited by Prophet Muhammad on his way back from Mecca at nighttime.
The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi is another highlight of Xian’s Quarter, believed to be the resting place of an emperor who used diplomacy rather than force to win power. The vast tomb complex houses both a museum and burial site – making it one of the more underrated attractions.
Rear of Drum Tower and Beiyuanmen main street lies an exciting area teeming with local street food vendors and restaurants, known as Muslim Quarter. Here you can sample some of Beijing’s finest cuisine – like their iconic Chinese hamburger (Rou Jia Mo).
Attractions to the Muslim Quarter for many visitors include its delicious cuisine – from Abu Shukri’s world-famous hummus to one of many bakeries offering Knafeh or sweetened milk tea that is ubiquitous around Xian, this part of Xian provides an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Muslim Quarter offers spiritual seekers even more to look forward to, including the Small Wild Goose Pagoda from 707-709. Built during Tang Dynasty during 707 and 708, it has since been declared one of China’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and features Buddhist scriptures instead of temple-related services. While damaged by earthquakes over time, its beauty should still make for an incredible sight that should not be missed when visiting Beijing.
Tang Paradise
Tang Paradise is a theme park built with architecture from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Covering an area of 1,000 mu and featuring 300 mu of water surface area, this attraction boasts one of the world’s largest water screen film shows and has won multiple awards.
The theme park features 14 cultural areas, such as an emperor culture area, women culture area, poetry cultural area, food culture area, tea culture area, imperial examinations culture area and song and dance culture area – each representing one aspect of Tang culture – making visitors feel immersed in its magnificent and splendid traditions. Visitors are transported into an immersive fairy tale world filled with mystery!
At Tang Paradise, one of the most exciting activities during Chinese New Year festival is watching lantern shows. Colorful large lanterns shaped into various cartoon figures and auspicious objects bring joyous colors into the park and add beauty. Other events and performances with strong regional styles are held as well, offering visitors some authentic Shaanxi snacks such as crumbled flatbread in mutton stew, steamed cold noodles or marinated meat baked bun.
While walking through the park, you will witness almost all of the architectural styles and designs associated with Tang Dynasty. Each building boasts its own fascinating legend; some even appear in novels or songs!
Fengmingjiutian Theater south of Purple Cloud Building is a modern royal theatre that presents “Dream of Tang Dynasty.” Enjoying this musical is truly magical experience!
Tang Paradise features many attractions for guests to experience including an Area of Tea Culture where you can feel like an ancient Chinese teahouse; an Area of Song and Dance featuring performance stages as well as Music; as well as dining in grand imperial banquet halls – an Area of Dining Culture featuring grand imperial banquet halls is also included in its offerings. Furthermore, this park has won multiple awards, such as first theme park to combine Tang Dynasty history with five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste); you are sure to be amazed by its spectacular beauty!