Rad Bad Nomad

The capital of the Shanxi Provence, Xian, is the most important city in the Northwest of China and is often considered one of the four major capitol cities of the ancient world, along with Athens, Cairo and Rome. Xian is famed all over the world for its extraordinary history, serving as the capital for 12 dynasties throughout a span of 1500 years. Xian is the base for studying Ancient China, bringing a diverse group of visitors year round.

Xian is one of the must-see places for me throughout Asia. From its Quinling Mountains to the South and its Weihe River to the North, not only is it a city of great history but the surrounding landscapes are incredible.

I have put together this list of the top ten places I would like to see in Xian and the surrounding area.

1. Terra Cotta Warriors.

      7000 soldiers, horses, weapons, and chariots staring you in the face.  Who wouldn’t want to see that?  Not me, except in this case of course.  Though they are all life size, they are made of pottery so I’m not to worried.  The museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors is one of my top five places to see in China. 

2.  The City Walls.

      This well preserved city wall was built to protect the city from uncivilized enemies.  The wall itself has guard towers on top and a moat at the base used to protect the city many years ago.  Nowadays you can go on a bicycle ride, jog or walk along the top of the wall all the way around the city.  I am looking forward to an illuminated city view from on top of the walls at night. 

3.  Banpo Museum.

      This village was built 6-7000 years ago by Neolithic people.  In this museum you can see the remains of 45 houses, 2 stables, 6 kilns, more than 200 stables, and about 250 graves.  

4.  Shanxi Provincial Museum.

      This is the largest comprehensive Museum in the Shanxi Province.  Displayed in this Museum are historic relics of past dynasties and art treasures and stone carvings from the Han and Tang dynasties.

5.  Wild Goose Pagoda.

      This is a well preserved ancient building and holy place for Buddhists.  It functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taking from India to be translated.

6.  Huaqing Hot Springs.

      For centuries emperors came here to bathe and enjoy the Hot Springs and great scenic beauty.  I think it would be amazing bathing in the same Hot Springs as emperors once did.  It has been a favorite spa of China since the Tang dynasty.

7.  Bell and Drum Towers.

      Originally the bell sounded at dawn and the drum sounded at dusk. These two separate towers show the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture and are well know throughout China. 

8.  Forest of Stone Steles Museum.

      This Museum holds more than 2,300 steles and inscribed tablets from many of the ancient dynasties.  It is known as the “stone-book warehouse” with its incredible treasures of calligraphic art.

9.  The Great Mosque.

      One of the oldest, largest and well-preserved Islamic Mosques in China.  I am looking forward to seeing the interesting mix of traditional Muslim and Chinese architecture styles.

10.  Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

      This show is suppose to embody characteristics of the music and dance of the Tang dynasty.  

      I am very excited to visit Xian, China and see everything that the city has to offer.  I will learn a lot of the Chinese culture and past Dynasties with my trip to Xian.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to comment on this post and I will respond as soon as possible.