This north west province was the cradle of Chinese civilisation and the seeding-point of Han culture. The capital, Xi’an, also towered as both the start and end of the Silk Road. Xi’an is virtually a living history book: a visit here will bring you face-to-face with one of the world’s most significant historical sites, the tomb of Qin Shi Huang and his Army of Terracotta Warriors.
Xi’an
One of China’s most popular tourist destinations (and with good reason), a visit to this city will leave a true impression of China’s past. Xi’an is widely regarded as the greatest city in Chinese history, and is one of the world’s four great ancient cities. The city was the nation’s capital through some of it’s most significant periods and dynasties.
The tomb of Qin Shi Huang and his Army of Terracotta Warriors is the city’s worldly marvel: more than one thousand terracotta soldiers (each with a different facial expression) stand guarding the tomb. The Qin Emperor commissioned the building of the mausoleum when he was just 13 years old. 720 000 men laboured over 38 years to complete this enormous project.
The Xi’an City Wall is a landmark of this ancient city. This huge 600 year-old fortification imposes it’s 12 meter height in the form of a 14 kilometre (9 mile) rectangle around the ancient city area. The Xi’an Bell Tower, built over 600 years ago, is one of the landmarks of the ancient city. Located at the centre of Xi’an, it connects the four gates to the east, south, west and north of the Xi’an city wall.
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, located in the city’s south, is a historical Buddhist abode. A hop-scotch away, the Tang Dynasty Furong Garden showcases the magnificence of Tang Dynasty architecture and planning.
Modern Xi’an is a true travellers’ hub, with hotels, museums, restaurants and attractions to spare. Be sure to visit the Muslim Quarter where you can chow-down on almost all of Xi’an’s famous cuisines, like kebab, bread and mutton soup, soup buns, cold noodles and pulled-meat Chinese hamburger (a must-try!).
Huashan Mountain
One of China’s five sacred mountains, Huashan is located 120 kilometres (75 miles) away from Xi’an. The plank walk located at the south peak is considered as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world (good luck with that one). If dangling off narrow planks of wood bolted to the side of a cliff at 2000 feet in the air is not your thing then don’t despair. The mountain range has an array of other more sane hiking paths.
Baoji
Baoji is located in the western part of Shaanxi province. Visit the historical Famen Temple or scale the ever-snow-capped Taibai Mountain.
