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Xi'an Travel Guide: 1,074 reviews and 2,921 photos
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OK, for those of you who have not yet come to accept reality, China is a very old country. And Xi'an played a pivotal role in the early years of China.
Beijing is known for the Forbidden City and being the capital seat going back through the Qing and Ming dynasties, back to the early 12th century. However, Xi'an maintained the seat for much, much longer. For over 2000 years, 11 dynasties claimed Xi'an as their central headquarters.
But in modern times, Xi'an, like most of the world is changing. There is still evidence of its history, with the impressive city wall, the Drum and Bell Towers, and the Muslim quarter and mosque dating back to early 8th century (742AD). But all too quickly, high rises and modern structures are dominating the sky line and encroaching on the old. Currently, Xi'an is gaining a strong reputation in China as being a technology center, with reputable businesses and schools. The later, giving a larger population of youth, is probably a good catalyst for the development of the city, its nightlife and modernization.
After taking the public buses to see the Terracotta Warriors (the silent army buried to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang), I busied myself trying to get lost in the side streets. However it was not possible.
Unlike Beijing, any HuTong type neighbor hoods are not found, large modern buildings are butted directly up against many of the ancient sites.
The best, and in my searching pretty much the only, back-streets that are worth wondering are in the Muslim Quarter, immediately north and west of Drum Tower. There you can get lost (for a few hours) in a maze of continuous street vendors, food stands, stores and some interspersed historic sites. The M.Q. still has obvious ties, with the Ancient Mosque (dating back to 8th century), foods, storefronts with Arabic signs and most definitively, Muslims living in the area.
To the south are to large Pagodas, the Small and Big Wild Goose Pagodas. The Big pagoda is impressive but similarly is crowded with tourists and Chinese. The Small pagoda is beautiful to see, but has the extra benefit of being tucked on a smaller street and thereby is less frequented by the hordes of tourists.
- Pros:Muslim quarter, foods and traditions give a wonderful mix to the local culture.
- Cons:It is still be quiet in the off season, but otherwise is overrun by tourists.
- In a nutshell:The Tarracotta Warriors bring the people, but they should stay for the Muslim Quarters!
Reviews (4)
Ancient Academy St and Stone Forest...
Things to Do
(3)
There is a 570m long street that was revamped in 1990 and 1991 to recapture the ancient Ming and Qing-style store fronts... more travel advice
Horse stakes and Pagodas
Things to Do
(3)
In my opinion, the Big Wild Goose pagoda was a good visit, but the Xiaoyan (Small Wild Goose) Pagoda was much better.... more travel advice
How to get there...
Things to Do
(3)
OK, in the 100-some reviews, I did not see one person give a definitive answer on how to get to the Terracotta... more travel advice
Central, cheap and comfortable
Hotels
(1)
I booked on C-Trip for a signifigant discount and was pleased. The beds were on the firm side, but comfortable. The... more travel advice
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Comments (7)
Definitely on my "To Go" List!
Dave, thanks for your reply and these pages on China! I'm sure I will be learning more from you as I continue my research for our trip. Thanks!
Xian is a Chinese jewel for tourism with so much history. Cheers, SL :)
I really like your Xi'an pages, they're different to the usual 'everybody goes here' ones. Thanks :)
Mmmm, lot of history here Dave. Hey that bell tower is very different from ours here in Perth :o) Looking forward to reading more of your pages. Cheers, Ann :o)
francais??? dios mio, no mi gusta!! ( i AM Torontonian)ROAD TRIP!!!!
Good Tips and pics. My 16 year old daughter is going in summer for 3 weeks. She can't wait...I'm a nervous wreck!!