Attraction & Sightseeing In Xi'an

Brief Introduction

An old saying in China tells the unique position of this legendary city: "If you want to see China of 100 years ago, visit Shanghai; China of 500 years ago, Beijing; China of 2000 years ago, Xi'an".

As the cradle of Chinese culture, the city was capital to the first dynasty of China, and also many of its successors. The position as the cultural and political center of the country has left the city with a great heritage, whose physical and spiritual evidence still dominates the ancient city.

Many of the sites to visit are outside Xi'an and the surrounding countryside offers a treasure trove of historical and religious relics. The most famous site is the Terracotta Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose Mausoleum lies close the warriors. Both these sights are to the east of Xi'an. There are other less famous but equally fascinating places worth visiting too. 

The Famen Temple claims to house the Buddha's fingers and still draws crowds of practicing monks (and tourists) to marvel at the fingers and the Tang dynasty treasures which are kept here. The countryside around Xi'an is also attractive and there are numerous mountains, including Mount Huashan which are a great break from the city.

The easiest way to see the sights around Xi'an is either to join an organized tour. On top of these, the Xi'an City Defense Wall is the best kept wall in all of China's ancient cities. The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, both typical for China's ancient cities, are also in good condition, among the bustle of central modern Xi'an.

Sightseeing Index

	BanPo Neolithic Village		Dufu Memorial Temple		Emperor Qin Shihuang's Tomb
	Famen Temple		Forest of Steles		Huaqing Pool
	Huashan		Lintong Museum		Mount Lishan
	Bell Tower and the Drum Tower		Imperial Tombs		Large Wild Goose Pagoda
	Small Wild Goose Pagoda		Terracotta Warriors		Tomb of Concubine Yang
	Xi'an City Walls