Xi'an, Huashan Travel Guide: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Tower, Pagodas and more
Explore the ancient wonders of Xi'an, China, from the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army to the vibrant Muslim Quarter and the formidable City Wall. This guide unveils historical treasures, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Mount Huashan, promising an unforgettable journey through China's rich cultural heritage.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, buried with the emperor to protect him in his afterlife. The museum has three pits, with Pit 1 being the largest and most impressive.
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is a 600-year-old city landmark that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital, originally used to announce the time and now a museum with cultural relics. It is especially popular in the evening when it is lighted up.
Drum Tower
The Drum Tower was built in 1380 and houses many large drums, instruments, and antique furniture. Climbing to the upper floor offers a good view of the surrounding areas, and there are short musical performances featuring drums.
Xian Great Mosque
The Great Mosque of Xian is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China, built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty with a mix of Chinese and Islamic influences.
Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter is known for its numerous local specialty halal food restaurants and snack stores, offering dishes like Biang Biang noodles, Paomo, Rou Jia Mo, and Liang Pi.
Xi'an City Wall
Xi'an City Wall is the most complete and largest surviving ancient city wall in China, with a square-shaped circumference of 13.7 kilometers that surrounds the ancient downtown. Visitors can rent bikes to cycle the full or partial route.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 707 AD, is a 43.4-meter-high pagoda used to store Buddhist relics brought back from India and is part of the Xian Museum area.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD, is a 64.5-meter-high pagoda used to keep Buddhist relics from India, and visitors can pay an entrance fee to climb to the top for views of Xi'an.
Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City is a 1500-meter-long pedestrian shopping area with buildings emulating Tang style architecture, featuring malls, shops, restaurants, opera houses, and museums.
Mount Huashan
Mount Huashan is one of the 5 sacred mountains in China, consisting of 5 peaks (North, South, East, West, and Middle), with the West peak offering the best view and the South peak being the highest.
Shaanxi History Museum
A museum of Shaanxi history.