Xi’an: Unveiling the Unique Tourism Sites of China

Published : July 10,2023

By Gerald Mbanda

Xi’an city. Photo credit: @Gerald Mbanda

I had an opportunity to visit Xi’an city this summer and the experience was thrilling. The city is clean, green with wide roads. It is the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China once known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace). It is a tourist city with the Mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang who is credited as the founder of the first unified empire in Chinese history during the 3rd century BCE.

Xi’an city holds a prominent place in China’s rich cultural heritage. As the ancient capital of numerous dynasties, Xi’an showcases an incredible array of unique tourism sites that take visitors back in time. From the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors to the iconic City Wall, the bell tower and much more, the city offers a captivating journey through China’s past. Xi’an is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity.

The army of Terracotta Warriors, (Bingmayong) in their thousands of life-size, hand-molded figures said to have been buried with Emperor Qin, are likely to take the  facial looks of real warriors who existed in the time of emperor Qin.  

The life-sized sculptures, crafted over 2,200 years ago, stand as a testament to the might and grandeur of the Qin Dynasty. Marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship and the sheer magnitude of this underground army, with each warrior boasting unique facial expressions and intricate details. The accompanying museum offers a wealth of historical artifacts and insights into ancient Chinese culture.

Xi’an City is surrounded by a wall which represents one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls. It was built under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a military defense system.

The bell tower at the city’s  round about  still stands today and has a huge bell at the top which was rang at sun rise and sunset as a signal of opening and closing the city gates.

Photo Credit: @Gerald Mbanda

The bell tower was built in the 17^th year of Hongwu (1384AD) of Ming Dynasty. The tower is a mixed structure of bricks and wood, occupies an area of 1370 square meters and is 36 meters high with the typical architectual style of Ming Dynasty.

The big bell on top of the tower. Photo: @Gerald Mbanda

The City Wall is an iconic landmark and one of the best-preserved ancient fortifications in China. Spanning over 13 kilometers, the wall encloses the heart of the city, providing a magnificent panoramic view of Xi’an. Rent a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll along the top of the wall, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and modern vitality.

Photo: @Gerald Mbanda

Adorned with watchtowers, gates, and battlements, the wall exudes a sense of grandeur, transporting visitors to a bygone era. For a unique experience, visit during the evening when the wall is illuminated, casting a captivating glow over the ancient architecture.

Xi’an, boast of a unique tourist attraction at Qujiang New Area in one of the streets of the city. Thousands of people are seen day and night walking through the street.  From life size sculptures of prominent people, to ancient and modern architecture to real people dressed in ancient attire all make the visit enjoyable.

Photo: @Gerald Mbanda

At Qujiang New Area,what fascinated me most was to see poems of great poets like Du Fu hanging from trees  like  decoration lights, some of which you can see  in the background of the above photograph.

From its remarkable tourism sites, X’ian offers a captivating journey into ancient China’s glorious past. The Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, the Great Mosque, and the Shaanxi History Museum stand as testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring Xi’an allows visitors to understand the magnificence of ancient dynasties while also experiencing the vibrant blend of tradition and modernity that defines the city today. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Xi’an promises to leave an indelible mark on your journey through China.

Gerald Mbanda is a Researcher and publisher on China and Africa.  

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