Modern technology hub and ancient Terracotta Warriors
May 25, 2013, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MODERN Xi'an is an important hub for science and technology. More than 10 percent of its population have college degrees, the highest proportion in China. The city has more than 400 scientific research institutions and one third of China's space technology capability.
Xi'an's transport network is also extensive, connecting the city by air, rail and road to most of China and also some international destinations - making it easy to visit for a stroll on the city wall. If you arrive by train, the first landmark to greet you as you step out of the railway station is actually the north-eastern part of the famous city wall.
The Xi'an city wall is one of the best kept of its kind in China, as well as one of the largest old military defence systems in the world, and an obvious attraction when visiting. It is by far not the only reason to visit, however.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang, discovered by local farmers digging a well in May 1974, should be on everyone's list of things to see - not just in China, but in the whole world. In the same scenic area of Lishan Mountain, there is also the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the earliest example of a grand mausoleum in ancient China.
In addition, the city also hosts historical sites such as the Dayan Ta, or the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, considered to be a symbol of ancient Xi'an. It was built at the suggestion of the eminent monk Xuanzang (AD 602-664), a Buddhist scholar, translator and traveller in the Tang Dynasty, whose journey to India was adapted into the classic novel "Journey to the West." After he returned from India, Xuanzang put forward the idea of building the pagoda to house the Buddhist scriptures he'd brought back.
If you go
Mercure Renmin Square: Reasonably priced at just over 400 yuan (US$65) per room per night. Conveniently located in the middle of Xi'an - inside the wall, of course - this hotel is part of a compound housing two other hotels and a host of restaurants and bars, as well as a gym and a selection of shops. (319 Dongxin St)
Xi'an's transport network is also extensive, connecting the city by air, rail and road to most of China and also some international destinations - making it easy to visit for a stroll on the city wall. If you arrive by train, the first landmark to greet you as you step out of the railway station is actually the north-eastern part of the famous city wall.
The Xi'an city wall is one of the best kept of its kind in China, as well as one of the largest old military defence systems in the world, and an obvious attraction when visiting. It is by far not the only reason to visit, however.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shi Huang, discovered by local farmers digging a well in May 1974, should be on everyone's list of things to see - not just in China, but in the whole world. In the same scenic area of Lishan Mountain, there is also the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the earliest example of a grand mausoleum in ancient China.
In addition, the city also hosts historical sites such as the Dayan Ta, or the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, considered to be a symbol of ancient Xi'an. It was built at the suggestion of the eminent monk Xuanzang (AD 602-664), a Buddhist scholar, translator and traveller in the Tang Dynasty, whose journey to India was adapted into the classic novel "Journey to the West." After he returned from India, Xuanzang put forward the idea of building the pagoda to house the Buddhist scriptures he'd brought back.
If you go
Mercure Renmin Square: Reasonably priced at just over 400 yuan (US$65) per room per night. Conveniently located in the middle of Xi'an - inside the wall, of course - this hotel is part of a compound housing two other hotels and a host of restaurants and bars, as well as a gym and a selection of shops. (319 Dongxin St)
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