Qin Terracotta Army Museum A group of peasants digging a well north of Mount Lishan in Lintong county, about 18 miles (30km) from Xi'an, in 1974 unearthed fragments of a life-sized warrior figure. Because the site of the discovery was just one mile (2km) from the as yet unexcavated tomb of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, who ruled between 246 and 210 BC, archaeologists grew excited. Further excavation revealed several timber-lined vaults filled with thousands of greatly detailed terracotta soldiers and their horses and chariots: an entire army assembled in position to follow Emperor
Qin into eternity. The pits containing the army are now open to public viewing and thousands of visitors flock to gaze at the stunning array of figures with their vivid facial expressions. The Terracotta Army Museum consists of the original pit that was discovered in 1974, which has been enclosed within a hangar-like building to preserve the ranks of 6,000 soldiers found there. A second pit, containing 1,400 figures of cavalrymen, horses and infantrymen, and 90 wooden chariots, is also part of the museum. Visitors can also see Qin's Mausoleum and view almost 100 sacrificial pits containing the skeletons of horses, complete with hay, that were buried with him as well as about 20 tombs holding the remains of his counsellors and retainers. The emperor's tomb itself is under a 249ft (76m) high mound that has not yet been excavated, but is believed, according to historical records, to have contained rare gems and other treasures. Phone Number: (0)29 8139 9001 Transport: Bus 306 Hours: Daily 8am to 6pm Admission: ¥90 (March to November); ¥65 (December to February)
Shaanxi Provincial History Museum The graceful complex of buildings that constitute the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum in Xi'an's southern suburbs is built in the style of a Tang Dynasty pavilion, and is in itself worth seeing. The museum's exhibits, however, are even more breathtaking, consisting of 113,000 artifacts unearthed in the province and chronologically arranged in three exhibition halls. The exhibits cover the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Quing dynasties, as well as the prehistoric and bronze period. Transport: Bus 5, 24, 27, 527 or 610 Hours: Daily 9am to 5.30pm (15 November to February), 8.30am to 6pm (March to May, and 8 October to 14 November), 8.30am to 6.30pm (June to 7 October) Admission: ¥35
Banpo Village remains On a 538 square foot (50,000 sq meter) site east of Xi'an city, on the bank of the Chanhe River, are the remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5,000BC. The remains were discovered in 1953 by workers laying the foundations for a factory, and are the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world. The site contains the ruins of more than 40 homes, 200 storage pots, a collection of pottery and tools, a pottery-making center and more than 250 graves belonging to a matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture. There is an on-site museum, built in 1958, constructed over the excavation site with two smaller exhibition halls displaying the archaeological artifacts that have been unearthed at the site. Transport: Bus 11 or 105 Hours: Daily 8.30am to 5pm Admission: ¥20
Huaqing Hot Springs The hot springs about 22 miles (35km) east of Xi'an city, at the base of the Lishan Mountains, is where the ancient emperors bathed and relaxed in scenic surroundings. The spa has been operating since the days of the Tang Dynasty, and its warm (109°F/43°C) mineral waters, containing lime, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulphate, are still enjoyed by locals and visitors today. The waters are particularly recommended for the treatment of dermatitis, rheumatism, arthritis and muscular pain. The ancient imperial bathing pools can be visited, including the Hibiscus pool, dating from 712AD, which has been restored and is open to the public. There is also a fascinating museum at the site containing building materials from the Tang Dynasty. Another attraction at the Springs is the Hovering Rainbow Bridge. This bridge reflects the sunset in such a way that it appears to be a rainbow. Transport: Bus 306 Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm Admission: ¥70 (high season), otherwise ¥40
Great Mosque Pride of China's Islamic community, of whom about 60,000 live in Xi'an city, is the Great Mosque near the Drum Tower in the Muslim residential area. Islam came to China along with Arab merchants and travelers in around 600AD. The Great Mosque in Xi'an is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, having been built in 742AD during the Tang Dynasty. It is built in traditional Chinese style with platforms, pavilions and halls, and is rectangular in shape, divided inside into four courtyards. Visitors can explore the passages, courtyards and archways and admire the furniture and fittings, most of which date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The main prayer hall can accommodate 1,000 and its ceiling bears more than 600 classical scriptures in colorful relief. Address: Huajue Lane Hours: Daily 8am to 7.30pm. Non-Muslims are not allowed entry during times of prayer or into the main prayer hall Admission: ¥12
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
