Xi'an

The ancient capital

Information about Xi'An

Who would have thought 40 years ago that a pile of clay shards would make this city one of the most famous destinations on the globe? Certainly, Xi'an was twice a world city, first in the 1st century BC, then, more grandiose than ever, under the Tang dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries, when envoys, merchants and scholars from Japan, India, Ceylon, Persia and Arabia met here. But those prosperous times left few visible traces, and Xi'an would hardly be more important today than other provincial cities were it not for the ruins of the First Emperor's tomb guard army, which, painstakingly patched together, are experiencing their resurrection as an archaeological wonder of the world - the Terracotta Army. Indeed, buried in the soils of the area is the imperial history of two millennia, from the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty in the 11th century BC to the end of the Tang Dynasty in the 10th century.

Xi'an's largest structure is 12 km long, 12 m high, and up to 14 m thick at the crown. In the late 14th century, the wall was built on the foundations of the Tang-period palace district wall. It consists of a rammed earth core encased in bricks. Vehicular traffic flows through additional openings next to the rectangular gate bastions. The town moat was also preserved. After a previously demolished gap near the train station was bridged, a complete tour of the wall is possible - or a round trip by rental bike from the South Gate.

China's largest and most beautiful Chinese-style mosque delights with the tranquility of its garden courtyards and fine plant reliefs. The three-story, centrally placed "Tower of Conscience" functions as a minaret. Only worshippers may enter the prayer hall at the west end. The mosque is located in the middle of Xi'an's large Muslim Quarter, the only piece of the old city still intact. The alleys leading toward the mosque serve as a daily antique and flea market, and there are also plenty of cookshops, as well as some galleries in the alley leading north from the drum tower.

Interesting facts about Xi'An

Xi'an is the starting point of the Silk Road

The Great Mosque is the largest in China

In Xian live about 80.000 Muslims

There is also a Small Terracotta Army from the Han Dynasty (188 to 141 BC)

Pictures of Xi'An

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Highlights in Xi'An

Great Mosque

Nestled in the heart of Xi'an, the Great Mosque is a true testament to the harmonious blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century, stands as one of the oldest and most well-preserved mosques in China. With a rich history and distinctive design, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the ancient city of Xi'an.

China's largest and most beautiful Chinese-style mosque delights with the tranquility of its garden courtyards and fine plant reliefs. The three-story, centrally placed "Tower of Conscience" functions as a minaret. Only worshipers may enter the prayer hall at the west end. The mosque is located in the middle of Xi'an's large Muslim Quarter, the only piece of the old city still intact. The alleys leading toward the mosque serve as a daily antique and flea market, and there are also plenty of cook shops, as well as some galleries in the alley leading north from the drum tower.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Die Small Wild Goose Pagoda ist ein verborgenes Highlight im historischen Xi’an. Umgeben von einer idyllischen Gartenanlage, strahlt dieses Bauwerk aus der Tang-Dynastie eine besondere Ruhe und Harmonie aus. Entdecken Sie die filigrane Architektur, erfahren Sie mehr über die Geschichte des Buddhismus in China und genießen Sie die friedliche Atmosphäre abseits der großen Touristenströme. Ein Besuch der Small Wild Goose Pagoda ist ein unvergessliches Erlebnis für Kultur- und Geschichtsliebhaber auf Ihrer China Reise.

Taiji-Stunde im Lianhu Park

auche ein in die Welt des Taiji und erlebe diese jahrhundertealte chinesische Bewegungskunst direkt in Xi’an. Unter Anleitung eines erfahrenen Lehrers lernst du die fließenden Bewegungen und spürst, wie Körper und Geist in Einklang kommen. Egal ob Anfänger oder Fortgeschrittener – der Taiji-Kurs ist eine besondere Gelegenheit, die chinesische Kultur aktiv zu erleben und gleichzeitig Entspannung und neue Energie zu finden.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

This is probably the most famous pagoda in China - and one of the oldest, as the massive, 60 m high tower dates back to the 7th century. It was built by imperial order for the fireproof safekeeping of the holy scriptures that the Indian pilgrim Xuanzang (602-664) had brought with him from the homeland of Buddhism. The pagoda is part of the Ci'en Si monastery, whose halls were built in the 16th century. On a side wall of the rear hall, there is a depiction of Xuanzang carrying scrolls across the Silk Road in an ergonomically advanced back frame. Its counterpart, the somewhat lower Small Wild Goose Pagoda, 45 meters high, stands about 2 kilometers to the northwest near the south gate. It is a century younger, and also once served to safely store Indian sutras. From the roof of the pagoda, one has a beautiful view over the nearby surroundings of Xi'an.

Terracotta Army

In 1974 farmers first came across shards while drilling wells. Today, four pits are known where the grave guard army was placed. One of them was empty. The total number of figures, in addition to soldiers of various ranks, horses, is estimated at least 7,000.

The most impressive thing about the army of clay warriors isn't only the amount of them, but the fact that they have been created with different faces and clothes. The warriors reside in a burial site build for the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi. Although he died 210 BC, the site was buried underground and found just 2,000 years later

City Wall Xi'an

Xi'an, one of China's most historically significant cities, is home to an iconic relic of its past – the ancient City Walls. Stretching across the heart of Xi'an, these walls stand as a testament to the city's enduring legacy and the architectural marvels of ancient China.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty

Xi'an's City Walls have a rich history dating back to the early Ming Dynasty, specifically in 1370. Built under the orders of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, these walls were designed for defense and have successfully endured for over 600 years.

Massive Structure with Unique Features

Covering a distance of approximately 14 kilometers, the City Walls are among the most extensive fortifications in the world. They are not just walls but an architectural masterpiece, featuring unique elements like the watchtowers, a moat system, and the four main gates – Changle, Anding, Yongning, and Anyuan – each with its own historical significance.

A Journey on the Ancient Walls

Visitors to Xi'an can embark on a memorable journey by walking or biking on top of the City Walls. This experience offers panoramic views of the cityscape, revealing the stark contrast between the ancient and modern aspects of Xi'an. The walls are adorned with beautiful gardens, providing a serene escape from the bustling city below.

City Walls: Witness to Xi'an's Transformation

Over the centuries, Xi'an's City Walls have witnessed the city's transformation from an ancient capital to a bustling modern metropolis. This blend of history and progress makes these walls an essential stop for tourists seeking to delve into China's vibrant past.Xi'an's largest structure is 12 km long, 12 m high and up to 14 m thick at the crown. In the late 14th century, the wall was built on the foundations of the Tang-period palace district wall. It consists of a rammed earth core encased in bricks. Vehicular traffic flows through additional openings next to the rectangular gate bastions. The town moat was also preserved. After a previously demolished gap near the train station was bridged, a complete tour of the wall is possible – or a round trip by rental bike from the South Gate.

Drum and Bell Tower

The Drum and Bell Towers of Xi'an, two iconic landmarks nestled in the heart of the ancient city, are a harmonious blend of historical significance and architectural grandeur. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, these structures have remained integral to Xi'an's identity, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into China's rich past.

The Drum Tower stands tall with its magnificent wooden structure and commanding presence. Historically, it played a crucial role in the city's timekeeping, with the beating of the giant drum marking the hours of the day. Today, visitors can climb to the top and witness breathtaking panoramic views of the city, providing a unique perspective on modern Xi'an, juxtaposed with its historical roots.

Adjacent to the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower is equally captivating. This towering masterpiece, adorned with intricate artwork and intricate details, has a central role in Chinese culture. The ancient bells were struck to signify the start and end of the day, signaling time to the citizens. Its architecture reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics, adorned with eaves, dougong brackets, and carvings, making it a stunning example of Ming and Qing architectural styles.