Xi'an City Wall

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.

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.

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.

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