Visiting Ancient Chang'an and Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China

Visiting Ancient Chang'an and Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China

Xian city in China

The city of Xi'an is the ancient capital of China and probably the most preserved and walled city in all China. It's a beautiful city, but the main reason why so many tourists come here is the Terracotta Army.

Xi'an city

Before we will get to the biggest tourist attraction of Xi'an, the Terracotta Army, let's start by visiting the city itself with its interesting places.

Fortifications of Xian City in China

Fortifications of Xi'an

One of the first things you will see heading old town will be fortifications of Xi'an, and to be more specific urban defensive walls, that were built in the 14th century under the Ming Dynasty to protect the town.

After some modernizations city walls are currently  40 feet height and 50 feet thick, which is really impressive. Fortifications of Xi'an are 9 miles long and have four huge gates with watchtowers witch clocks. These are handy because at certain hours the city bridges grant access to the city and on others, you won't be able to get there.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, China

While being here, make sure you will visit the south gate (called Yongning), as it is the most magnificent entrance and it leads to the great South Gate Square.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

You can find it inside the Da Ci’en Temple, about 4 kilometers south of the Xi’an city center. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Buddhist temple built in the 7th century by Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a pyramid shape 210 feet tall tower and has 7 levels. If you want to get inside, you will have to pay 50 CNY and if you want additionally get to the top, you will have to spend another 20 CNY.

Great Mosque of Xian. Source: Ronnie Macdonald / Wikipedia.

Great Mosque of Xi'an

The Great Mosque of Xi'an (called also Huajue Mosque) is the largest mosque in whole China, it was built during the early Ming dynasty and it's still active. It's also a very popular tourist attraction in the city.

The whole complex covers 12 000 square meters with more than 20 buildings and five courtyards. This is one of those places where we can really see how two completely different cultures could live in peace, without any conflicts and skirmishes. Especially that this Great Mosque looks more like a China temple rather than Middle East one.

Terracotta Army in Xian, China

Terracotta Army

To get to the Terracotta Army, you will have to spend minimum an hour as it's placed in Lintong district, far from the city center. You will probably wait one more hour to get inside, as there will be many tourists. Once you will make it, you will see some nice gardens and three pits in the archeological part. Despite all those people, I didn't regret spending all that time on waiting.

Once you will get inside, you will forget about everything. Those lines of Terracotta Army are just awesome! Every soldier is a bit different from another and has a different position in the army. You will also notice horses, archers, officers, and chariots. It was created by Qin Dynasty to make sure they will accompany him when he will die.

Terracotta Army in China

There are also two other pits with the soldiers, but a lot of smaller. Terracotta Army was the tourist attraction I always wanted to see and for me, it was one of the most interesting places in China and the most one in Xi'an.

Conclusion

While visiting China, if you have an opportunity to travel through the country, you shouldn't forget about Xi'an with its Terracotta Army. It's a great city with a lot of tourist attractions and interesting places. If you enjoyed this article or have any questions about China, Xi'an or Terracotta Army, feel free to leave me a comment in the section below.

Wojciech Kuźma

Hey there! My name is Wojtek and I am very happy that you came to my travel blog. I've been traveling the world for a few good years now and I still want more.

On my website I describe the adventures that have happened to me, you will also find here a collection of valuable tips for tourists and travelers. If you liked this article, be sure to leave a comment and read some more!


5.00 | 3 votes
Comments: 2
  •   30th March 2018, 12:14

    This is one of my dream destinations, Ive always wanted to see the Terracotta Army and the Xian city. Hope one day I will be able to travel there..

  •   18th April 2018, 18:17

    Working as a contгact paralegal hass ⅽomponents in its favor, and componeents which might be negative tto sⲟme people. If a way of journey andd pⅼeasure in your work life is what would swimsuit you tһhe best, freelancing maay very well be an ɑmazing choice for you!

Add comment Cancel reply
Name:
E-mail: (Won't be published)
Website:
Comment:

Table of contents

    Categories in this section