China Spotlight: Top 3 Attractions in Xi’an

If you’re planning a sightseeing trip to China this summer, every region has its own unique landmarks, cuisine, and culture. In the province of Shaanxi, the city of Xi’an houses a variety of activities, from lively nightlife to ancient artifacts and architecture. Here are just three of the best tourist destinations in Xi’an:

Terracotta Warriors Museum

This UNESCO World Heritage site houses over 8,000 clay warriors and horses and approximately 10,000 weapons made of bronze. Every year, more artifacts are unearthed at this fascinating archaeological site. The assembly of clay warriors is part of the funerary goods of the first Qin Dynasty emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who passed away in 210 B.C. The terracotta army is said to be based on Qin’s actual army.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, much like Tokyo Tower or the Statue of Liberty, is the structure most associated with Xi’an. This massive 7-story pagoda was built over 1300 years ago when Xi’an was the capital of the incredibly wealthy Tang Dynasty. It is said to have been dedicated to a master monk named Xuanzang, who traveled to India to learn about Buddhism, and whose journey was later chronicled in the world-famous “Journey to the West”. During the evenings in the summer, locals young and old come to Big Wild Goose Pagoda to practice calligraphy with gigantic brushes.

Xi’an Muslim Quarter

According to Chinese historians, Xi’an is thought to be the starting point for the Silk Road, a historic trade connecting East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Xi’an, in particular, is heavily influenced by Islamic culture, art, and dress. You can find this to be especially true in Huimin Jie, or the Muslim Quarter, a local center for the Muslim Hui people of China. Here you can find more than 20,000 Hui Muslims and 10 mosques, as well as tons of wonderful street food and restaurants.

When you’re ready to see what Xi’an has to offer, don’t forget your US passport and China visa! Why wait weeks when you could have your passport and visa in mere business days? For more information on how to get your passport or visa expedited, call the experts at Texas Tower Houston at (713) 874-1420 today.