Xi'an = More than Terra Cotta

My expectations for visiting Xi'an were admittedly pretty low. I thought the Terracotta Warriors would be awesome to see (which they were) but I'd heard that, that was about it for the city. Yet, when we left I felt like I hadn't seen enough!

After our Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses must-see tour, we headed to the Wild Goose Pagoda. But first, let me tell you a little more about Xi’an.

Xi’an is a city rich with history. Over 3,100 years old: it's the old capital of China, the eastern most end of the Silk Road as well as home to an abundance of ancient ruins, including the Terracotta Army. Due to it's location and historical power it's said that much Chinese traditional culture as well as influenced from trading with the Middle East and Europe.

Sights we saw in addition to the Terra Cotta...

Wild Goose Pagoda (Large): This Buddhist temple is still in operation with over 30 monks residing and practicing in the compound. The temple was built "in honor of" (I put in quotes because I'm not sure this is the correct translation) Xuanzang, a favorite of Emperor Gaozong, who traveled via the Silk Road to India and brought back a variety of Buddha figurines, relics and sutras. Lots of history on the actualy construction of the temple. In addition, there are some great panaoramic views of the city from the top! 

 

Panoramic View of Xi'an from the Top

Bell Tower (which is rung at dawn) & Drum Tower (which is struck at sunset): Both symbols of the city center that look great during the day and lit up at night!

Check out all those bats!

Bell Tower (front) Drum Tower (back)

Daytime Drum Tower

Bell Tower Legend: "In Ming Dynasty, several earthquakes struck the area, thousands were dead and injured. Then a legend appeared: There was a great river flowing across the center of Xi'an City. A dragon in the river was always active and caused trouble, so an earthquake occurred. An official of Xi'an government believed these words, so he ordered the blacksmiths of the whole city to make a several thousand feet of long iron chain in order to lock the dragon and sink it to river. He then ordered 5,000 craftsmen to repair the Bell Tower day and night in order to use the tower to restrain the dragon. He believed this would suppress the dragon firmly under the river and so it would no longer be active and cause trouble again. After establishing the Bell Tower, earthquakes never occurred in Xi'an again."

And here's the list of all the things in Xi'an we didn't get to see...

• The city's Muslim quarter, which is home to the Great Mosque of Xi'an.
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Stele Forest is famous for its numerous historic inscriptions and stoneworks
• The Famen Temple and its towering pagoda located on the city's outskirt
• Xi Ming Temple
• Wolong Temple at Kaitong lane
• Xingjiao Temple at Shaolin Yuan (where Xuanzang's Tomb lies)
• Jianfu Temple
• Blue Dragon Temple
• Wangji Temple
• The Banpo Neolithic village is located on the outskirt of the city proper
• The Qianling Mausoleum, one of the many Tang Dynasty era tombs located in Xi'an
• The Shaanxi History Museum has a large collection of artifacts both modern and ancient.
• Huaqing Hot Springs