In ancient times, as the beginning of the Silk Road, Xian was one of the transport junctions in China. Now, it is the axis from the east to the west China even to the countries in the western Asia. The extensive transportation system consisting of aviation, railways and highways connects Xian with the rest of the Chinese cities conveniently.
Before 1949, there were a few of flights arriving in Xian even in Shaanxi Province. In the 1990's, when more and more travelers came to Xian, local aviation has received a big boost. In 1991, the newly built Xianyang Airport was equipped with more comprehensive facilities and services, making Xian one of the most important aviation hubs in China. From the July, 1992, the scheduled routes from Xian to Hong Kong which were operated by Northwest Airlines built a new way of international communication for the inland city. Later that year, in October, the first international airline of Shaanxi Province was put into use, which connected to Nagoya, Japan via a transfer at Shanghai. Now, Xian Xianyang International Airport is one of the top ten airports in China. There are about 20 aviation companies opening numerous air routes to more than 70 domestic and 17 international destinations.
In the 1930s, the city also saw Shaanxi Province's first railway between Tongguan and Xian constructed. It is one vital section of the Long-Hai Railway which links the east coast to the western hinterland, passing through five provinces of China. At present, Xian is the junction of several railways, taking transportation of the neighboring cities, such as Zhengzhou, Lanzhou and Chengdu. Xian Railway Station was originally built in 1934, praised to be one of the extra large passenger stations of China. In addition, it is a vital station along the New Euro-Asian Continental Bridge.
Being the capital of 13 dynasties in ancient times, the overland transportation of Xian has a long and splendid history. Once, Xian was the largest commodity communication and trade center on the Silk Road, stretching to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. However, the first highway was constructed in 1921 while automobiles were put into use the next year. In 1990, the 23.9 kilometers (14.9 miles) Xi (Xian)-Lin (Lintong) Expressway was accomplished, which was the first expressway in Shaanxi Province. Currently, Xian has a dense highway system, expanding to the other parts of Shaanxi Province as well as the nearby cities. In addition, with the full use of the Xian Express Loop Highway in 2000, these peripheral highways are connected to the urban area of Xian City effectively.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Subway to Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi An
Xi’an is building a subway which would connect the downtown of Xi’an and the the Linton District which is the location of the terracotta warriors and horses museum. The total distance of the subway track would be 30km. The subway and the Terracotta Warriors Museum station is expected to be completed by 2013. This is a major investment for the city to boost the world-famous Qin tomb tourism.
The underground trip from the city center to the Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum is expected to take 50 minutes, down from the current one hour by expressway
Xi’an, famous for its buried army of terracotta warriors, mosques, pagodas and the splendid city walls, began building its first underground line in 2006, in an effort to ease traffic congestion. The east-west Line 1 will pass the terracotta warriors museum.
The Linton district receives 7.5 million tourists every year, including 500,000 from overseas. The terracotta army was discovered by chance in 1974 and the tomb that it “guards” has since been excavated, yielding many treasures.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Shanxi travel guide 3
Shaanxi is also abundant in natural beauty beyond its rich historical legacy. As one of the five best-known mountains in China, Mt. Huashan, 120 kilometers (or 46 miles) east of Xian, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and awe-inspiring landscape. The Hukou waterfall on Yellow River, the second biggest one in China, is very overbearing and magnificent. And Moutain Lishan and the nearby Huaqing Hot Springs are very attractive. Their beautiful legends will bring you into a moving love story between emperor Xuanzong and a beauty named Yang Yuhuan.
Shaanxi is both a base area of Chinese new-democratic revolution and a place with unique folk customs. The loud resounding Shaanxi opera, the joyous clattering of gongs and drums, the exquisite cut - paper art and the peasants' paintings full of a rich flavor of life attract more and more tourists' attention from home and abroad.
Shaanxi is both a base area of Chinese new-democratic revolution and a place with unique folk customs. The loud resounding Shaanxi opera, the joyous clattering of gongs and drums, the exquisite cut - paper art and the peasants' paintings full of a rich flavor of life attract more and more tourists' attention from home and abroad.
Shanxi travel guide 2
What to see
There are many historic places to be seen. One of the oldest is the Banpo Village Remains, the site of a 6,000-year-old village which belongs to the Neolithic Age. In the capital city, Xian, you can see the City Wall, which was begun in the Han Dynasty, a century before the Christian era, and is now the largest and most well-preserved ancient wall, existing in China. Xian Forest of Stone Steles Museum boasts a largest collection of the stone tablets in China, 114 of which are engraved with 'classic' texts. In or near the city are 72 ancient tombs and remains, including the mausoleum of the Tang emperor Xuanyuan (the Yellow Emperor), who initiated Chinese civilization. There are many more ancient structures and temples such as the Big Goose Pagoda built in 652, Famen Temple, Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The highlight of a Shaanxi tour for many visitors is the amazing Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses who guard a site honored as the Eighth Great Wonder of the world.
There are many historic places to be seen. One of the oldest is the Banpo Village Remains, the site of a 6,000-year-old village which belongs to the Neolithic Age. In the capital city, Xian, you can see the City Wall, which was begun in the Han Dynasty, a century before the Christian era, and is now the largest and most well-preserved ancient wall, existing in China. Xian Forest of Stone Steles Museum boasts a largest collection of the stone tablets in China, 114 of which are engraved with 'classic' texts. In or near the city are 72 ancient tombs and remains, including the mausoleum of the Tang emperor Xuanyuan (the Yellow Emperor), who initiated Chinese civilization. There are many more ancient structures and temples such as the Big Goose Pagoda built in 652, Famen Temple, Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The highlight of a Shaanxi tour for many visitors is the amazing Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses who guard a site honored as the Eighth Great Wonder of the world.
Shanxi travel guide 1
Shaanxi Province is located in the very heart of China. Boasting a population of more than 36 million in an area of over 200,000 square kilometers (about 77,225 square miles), Shaanxi includes most of the middle stretch of the Yellow River. It borders Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, Gansu and Ningxia.
When to go
Shaanxi Province's climate is temperate and semi-arid in the north and subtropical and humid in the south. Annual average temperature of Shaanxi is between 8C and 16C and its annual rainfall averages from 400 millimeters to 1,000 millimeters. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Shaanxi, since the winters are cold and summer is often rainy.
History
Shaanxi Province is one of the most important cradles of ancient Chinese civilization. As far back as one million years ago, some of China's earliest inhabitants lived in this region, and began spreading their culture along the life-sustaining Yellow River. Throughout the province's long history, there are 13 dynasties who established capitals here, including the Zhou, the Qin, the Han, and the Tang. Because of this rich history, cultural relics and ruins are plentiful, and may be found preserved both above - and underground. So Shaanxi is called the 'authentic history museum' in China.
Site of the CCP Secretariat
Occupying an area of 540,000 square meters (about 133 acres), the Date Garden-site of the CCP Secretariat is eight kilometers (about five miles) away from Yan'an. There are twenty cave dwellings (a kind of traditional house for people in northern Shaanxi Province, usually carved out of hills made up of compacted earth), along with over eighty tile-roofed houses and one assembly hall. It was originally a garden of a warlord and at one time had also been used as the site of the CCP Secretariat from October 1943 to March 1947. As an important revolutionary site, it has now become a famous revolutionary tourist attraction.
A lot of historically meaningful events took place in the Date Garden during the period between 1943 and 1947. The Chinese people won the Anti-Japanese War and The Seventh National Congress of CPC was held. Fully prepared for the situations following the Anti-Japanese War, the central government broke Kuomintang (KMT)'s dream to start the civil war across the country. All these events are closely linked to the fate of the whole nation.
There are 815 pieces of cultural relics exhibited within the garden, most of which are regarding its revolutionary history. In the garden some of the former residences, including those of Mao Zedong (1893 - 1976), Zhu De (1886 - 1976, a great general), Liu Shaoqi (1898 - 1976, Chinese communist political leader), and Zhou Enlai (1898 - 1976, first premier of the PRC) and the assembly halls are open to the public. Xinfu Penstock flows across the yard of the garden. This penstock was built by the Eighth Route Army (led by the Chinese Communist Party during the Anti-Japanese War) to facilitate the irrigation of nearby fields. Local people had benefited a lot from the penstock, so they called it Xinfu Penstock which means blessedness.
A lot of historically meaningful events took place in the Date Garden during the period between 1943 and 1947. The Chinese people won the Anti-Japanese War and The Seventh National Congress of CPC was held. Fully prepared for the situations following the Anti-Japanese War, the central government broke Kuomintang (KMT)'s dream to start the civil war across the country. All these events are closely linked to the fate of the whole nation.
There are 815 pieces of cultural relics exhibited within the garden, most of which are regarding its revolutionary history. In the garden some of the former residences, including those of Mao Zedong (1893 - 1976), Zhu De (1886 - 1976, a great general), Liu Shaoqi (1898 - 1976, Chinese communist political leader), and Zhou Enlai (1898 - 1976, first premier of the PRC) and the assembly halls are open to the public. Xinfu Penstock flows across the yard of the garden. This penstock was built by the Eighth Route Army (led by the Chinese Communist Party during the Anti-Japanese War) to facilitate the irrigation of nearby fields. Local people had benefited a lot from the penstock, so they called it Xinfu Penstock which means blessedness.
yan'an cave-house
Located on the Loess Plateau in North Shaanxi, Yan'an is a famous tourist destination in that region. Its combination of a long history, distinctive culture and a large variety of historical sites and cultural relics provides visitors with the opportunity to see a typical North Shaanxi city with its appealing folk customs.
The tourist attractions in Yan'an largely fall within the following four categories:
Yan'an is recognized as a place changing the destiny of China as during the war times. Before the founding of New China, it used to be the citadel of the CCP for 13 years and consequently has many revolutionary sites and martyrs' cemeteries. There are many sites in the urban area of Yan'an including Wangjiaping Site, Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Museum, Site of the Former Offices of the CCP Central Committee - Yangjialing, Date Garden - site of the CCP Secretariat, Fenghuang Hill Site, Memorial Hall for Journalism and Publication, etc. To the north is the Wayaobao Site while to the south is the famous Nanniwan. In addition, the northwest Wuqi County boasts that it was the site where, in 1935, the Chinese Red Army ended the Long March.
Yan'an has many historical sites and ancient constructions. It claims to be the birthplace of the Chinese Nation manifested by Huangdi Mausoleum Scenic Spot; about 170 kilometers (about 106 miles) south of Yan'an. The mausoleum is a memorial to the legendary Huangdi who is considered to be the Chinese first ancestor. You can go there by bus at Yan'an Long-Distance Bus Station on Dongguan Street in the city center. The buses depart every half an hour between 6:50 and 17:20. Or you can hire a car to go there. Generally, the fare is CNY 1 per kilometer and you can negotiate the price with the driver. There are also other attractions such as the Tang Dynasty Wanfeng Pagoda and Fuxian Pagoda to the north of the Huangdi Mausoleum, the Dugong Memorial Temple in the city center and the Zhongshan Grottoes in the north Zichang County.
In recent years, the folk customs and distinctive culture of the Loess Plateau have drawn tourists to Yan'an. The special cave dwellings of Yan'an and various folk art forms have attracted growing numbers of visitors. Consequently, the Yan'an Folk Culture Village, the Ansai Culture and Antiques Museum and the Luochuan Folk Museum become popular among tourists.
Natural scenery is another important tourist attraction for visitors to Yan'an. The magnificent Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River on the east border of Yan'an is a must-see during your trip. The only daily tourist bus bound for Hukou Waterfalls departs from Yan'an South Bus Station about 400 meters (about 1300 feet) north of the railway station at 6:50 in the morning. The fare is CNY 26 per person and the whole journey takes you about four hours. The bus will stay at the scenic spot for two hours before returning. Hired car is also a good choice when traveling there about 180 kilometers (about 112 miles) from Yan'an City. Other scenic spots including the Yan'an Pagoda Hill, the Fenghuang Hill, the Qingliang Hill, and the Wanhua Hill which boasts China's largest group of wild peonies as well as various forest parks will all provide tourists with good places for relaxation.
The tourist attractions in Yan'an largely fall within the following four categories:
Yan'an is recognized as a place changing the destiny of China as during the war times. Before the founding of New China, it used to be the citadel of the CCP for 13 years and consequently has many revolutionary sites and martyrs' cemeteries. There are many sites in the urban area of Yan'an including Wangjiaping Site, Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Museum, Site of the Former Offices of the CCP Central Committee - Yangjialing, Date Garden - site of the CCP Secretariat, Fenghuang Hill Site, Memorial Hall for Journalism and Publication, etc. To the north is the Wayaobao Site while to the south is the famous Nanniwan. In addition, the northwest Wuqi County boasts that it was the site where, in 1935, the Chinese Red Army ended the Long March.
Yan'an has many historical sites and ancient constructions. It claims to be the birthplace of the Chinese Nation manifested by Huangdi Mausoleum Scenic Spot; about 170 kilometers (about 106 miles) south of Yan'an. The mausoleum is a memorial to the legendary Huangdi who is considered to be the Chinese first ancestor. You can go there by bus at Yan'an Long-Distance Bus Station on Dongguan Street in the city center. The buses depart every half an hour between 6:50 and 17:20. Or you can hire a car to go there. Generally, the fare is CNY 1 per kilometer and you can negotiate the price with the driver. There are also other attractions such as the Tang Dynasty Wanfeng Pagoda and Fuxian Pagoda to the north of the Huangdi Mausoleum, the Dugong Memorial Temple in the city center and the Zhongshan Grottoes in the north Zichang County.
In recent years, the folk customs and distinctive culture of the Loess Plateau have drawn tourists to Yan'an. The special cave dwellings of Yan'an and various folk art forms have attracted growing numbers of visitors. Consequently, the Yan'an Folk Culture Village, the Ansai Culture and Antiques Museum and the Luochuan Folk Museum become popular among tourists.
Natural scenery is another important tourist attraction for visitors to Yan'an. The magnificent Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River on the east border of Yan'an is a must-see during your trip. The only daily tourist bus bound for Hukou Waterfalls departs from Yan'an South Bus Station about 400 meters (about 1300 feet) north of the railway station at 6:50 in the morning. The fare is CNY 26 per person and the whole journey takes you about four hours. The bus will stay at the scenic spot for two hours before returning. Hired car is also a good choice when traveling there about 180 kilometers (about 112 miles) from Yan'an City. Other scenic spots including the Yan'an Pagoda Hill, the Fenghuang Hill, the Qingliang Hill, and the Wanhua Hill which boasts China's largest group of wild peonies as well as various forest parks will all provide tourists with good places for relaxation.
yan'an travel guide
Situated in Northern Shaanxi Province on the Loess Plateau, Yan'an overlooks the middle reaches of the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese Civilization. Yan'an, called 'Yanzhou' in ancient times, has a history stretching back about 1,400 years and it has long been the political, economic, cultural and military center of North Shaanxi. Nowadays it is a city which boasts one district and twelve counties. Holding a prominent place in Chinese military history, Yan'an is a revolutionary holy place in China. It used to be the military headquarters during the Chinese Anti-Japanese War (1937-1945) and China's War of Liberation (1945-1949) and was the location of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.
This checkered past means that those who are interested in Chinese modern revolutionary history and the Yan'an Spirit which was exhibited in 1942, and is still evident today, or those who want to examine the colorful folk customs and culture of the Loess Plateau, should make sure that they visit Yan'an. The city has as many as 140 revolutionary sites, including Wangjiaping Site, Yangjialing Site, Date Garden, Pagoda Hill, Nanniwan, etc. It has also a number of historical sites such as Huangdi Mausoleum, Zhongshan Grottoes as well as natural scenic spots including Hukou Waterfalls of the Yellow River, Fenghuang Hill and Wanhua Hill. There truly is something for everyone to see.
Being of a temperate continental monsoon climate, Yan'an is an ideal place for you to visit all year round especially in summer. Yan'an used to be a poor city but, in recent years, it has seen great changes including economic advancement, especially the development of some tourism-related industries and infrastructure construction. As a result, transportation in Yan'an is convenient today. It is easily accessible by air, train or coach. As well, buses and taxies facilitate easy transportation within the city. The accommodation in Yan'an is generally considered to be inexpensive, convenient and comfortable.
In addition, the abundant special local products, delicious Yan'an snacks, distinctive folk customs and various folk art forms of peasant painting, paper-cut, drum art, and folk songs are also appealing to visitors. You will no doubt find your trip to Yan'an very special and memorable.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sian travel guide
Xi'an is one of China's eight ancient national capitals and the home of the famous Terracotta Army. It served as China’s capital for ten dynasties, spread intermittently over a 1,100 year period from 221 BC. This was the significant year when the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shihuang, united China for the first time. China derives its name from Emperor Qin.
Xi’an is situated in the center of the Weihe Plain, bounded by the Weihe River in the north and the Qin Mountain Range in the south. Xi’an’s main tourist attractions include: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, The Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Huaqing Hot Springs, Banpo Museum, The Forest of Steles , The Great Mosque, Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple.
The ten dynasties when Xi’an (Western Peace), then called Chang’an (Perpetual Peace), was the capital of China are as follows: Qin (221-206 BC at Xianyang just northwest of Xi’an), Western Han (200-8 BC), Xin (8-23 AD), Eastern Han (191-195), Western Jin (313-316), Wei (535-557), Zhou (556-581), Tang (618-690), Zhou (690-705) and Tang (705-904). Xi'an has a great number of precious relics and historical sites, some dating back to its times as capital. More than 4,000 historical sites and tombs have been excavated.Xi'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road that extended from Asia to Europe and played an important role in cultural exchange between the East and West in ancient times. Read more about Xi'an.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Xiangji Temple
Xiangji Temple, located in Weiqu, Chang’an district, 17 kilometers to the south of the Xian City, was built in the Year two in the Reign of the Emperor Zhongzong in Tang Dynasty (706AD). The main builder of the temple is monk Huai Yun for mourning the death of his master monk Shandao who was a renowned monk in Tang dynasty and believed to be one of the initiators of a branch of Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism. Referring to the origin of name of the temple, there are two versions. One says that the temple is named after a river called Xiangji once near the temple in Tang Dynasty. Another saying tells that the temple’s name “Xiangji” roots in Sutra, which is the name of an ancient Indian Buddha, meaning heaped fragrance.The highlight of the temple is the Shandao Dagoba, 33 meters high, built in 680AD. It was the simulated architectural woodwork made in green bricks. Experiencing the wind and storm, the top two stories of the pagoda had worn away with the baptism of history, leaving only 11 stories. There are twelve saddle-backed half-naked carved Buddhas stenciled on the dagoba, which are very delicate. Besides, the dagoba is also carved with the regular script of diamond Sutra. Undergoing the chaos caused by wars during Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties, the temple was in disrepair for many years and today’s temple is the layout after the renovation in Year 37 in the Reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty.
The Site of Chang'an of the Han Dynasty
The Site of Chang'an of the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) is located about five kilometers northwest of today's Xi'an city, the capital of Shaanxi Province. Chang'an city was first built during the period of the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-25AD). The ruins of this city are just separated by Longshouyuan Mountains from the ruins of another city, the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD), which was also named Chang'an. The Chang'an city of the Han Dynasty was very large in area with exquisite designs and layout. As a proof of the long history and deep culture of today's Xi'an city, this city had always served as the political, economic and cultural center during the two hundred years in the Western Han Dynasty. And this area nowadays is under state-level protection.It took the ancient people more than 90 years to finish the construction of the whole city. It could be divided into three phases. At that time, inside this city there were numerous luxurious palaces, great mansions and big temples. The most famous places included Changle (it means forever happiness) Palace, Weiyang (it means that something has not ended) Palace and Jianzhang Palace. In the year 202BC, Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, ordered to repair the original Xingle (it means thrived and happy) Palace from the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), and renamed it Changle Palace. After that he began to construct his capital city as well as handle the state affairs in Changle Palace. According to historical records, Liu Bang ordered to build Changle Palace as soon as he and his army came to Chang'an city, and as a result, this palace was one of the earliest palaces in the city. Other palaces were built much later than this one, such as the Jianzhang Palace, which was constructed actually more than 80 years later during the reign of Emperor Wu (Wu means valiant), and Chang'an city was also renovated and enlarged at that period. The famous Kunming Lake, which was mentioned in the poem of Du Fu, a famous poet in the Tang Dynasty, was also constructed at Emperor Wu's reign.
In the year 199BC, the emperor decided to build Weiyang Palace on the west side of Changle Palace in order to accommodate his big royal family. This was the first phase in the construction of Chang'an city, during which some giant palaces were built.
Then in the year of 194BC, during the reign of Emperor Hui (Hui means kind), the original city walls were repaired and rebuilt. The whole project lasted more than four years and ended in September, 190BC. This was the second phase.
The third phase began much later, starting with the construction of Jianzhang Palace. In the year 104BC, when Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he ordered to build the Northern Palace, Gui Palace, Mingguang Palace, and Jianzhang Palace. In the meanwhile, Shanglin Garden and Kunming Lake were also constructed in the western part of the city, where Jianzhang Palace was located. When these projects were all finished, the whole construction and renovation of capital city came to an end. This was the last phase.
The whole Chang'an city in the Han Dynasty had a circumference of 25.7 kilometers, covering an area of 36 square meters. However, the shape of the city was not a regular rectangle. It actually looked like the shape of the Big Dipper. As a result, the city was nicknamed Big Dipper City. The streets in the city were all in quite reasonable layouts, with eight big main streets, 160 alleys and nine districts. All the streets were very flat and wide, and they were 12 times as wide as today’s railway tracks. On either side of the streets, trees were planted, including Chinese locust trees, elms, pines and cypresses, which were densely distributed and could create large shade at summer. In its golden time, the whole city had a population of over 300,000. It was regarded as one of the earliest big cities in Chinese history.
The positions of most original streets in Chang'an city of the Han Dynasty could not be fully figured out by experts at present. In the northern part of the city, there used to be nine big markets, of which one was specially used for book trade. All the markets had their own special functions, which could reflect the prosperity of the capital city.
According to the archeological materials and the results of excavations, the city walls of the Chang'an city were all constructed with yellow earth. With a height of 12 meters and width of 12 to 16 meters, the walls were protected by a three-meter-deep moat, which was as wide as 8 meters. According to excavation results, there were altogether 12 big gates and 36 smaller ones, and the two numbers were in accordance with historical records.
With the renovation and enlargement project finished under the order of Emperor Wu, there was no more construction work ever done after his reign. Between the Han and the Tang Dynasties, there were another five small kingdoms establishing their capitals here, including Former Zhao, Former Qin, Later Qin, Western Wei and Northern Zhou, which were all small kingdoms or states during the period of Northern and Southern Dynasties (420AD-581AD). In addition, two famous leaders of peasant uprising in Chinese history including Huang Chao in the Tang Dynasty and Li Zicheng in the Ming Dynasty (1368AD-1644AD) both used to establish their capitals here for a short period. According to historical materials from the period between the Han and the Tang Dynasties, generally speaking, there were more than 88,000 permanent families living in the city of Chang‘an with a total population of over 240,000, making it one of the biggest and most prosperous cities in the world at that time.
What's more, during the process of excavation work on the site of Chang'an city in the Han Dynasty, relics of big wooden bridges were discovered, which were quite rarely seen in China. Nowadays all the Chinese people hope that the ancient relics of Chang'an city could be protected better. It is hoped to exist so long that all the human beings in the world would be able to learn as much as possible about the great ancient Chinese civilization.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Ruins of Daming Palace
As an imperial palace with a large scale of buildings constructed in the early Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD), Daming Palace at that time was situated in the northern part of Chang'an City, namely Xi'an, which was the capital of the Tang Dynasty. Just like all the other traditional Chinese architectures, Daming Palace was constructed facing the south, with a grand atmosphere and occupying a commanding position. This palace was first built in the year 634AD, the eighth year of Emperor Taizong, who was the second emperor of the Tang 
Dynasty. At that time, it was named Yong'an Palace and Yong'an means 'forever safety' in Chinese. The emperor built this palace as the summer palace for his father, who however died before the whole project was finished. Then the next year the palace was renamed Daming Palace. After that the name of this palace was changed twice, and not until the year 705AD was the name finally changed back to Daming Palace again.
This palace covered a large area at that time with a lot of terraces. It was 2.5 kilometers from north to south and 1.5 kilometers from east to west, with eleven palace gates in total. The whole palace was as large as 3.2 square kilometers. The main gate of the palace was Danyang Gate and the main hall was Hanyuan Hall, on the north of which was Xuanzheng Hall, with the prime minister and other high rank officials' offices, the imperial academy and the hall preserving historical materials on its two sides. In addition, there were another more than thirty constructions, including annex buildings, pavilions, gardens and temples. From the reign of Emperor Gaozong, the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Daming Palace became the political center of the Tang Dynasty. In spite of wars and fires in history, the ruins of Hanyuan Hall, Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Lingluan Attic, Xifeng Attic, Taiye Pool and Penglai Pavilion could still be seen today.
In the history, the area of Chang'an used to be the symbol of wealth, honor and beauty. In the West Han Dynasty (207BC-25AD), this area was the buffer zone between the capital city and Bashang Plateau, which was the most important strategic military fortification of the Han Dynasty, and it was also the only way leading to the central part of China. This piece of land was on the southern slope of Longshouyuan Montain, and the fortifications built here protected the capital city. This place had also been considered to be a valuable land with a good geomantic omen by the ancient Chinese people for hundreds of years. From the Western Han Dynasty to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420AD-589AD), rich people and high rank officials always built their tombs here, while the poor and the other common people never had the opportunity to make use of this land. Later in the Sui Dynasty (581AD-618AD), this place was listed as the private property of the royal family. The whole area was 27 kilometers from east to west and 23 kilometers from north to south. Royal gardens, recreational constructions, pavilions, lakes, and attics were all built inside, making it a paradise of the royal family members.
After the founding of the Tang Dynasty in 618AD, it became much more important in politics, because Daming Palace was built here. Daming palace has been considered to be a masterpiece in the history of Chinese architecture. The name of the palace---Daming, in Chinese means great sunshine, symbolizing the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. However, two hundred years later during Emperor Xizong's reign, this splendid palace was destroyed by fire in wars. The prosperity and the beautiful sceneries disappeared in the fire, but its great historical value still exists today. Even though many of the original architectures in the Daming Palace are no longer existed, but the original city walls and the city gates have been very well protected. The great foundations of Hanyuan Hall, Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Dafu Hall and Danfeng Gate are still standing there today, more than 10 meters above the ground. They still look wonderful and great. When visitors come to visit this area, facing the ruins of the original great palace, they will have a special feeling and understanding of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
In the Song (960AD-1279AD) and Yuan (1271AD-1368AD) Dynasties, big lakes, high trees and great forest were also distributed here. Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, used to live in this area. Later Anxi Palace, which was the mansion of the provincial governor, was constructed here. Marco Polo also wrote something about this place in his travelling book, and he described it in this way, 'this place used to be the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty, and nowadays it is still quite beautiful and serene. Anxi Palace has been founded here and the architectures are so magnificent, with decorations of lacquers, paintings, golden leaves, silver adornments, and numerous marble stones. There are even precious birds and rarely-seen beasts raised inside.'
After the Yuan Dynasty, this area gradually became less and less prosperous, small villages and farmlands were distributed. Without the original prosperity, the old Daming Palace and the great past of this piece of land were forgotten little by little by many of the Chinese people.
It is said that in the Tang Dynasty when the workers were constructing the Daming Palace, an ancient bronze mirror was dug out from the ground. Then Wei Zheng, a famous official from the court found that it was actually a precious treasure of Qinshihuang, a great emperor who united China in 221BC and set up a large country. This mirror was believed to be quite powerful and magical, because people could see clearly the inside of their bodies from it. More importantly, the emperor could be able to tell the loyalty of his officials and even the future of his country from this mirror. When the construction of the palace was finished, the mirror was put inside as the most important treasure of the whole palace. Rumors at that time abounded in the capital city that great bright light from Daming Palace could be seen by people living all over the city. However, it is just a legend and still needs to be investigated by experts. But the Daming Palace, which is a typical example of the royal architecture from the Tang Dynasty, could be compared with today's Forbidden City in Beijing, because of its solemn, majesty, elegance and luxury.
Dynasty. At that time, it was named Yong'an Palace and Yong'an means 'forever safety' in Chinese. The emperor built this palace as the summer palace for his father, who however died before the whole project was finished. Then the next year the palace was renamed Daming Palace. After that the name of this palace was changed twice, and not until the year 705AD was the name finally changed back to Daming Palace again.This palace covered a large area at that time with a lot of terraces. It was 2.5 kilometers from north to south and 1.5 kilometers from east to west, with eleven palace gates in total. The whole palace was as large as 3.2 square kilometers. The main gate of the palace was Danyang Gate and the main hall was Hanyuan Hall, on the north of which was Xuanzheng Hall, with the prime minister and other high rank officials' offices, the imperial academy and the hall preserving historical materials on its two sides. In addition, there were another more than thirty constructions, including annex buildings, pavilions, gardens and temples. From the reign of Emperor Gaozong, the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Daming Palace became the political center of the Tang Dynasty. In spite of wars and fires in history, the ruins of Hanyuan Hall, Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Lingluan Attic, Xifeng Attic, Taiye Pool and Penglai Pavilion could still be seen today.
In the history, the area of Chang'an used to be the symbol of wealth, honor and beauty. In the West Han Dynasty (207BC-25AD), this area was the buffer zone between the capital city and Bashang Plateau, which was the most important strategic military fortification of the Han Dynasty, and it was also the only way leading to the central part of China. This piece of land was on the southern slope of Longshouyuan Montain, and the fortifications built here protected the capital city. This place had also been considered to be a valuable land with a good geomantic omen by the ancient Chinese people for hundreds of years. From the Western Han Dynasty to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420AD-589AD), rich people and high rank officials always built their tombs here, while the poor and the other common people never had the opportunity to make use of this land. Later in the Sui Dynasty (581AD-618AD), this place was listed as the private property of the royal family. The whole area was 27 kilometers from east to west and 23 kilometers from north to south. Royal gardens, recreational constructions, pavilions, lakes, and attics were all built inside, making it a paradise of the royal family members.
After the founding of the Tang Dynasty in 618AD, it became much more important in politics, because Daming Palace was built here. Daming palace has been considered to be a masterpiece in the history of Chinese architecture. The name of the palace---Daming, in Chinese means great sunshine, symbolizing the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. However, two hundred years later during Emperor Xizong's reign, this splendid palace was destroyed by fire in wars. The prosperity and the beautiful sceneries disappeared in the fire, but its great historical value still exists today. Even though many of the original architectures in the Daming Palace are no longer existed, but the original city walls and the city gates have been very well protected. The great foundations of Hanyuan Hall, Linde Hall, Sanqing Hall, Dafu Hall and Danfeng Gate are still standing there today, more than 10 meters above the ground. They still look wonderful and great. When visitors come to visit this area, facing the ruins of the original great palace, they will have a special feeling and understanding of the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
In the Song (960AD-1279AD) and Yuan (1271AD-1368AD) Dynasties, big lakes, high trees and great forest were also distributed here. Kublai Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, used to live in this area. Later Anxi Palace, which was the mansion of the provincial governor, was constructed here. Marco Polo also wrote something about this place in his travelling book, and he described it in this way, 'this place used to be the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty, and nowadays it is still quite beautiful and serene. Anxi Palace has been founded here and the architectures are so magnificent, with decorations of lacquers, paintings, golden leaves, silver adornments, and numerous marble stones. There are even precious birds and rarely-seen beasts raised inside.'
After the Yuan Dynasty, this area gradually became less and less prosperous, small villages and farmlands were distributed. Without the original prosperity, the old Daming Palace and the great past of this piece of land were forgotten little by little by many of the Chinese people.
It is said that in the Tang Dynasty when the workers were constructing the Daming Palace, an ancient bronze mirror was dug out from the ground. Then Wei Zheng, a famous official from the court found that it was actually a precious treasure of Qinshihuang, a great emperor who united China in 221BC and set up a large country. This mirror was believed to be quite powerful and magical, because people could see clearly the inside of their bodies from it. More importantly, the emperor could be able to tell the loyalty of his officials and even the future of his country from this mirror. When the construction of the palace was finished, the mirror was put inside as the most important treasure of the whole palace. Rumors at that time abounded in the capital city that great bright light from Daming Palace could be seen by people living all over the city. However, it is just a legend and still needs to be investigated by experts. But the Daming Palace, which is a typical example of the royal architecture from the Tang Dynasty, could be compared with today's Forbidden City in Beijing, because of its solemn, majesty, elegance and luxury.
the Tang Paradise
The Tang Paradise, situated in Qujiang Economic Development District, south of the Xian city, is the first and largest cultural theme park of the Royal Park of Tang Dynasty in China. It is the largest simulated Tang-style building complex in the world. Located in the site of the relic of original royal garden, the Tang Paradise recurs the prosperity of Tang Dynasty from various aspects: architecture, culture, business, politics, entertainment, sports and arts. Almost everything in the Tang Paradise is in Tang style such as the cloth of the workers and actors, the music, the dance, the food and the drink. Visitors to the Tang Paradise will surprisingly to find they come back to the ancient China in Tang Dynasty.The Tang Paradise can be divided into six districts: the District of Tang Traditions and customs where visitors can enjoy the splendid culture of Tang Dynasty; the District of Business Exchange featured with a business and culture street in Tang style; the District of Entertainment and Sports characterized by a series of recreations and games in Tang Dynasty; the District of Theme Catering where visitors can experience the Imperial Banquet personally; the District of High-grade Hotels and the Children’s Garden. Among them, the District of Tang Traditions and Customs is the most popular destination thanks to its large-scale Tang-style singing and dancing performances called Tang Dynasty Show and the water-screen movies which is the largest in the world.
Southern Wutai
Southern Wutai is one of the most holy places for Buddhists. It lies 30 km south of Xian.
On this lush and beautiful mountain stand five peaks, respectively named, Qingliang, Wenshu, Sheshen, Lingying and Guanyin. Driving by car to the top of the mountain takes only 20-30 mins. Climbing the mountain by foot offers the most enjoyable and outstandingly beautiful views.
Experience the many streams and crossing bridges, while traversing through bamboo with views of the temple resting on its slope as birds
muse above. Absorb the ancient edifices of Shengshou Temple, Shengbao Spring, Zhizhu Temple, Guanying Dais, Wufo Palace, along the peaceful ascent, as an early styled replica called "Dusong Pavillion serves as a resting place for visitors.
Southern Wutai has been a famous Buddhist place as well as a resort for the emperors of a series of dynasties past. It is part of the Zhongnanshan National Forest Park which boasts the name of "natural park of plants and animals." Once inside, one will thoroughly enjoy the diverse range of views that the park has to offer in all of its seasons.
On this lush and beautiful mountain stand five peaks, respectively named, Qingliang, Wenshu, Sheshen, Lingying and Guanyin. Driving by car to the top of the mountain takes only 20-30 mins. Climbing the mountain by foot offers the most enjoyable and outstandingly beautiful views.
Experience the many streams and crossing bridges, while traversing through bamboo with views of the temple resting on its slope as birds
muse above. Absorb the ancient edifices of Shengshou Temple, Shengbao Spring, Zhizhu Temple, Guanying Dais, Wufo Palace, along the peaceful ascent, as an early styled replica called "Dusong Pavillion serves as a resting place for visitors.Southern Wutai has been a famous Buddhist place as well as a resort for the emperors of a series of dynasties past. It is part of the Zhongnanshan National Forest Park which boasts the name of "natural park of plants and animals." Once inside, one will thoroughly enjoy the diverse range of views that the park has to offer in all of its seasons.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Terracotta warrior chess 2
About 2000 years ago the Emperor of Qin in China recreated his entire army in detailed terracotta to be buried with him when he passed on. Now you can have your own specially crafted army ready to fight your chess battles with the Terracotta Warrior Polystone Chess Set. The remarkable detail have made Qin`s warriors one of the most well-known and respected icons of Chinese artistry from ancient times.
As the first emperor of China and the man whose name became the word “China’ in the West. His tomb, opened in the 1970`s. The man and the myth combine perfectly in this classic chess set, peopled by Emperor of China and his retinue of courtesans and warriors.Durable polystone pieces, made from a mixture of polyurethane resin and powdered stone, have a satisfying weight and texture that will appeal to casual players and collectors alike.
Terracotta Warrior Chess
About 2000 years ago the Emperor of Qin in China recreated his entire army in detailed terracotta to be buried with him when he passed on. Now you can have your own specially crafted army ready to fight your chess battles with the Terracotta Warrior Polystone Chess Set. The remarkable detail have made Qin`s warriors one of the most well-known and respected icons of Chinese artistry from ancient times.
As the first emperor of China and the man whose name became the word “China’ in the West. His tomb, opened in the 1970`s. The man and the myth combine perfectly in this classic chess set, peopled by Emperor of China and his retinue of courtesans and warriors.Durable polystone pieces, made from a mixture of polyurethane resin and powdered stone, have a satisfying weight and texture that will appeal to casual players and collectors alike.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Called Jianfu Temple, a Small Wild Goose Pagoda, it is one of the two important landmarks of the ancient metropolis of Tang Dynasty (the other is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda). Built in the Years of Jinglong reign (707-709 A.D.), 55 years after the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the pagoda is so named because, it is smaller than the latter. It was part of the well known Buddhist temple Xianfu and was renamed Jianfu in 609 A.D. by empress Wuzetian, the only empress in China's history.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a fifteen-storey multi-eave, square brick structure. Originally, it was 46 meters
high but now only 43.3 meters, because its steeple was destroyed. It has a square pedestal and a huge first storey, whose sides measure 11.38 meters long each. Doors on the north and south sides of the first storey have frames built of black stone. Carved on the lintel are images of arhats and designs of grasses, their excellent workmanship reflects the artistic style of the early Tang Dynasty. The pagoda has fifteen pent roofs. Each storey is very low with small windows only on the south and north sides to let in light and air. The eaves are formed by designs in the shape of chevrons and fifteen tiers of overlapping bricks, each tier wider than the one below, thus making the eaves curve inward, a characteristic of multi-eave pagodas in the Tang Dynasty. The exterior of the pagoda tapers gradually from the bottom. From the first to the fifth storey it tapers very little, but from the sixth storey up, it reduces drastically, giving the pagoda a smooth curved contour. The tubular interior of the pagoda has wooden flooring and a winding flight of wooden steps leading to other storeys, but there is little space and it is rather dark inside the pagoda. Since people cannot look at the view from the top of the pagoda, it was not built for people to climb up.
In the 1200 years history of its existence, there have even been many "magic healings" of the Pagoda. In 1487, there was an earthquake of 6 points on the Richter scale and a one-foot crack formed in the Pagoda from the top to the bottom. However, in 1521, 34 years after the quake, there came another one. The crack healed overnight, which amazed the local people. Therefore they began to call it the "Magic Healing". In September 1555, an official from the capital, named Wang He, stayed in the temple for a night on his way home. After he heard the story of the "Magic Healing" from a monk called Kan Guang who had personally witnessed the incident, out of disbelief, he engraved this story on the lintel of the Pagoda's north gate. However, when repair work started after 1949, it was found that the healing was not "magic", but "human". The early builders of the pagoda had made the foundation into the shape of a hemisphere in accordance with the geographic nature of Xi'an. The foundation therefore evenly divided the stress of the earthquakes. Thus, after enduring 70 quakes, the pagoda still stands as firm as when it was first established. Looking at this, we can only admire the marvelous workmanship of the ancient builders. In 1555, there was another earthquake in Huaxian County of this province. As a result, the top two storeys of the pagoda were destroyed and the present structure has only 13 storeys. In 1965, the Government embarked on a repair program on the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the spirit of "returning the old to the original". The body of the pagoda was enforced with steel and concrete. Every brick, every piece of stone was checked or replaced. The stair- case of the pagoda was also rebuilt. And a lightening rod was fixed on top of the pagoda as well.
Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a fifteen-storey multi-eave, square brick structure. Originally, it was 46 meters
high but now only 43.3 meters, because its steeple was destroyed. It has a square pedestal and a huge first storey, whose sides measure 11.38 meters long each. Doors on the north and south sides of the first storey have frames built of black stone. Carved on the lintel are images of arhats and designs of grasses, their excellent workmanship reflects the artistic style of the early Tang Dynasty. The pagoda has fifteen pent roofs. Each storey is very low with small windows only on the south and north sides to let in light and air. The eaves are formed by designs in the shape of chevrons and fifteen tiers of overlapping bricks, each tier wider than the one below, thus making the eaves curve inward, a characteristic of multi-eave pagodas in the Tang Dynasty. The exterior of the pagoda tapers gradually from the bottom. From the first to the fifth storey it tapers very little, but from the sixth storey up, it reduces drastically, giving the pagoda a smooth curved contour. The tubular interior of the pagoda has wooden flooring and a winding flight of wooden steps leading to other storeys, but there is little space and it is rather dark inside the pagoda. Since people cannot look at the view from the top of the pagoda, it was not built for people to climb up.In the 1200 years history of its existence, there have even been many "magic healings" of the Pagoda. In 1487, there was an earthquake of 6 points on the Richter scale and a one-foot crack formed in the Pagoda from the top to the bottom. However, in 1521, 34 years after the quake, there came another one. The crack healed overnight, which amazed the local people. Therefore they began to call it the "Magic Healing". In September 1555, an official from the capital, named Wang He, stayed in the temple for a night on his way home. After he heard the story of the "Magic Healing" from a monk called Kan Guang who had personally witnessed the incident, out of disbelief, he engraved this story on the lintel of the Pagoda's north gate. However, when repair work started after 1949, it was found that the healing was not "magic", but "human". The early builders of the pagoda had made the foundation into the shape of a hemisphere in accordance with the geographic nature of Xi'an. The foundation therefore evenly divided the stress of the earthquakes. Thus, after enduring 70 quakes, the pagoda still stands as firm as when it was first established. Looking at this, we can only admire the marvelous workmanship of the ancient builders. In 1555, there was another earthquake in Huaxian County of this province. As a result, the top two storeys of the pagoda were destroyed and the present structure has only 13 storeys. In 1965, the Government embarked on a repair program on the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the spirit of "returning the old to the original". The body of the pagoda was enforced with steel and concrete. Every brick, every piece of stone was checked or replaced. The stair- case of the pagoda was also rebuilt. And a lightening rod was fixed on top of the pagoda as well.
Qinling Wildlife Park
The Qinling Wildlife Park is the biggest wildlife park in Northwest China, with a total area over 133 hectares. There are more than 10000 rare wild animals from over 300 species in the park. The Qinling Wildlife Park consists of two parts: the Animal houses and Enclosures District and Prairie District.
The Animal Houses and Enclosures District, with a total floor space of 130,000 square meters, house over 8000 animals belonging to 260 species, including giant pandas, lesser pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Bengal tigers, kangaroos, elephants, sea lions, sea dogs, hippos, white tigers and various kinds of rare birds.
The Prairie District can be divided into to parts: the Vegetarian Zone and the Predator Zone, coving a total area of 490,000 square meters. Visitors should take a sightseeing bus into the Prairie District. In the Vegetarian Zone, there are various kinds of vegetarian from different regions around the world, such as the white-lipped deer living only in China, the rare Himalayan tahr living only in the southern region at the foot of Mountain Himalaya; the zebra, gnu, antelope from Africa and so on. The Predator Zone is located in the southern part of the Qinling Wildlife Park. Visitors can appreciate the beasts of prey in very close distance, which will be very exciting and of course the visitors’ security can be safeguarded in the well-equipped sightseeing bus
The Animal Houses and Enclosures District, with a total floor space of 130,000 square meters, house over 8000 animals belonging to 260 species, including giant pandas, lesser pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, Bengal tigers, kangaroos, elephants, sea lions, sea dogs, hippos, white tigers and various kinds of rare birds.
The Prairie District can be divided into to parts: the Vegetarian Zone and the Predator Zone, coving a total area of 490,000 square meters. Visitors should take a sightseeing bus into the Prairie District. In the Vegetarian Zone, there are various kinds of vegetarian from different regions around the world, such as the white-lipped deer living only in China, the rare Himalayan tahr living only in the southern region at the foot of Mountain Himalaya; the zebra, gnu, antelope from Africa and so on. The Predator Zone is located in the southern part of the Qinling Wildlife Park. Visitors can appreciate the beasts of prey in very close distance, which will be very exciting and of course the visitors’ security can be safeguarded in the well-equipped sightseeing bus
Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang
Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang ( also called Mausoleum of the First Qin Empero) stands on the foot of Lishan , 30km east to Xi'an. Its south backs on to the Lishan and its north touches the Wei River. The big Mausoleum integrates with the Lishan mountains, offering unique landscape for sightseeing.
In 246 BC, after Qin Shihuang (means "the first emperor of the state of Qin" in Chinese) ascended the throne of Qin ( a state in that period), he ordered to build his final resting palace. This authoritative emperor left behind the world with great achievement and mysterious royal mausoleum as well. The construction
lasted 38 years, confiscating over 720000 corvees and prisoners. Modern surveys of the site show that the mausoleum is indeed divided into an inner sanctuary and outer city. According to historical record, the mausoleum originally has 250000 sq. meters built—up area in the bottom and 115m high. Unfortunately, because of erosion and man-made breach, the mausoleum currently remains 120000 sq. meters in the bottom and 87 meters high. Around the mausoleum, there are lots of accompanying Mausoleums, which consist of 56.25 sq. km Mausoleum area. In addition to the discovered Terracotta Warriors Vaults and Bronze Horses Vault, there are more vaults containing other relics being discovered recently. As time goes by, it's bound to discover more relics. Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang boasts a Chinese history museum, therefore, it's well-known to the outside world.
In 246 BC, after Qin Shihuang (means "the first emperor of the state of Qin" in Chinese) ascended the throne of Qin ( a state in that period), he ordered to build his final resting palace. This authoritative emperor left behind the world with great achievement and mysterious royal mausoleum as well. The construction
lasted 38 years, confiscating over 720000 corvees and prisoners. Modern surveys of the site show that the mausoleum is indeed divided into an inner sanctuary and outer city. According to historical record, the mausoleum originally has 250000 sq. meters built—up area in the bottom and 115m high. Unfortunately, because of erosion and man-made breach, the mausoleum currently remains 120000 sq. meters in the bottom and 87 meters high. Around the mausoleum, there are lots of accompanying Mausoleums, which consist of 56.25 sq. km Mausoleum area. In addition to the discovered Terracotta Warriors Vaults and Bronze Horses Vault, there are more vaults containing other relics being discovered recently. As time goes by, it's bound to discover more relics. Mausoleum of Qin Shihuang boasts a Chinese history museum, therefore, it's well-known to the outside world. Louguantai Wild Animal Breeding and Protection Centre
There are many rare and endangered animals at the Louguantai Wild Animal Breeding and Protection Centre in Zhouzhi County. The Centre is based approximately 76 kilometres (1.5 hours) from Xian. It is the first crested ibis breeding centre in China. Apart from crested ibis, there are also many other rare animals including giant pandas, golden monkeys, black bears, leopards, giant salamanders, peacocks, antelope, white lipped deer, musk deer, vulture and owl.
As one of the fifty rarest birds in the world, the crested ibis is r
egarded as an "Oriental treasure" and has been afforded special protection in China. In the last century the bird widely spread over Asia. China, Japan, Russia and many other Asian countries were once habitats of the crested ibis. As a consequence of the widespread destruction of forests and wetland habitats, and the illegal hunt for its long white breeding plumage, the species declined dramatically to a population of hundreds. The bird, somewhat like the Chinese egret, is extraordinary beautiful, with red cheeks, a hooked beak and white plumage. It was regarded as a symbol of happiness and good luck by the ancient Chinese and was even called the "bird of auspiciousness"
Shanxi is the only habitat for this rare bird in China. The Louguantai Crested Ibis Breeding Centre is a famous breeding base for the crested ibis away from its original birth places. 21 crested ibis have been bred over the last year and there are more expected this year. To help them avoid distraction from outsiders, workers here put each "couple" in an enclosed huge netting cage.
A Giant Panda Breeding Centre is also under consideration which will be the fourth of its kind in China after that in Wolong, Sichuan, Chengdu, and Beijing
As one of the fifty rarest birds in the world, the crested ibis is r
egarded as an "Oriental treasure" and has been afforded special protection in China. In the last century the bird widely spread over Asia. China, Japan, Russia and many other Asian countries were once habitats of the crested ibis. As a consequence of the widespread destruction of forests and wetland habitats, and the illegal hunt for its long white breeding plumage, the species declined dramatically to a population of hundreds. The bird, somewhat like the Chinese egret, is extraordinary beautiful, with red cheeks, a hooked beak and white plumage. It was regarded as a symbol of happiness and good luck by the ancient Chinese and was even called the "bird of auspiciousness"Shanxi is the only habitat for this rare bird in China. The Louguantai Crested Ibis Breeding Centre is a famous breeding base for the crested ibis away from its original birth places. 21 crested ibis have been bred over the last year and there are more expected this year. To help them avoid distraction from outsiders, workers here put each "couple" in an enclosed huge netting cage.
A Giant Panda Breeding Centre is also under consideration which will be the fourth of its kind in China after that in Wolong, Sichuan, Chengdu, and Beijing
Lishan Mountain
Lishan Mountain, a north-side branch of the Qinling Mountains, reaches 1256 meters and over 20 km long from east to west. From a distance, the mountain is spectacular and imposing as it appears like a bold stallion about to gallop. The mountain also has been described as being so attractive and charming that there are now many folk tales attached to it.
The mountain is home to some ancient and historic buildings. Among th
em is the Laojun Palace and the relics of Huaqing Palace Court. It once served as the sacred place for worshipping Laozi, the founder of Taoism.
Another is Bingjian Pavilion, a place in memory the Xi'an Incident on 12, Dec,1936, General Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng ordered his army to arrest their president to persuade the leader to unite the whole country to fight against the Japanese invasion.
Standing atop the Lishan Mountain, one can enjoy the magnificent sunsets and sunrises that will make your visit memorable.
The mountain is home to some ancient and historic buildings. Among th
em is the Laojun Palace and the relics of Huaqing Palace Court. It once served as the sacred place for worshipping Laozi, the founder of Taoism.Another is Bingjian Pavilion, a place in memory the Xi'an Incident on 12, Dec,1936, General Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng ordered his army to arrest their president to persuade the leader to unite the whole country to fight against the Japanese invasion.
Standing atop the Lishan Mountain, one can enjoy the magnificent sunsets and sunrises that will make your visit memorable.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Huxian county folk painting
Huxian County in Shaanxi Province is wee-known throughout the country for its unique folk paitings. Amazingly, all thoese artists are peasants who have never received any kinds of trainings on painting. They are natural painters. Those peasant artists have become world-renowned for portraying the ordinary aspects of county life on blackboards and newspapers and in large murals. Acclaimed for their inventive style, the paintings have generated interest both at home and abroad, where they've been displayed in such countries as the United States, Singapore and Australia.
Hukou Waterfall
Hukou Waterfall, lo
cated at the intersection of Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province, some 400 kilometers from Xian, is the second largest waterfall in China.
It is a great pleasure that a visitors should not miss in the Yellow River Basin. The mighty Yellow River, the second largest river in China, surge its way form the Qinghai Province to the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces where it suddenly found its way through a narrow valley blocked by mountains on both sides. The riverbed abruptly narrows down from 300 meters to 50n meters, turning the placid water to rapids. The tremendous water splashes on the rock, forming a magnificent waterfall of 15 meters high and 20 meters wide, as if the water is pouring down from a huge teapot, hence the name Hukou( means mouth of teapot). The scene can be overwhelming, water stirs up masses of smoke and clouds, with color turning from yellow to grey, grey to blue. The locals call this awesome scenery "smoke from river".
Over history, a number of prominent poets and painters once traveled here. Wowing at the grand view, they left numerous works giving high honor of the waterfall.
cated at the intersection of Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province, some 400 kilometers from Xian, is the second largest waterfall in China.It is a great pleasure that a visitors should not miss in the Yellow River Basin. The mighty Yellow River, the second largest river in China, surge its way form the Qinghai Province to the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces where it suddenly found its way through a narrow valley blocked by mountains on both sides. The riverbed abruptly narrows down from 300 meters to 50n meters, turning the placid water to rapids. The tremendous water splashes on the rock, forming a magnificent waterfall of 15 meters high and 20 meters wide, as if the water is pouring down from a huge teapot, hence the name Hukou( means mouth of teapot). The scene can be overwhelming, water stirs up masses of smoke and clouds, with color turning from yellow to grey, grey to blue. The locals call this awesome scenery "smoke from river".
Over history, a number of prominent poets and painters once traveled here. Wowing at the grand view, they left numerous works giving high honor of the waterfall.
HuaShan Mountain
Huashan Mountian is located some 240 kilometers away from Xi'an, approximately a two and half hours drive. It is one of the five sacred mountains in China. Huashan Mountain is well-known for its sheer cliffs and plunging ravines. It is the most dangerous mountain in China for climbers.There are five peaks in the mountain, among which the most famous three are Sunrise Peak( East Peak), Lotus Flower Peak( West Peak), Falling Goose Peak( South Peak). The Sunrise Peak is a fine place to enjoy the sunrise view in early morning, which is frequented by travelers. Huashan means flower mountain and it got the name from the Lotus Peak, which resemble a beautifully blooming lotus flower. The falling Goose Peak is the highest among the five. The two other less visited are Jade Maiden( Middle Peak, legend goes that a jade maiden once saw riding a white horse among the mountains hence the name) and Cloud Stand Peak( North peak).. The path to the 2158 summit is nearly vertical, which now is equipped with iron chains to protect climbers. The climb to its summit makes it clear how the impenetrable mountain repelled those invaders over centuries.
Renewed as a sacred mountain, Huashan boast a lot of religious heritages. Buddhism and Daoism temples, pavilions, buildings and scriptures scatter around everywhere. The most famous historical sites include Yuquan Courtyard, Zhenwu Palace, Jintian Palace and much more.
Cable cars are available and take tourists to the northern summit of the mountain. If you want to challenge your endurance and physical strength then choose to climb the mountain. However, you are kindly advised to begin your arduous journey early in the morning, even before the sunrises, this way during your trek you can be lucky enough to nourish your aching body with the breath-taking sunrise which dances over the horizon when you reach the summit at morning.
HuaQing Hot Spring
At the foot of Lishan mountain and 30 km from the historic city Xi'an, Huaqing Hot Springs – also called Huaqing Palace – has been a famous hot spring resort for centuries. Lying close to the capital Xi'an, with the charming scenery of Lishan as a backdrop, the natural hot springs has held great attraction for the emperors who set their capital in the northwest China province of Shaanxi. Since the Zhou dynasty, a series of feudal rulers of Qin, Han, Sui, Tang and other short-lived dynasties took this well-sited place as their temporary palace. Huanqing Pool also served as an ideal place for
the poets and scholars to compose their masterpieces. Thus it has been an integral part of Chinese culture throughout the ages; in any historical period we can find a lot of Chinese literature that has something to do with the Huaqing Hot Springs place.
The history of the Huaqing Hot Springs dates back to clan society, when primitive Chinese tribes established their villages there. In A.D. 644, the Tang dynasty ruler Li Shimen ordered the construction of Tangqian Palace on the very site of the current Huaqing Hot Springs. When the construction was completed, he held a magnificent ceremony in celebration. In 747, when his grandson Xuanzong ascended the throne of the Tang dynasty, the palace was enlarged and renamed Huanqing Palace. The palace design was based on the Chinese traditional palace building theories. The Huaqing Hot Springs made rational and efficient use of the hot spring, while reflecting the layout of an imperial palace.
Huanqing Palace also witnessed the famous romance of emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei. According to historical records, during the 10 years from 745 to 755, the emperor brought his concubine and his high-ranking officials to the Huaqing Palace in October, and only returned to his capital palace in the spring of each following year. During that period, all domestic and diplomatic affairs of state were handled at Huaqing Palace, which thus began to flourish as an important political center. However, in 755 two generals rose up against their emperor, bringing great damage to the whole country and especially to the capital and to Huaqing Palace, which declined from its former importance as temporary palace. Following the collapse of the Tang dynasty, Huaqing Palace lost its special status. After the foundation of new China, it has been rebuilt several times, and now after many years the ancient pool has recovered its charm and attracts more and more visitors annually.
Tour with concubine Yang Guifei's company
The new tour project was marketed in 1999. It resurrects the luxurious palace life of the Tang dynasty ruler Xianzong and his concubine Yang Guifei in the Huaqing Hot Springs, and offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to satisfy their curiosity and fulfill their dreams by experiencing the luxurious life of an emperor or his high status lady.
the poets and scholars to compose their masterpieces. Thus it has been an integral part of Chinese culture throughout the ages; in any historical period we can find a lot of Chinese literature that has something to do with the Huaqing Hot Springs place.The history of the Huaqing Hot Springs dates back to clan society, when primitive Chinese tribes established their villages there. In A.D. 644, the Tang dynasty ruler Li Shimen ordered the construction of Tangqian Palace on the very site of the current Huaqing Hot Springs. When the construction was completed, he held a magnificent ceremony in celebration. In 747, when his grandson Xuanzong ascended the throne of the Tang dynasty, the palace was enlarged and renamed Huanqing Palace. The palace design was based on the Chinese traditional palace building theories. The Huaqing Hot Springs made rational and efficient use of the hot spring, while reflecting the layout of an imperial palace.
Huanqing Palace also witnessed the famous romance of emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Yang Guifei. According to historical records, during the 10 years from 745 to 755, the emperor brought his concubine and his high-ranking officials to the Huaqing Palace in October, and only returned to his capital palace in the spring of each following year. During that period, all domestic and diplomatic affairs of state were handled at Huaqing Palace, which thus began to flourish as an important political center. However, in 755 two generals rose up against their emperor, bringing great damage to the whole country and especially to the capital and to Huaqing Palace, which declined from its former importance as temporary palace. Following the collapse of the Tang dynasty, Huaqing Palace lost its special status. After the foundation of new China, it has been rebuilt several times, and now after many years the ancient pool has recovered its charm and attracts more and more visitors annually.
Tour with concubine Yang Guifei's company
The new tour project was marketed in 1999. It resurrects the luxurious palace life of the Tang dynasty ruler Xianzong and his concubine Yang Guifei in the Huaqing Hot Springs, and offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to satisfy their curiosity and fulfill their dreams by experiencing the luxurious life of an emperor or his high status lady.
the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor
As an AAAA-class scenic place, the Mausoleum of Yellow Emperor is not only a beautiful resort, but also an important national relic. The Yellow Emperor, with the name of Xuan Yuan and the surname of Gong Sun, was born in the matriarchal clan society. Mr. Simaqian (a famous historian of China) spoke highly of Yellow Emperor as “He was born of intelligence and could talk soon after he was born. Being a child, he was very clever. He was honest and hardworking when he grew up. He was also knowledgeable and distinguished. H
e was voted as the chieftain of the Xuan Yuan tribe at fifteen and then became the emperor when he was thirty seven years old. The greatest contribution of Yellow Emperor is that he experienced fifty three wars during which he defeated Wangyu Tribe, conquered the Yan Emperor and killed Chiyou Tribe, thus he uniformed the three tribes. Yellow Emperor led China from the savage time to a civilized and demonstrated country which promoted him as the first and the greatest emperor of the Chinese nation. He was so respectable that when he died at 110, people tried their best to keep him and then collected his utilities and buried them in his tomb in memory of him. That was the early Mausoleum. Later, people added something to the mausoleum and today there are the Xuan Yuan Temple, Hanwu Immortal Base, the ancient monuments, the cypress grown by Yellow Emperor, the General Cypress and some thousands of other ancient cypresses all of which was honored by mountains of Chinese people every year.
Xuan Yuan Temple
Located at the foot of the Bridge Mountain, this temple was built in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) and was expanded during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) where some sacrifices to ancestors were held even as a national activity. During the early Kaibao Time (a period of the Song dynasty), the emperor moved the temple from the west side of the Bridge Mountain to the east, where the Yellow Emperor grew the cypress by himself. People rebuilt the temple especially the gate, the passing pavilion and the hall. And again the emperor made the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Temple as one of the places to hold the ceremony to offer sacrifices. That is the Xuan Yuan Temple.
The Cypress Grown by Yellow Emperor
As we know, there is a Xuan Yuan Temple at the foot of the Bridge Mountain and there are fourteen ancient cypresses in the temple among which a surprising thick one was one the right with the branches coiling like snakes. It is the cypress grown that the Yellow Emperor grew five thousand years ago with partly bared root and dense leaves through the whole year which looks like a large green umbrella. Some people described the cypress on a tablet set ion a tablet pavilion as “It’s the king of cypress with the height of fifty eight chi (chi is a traditional unit of length, equal to 1/3 meter)”, the bottom circle of thirty one chi which has been thirty chi recently, the middle circle of nineteen chi and six chi of the top circle.” There is also a proverb said “A tree is extremely thick with some tree lumps in the trunk.” It is said to be the biggest and highest cypress of the country, called “king of cypress” as well as “the father of the world’s cypresses”. It is said that the Yellow Emperor once ordered people to cut down all the trees of the Bridge Mountain and also the trees around it to enforce the Bridge Mountain people who were living in the caves to live on the land and then cultivate them. Unfortunately, the flood washed away most of the people who lived in the middle of the bare mountain and their houses. The regretful emperor swore that he would never cut down any trees and grew one cypress immediately to show his decision. The other people all learned from him to grow trees and the Bridge Mountain became dense and green in several years. Therefore, growing trees becomes a traditional moral of China and is passed down generation to generation.
The Virtues Altar
As a conjunction of the mausoleum area, the Virtue Altar is located on the axis of the Mausoleum, with Xuan Yuan Temple to the east, the county to the west, the Inkpad Mountain to the south and the Mausoleum Road to the north. The subject of the Virtues Altar is to honor Yellow Emperor’s virtues and achievement. The structure of it is special as follows: the surface of the altar is a circle with the diameter of fifty four meters, consisting of the outer circle, the middle circle and the inner circle. There are the Heaven Tripod (tripod is an ancient cooking vessel with two loop handles and three or four legs), the Earth Tripod in front of the altar and the Human Tripod in the center of the circle. The tripods are thirteen inches high and they are so large in the circle that it seems available for ten Dan heap soil and also with all kinds of carved Gods, Goddess and animals in it. (Dan is a unit of dry measure for grain in China, roughly equivalent to one hectoliter). The relieves carved on the outer wall of the altar show the contribution of the Yellow Emperor and his descendants to the human.
The Chinese Home Centric Forest of Steles
The steles stand for thirty provinces, municipalities directly under the central government and autonomous regions, the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions which circle the altar from the east, west and north side.
With the total area of 1367.2 square meters and 42.75 for each, these steles stand from lower place to higher places naturally along the slope, circled with the cypress and pine trees. The whole forests of steles take on the scenery of home centric and promoting and became a meaningful grand scenic spot of the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum which embodies the unity and inspiration of the Chinese people, together with the virtue altar.
Kind reminder:
After visiting the Phoenix mountain, the Yang Family Ridge village, the Wang Family Patio village and the Date Garden village, you can go to the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum the second day and return in the afternoon. You can also take the north-line one-day-tourist buses at the railway station. Driving your car along the west Bronze First-class road for 196 kms, you can arrive there directly. Besides, this double-way road from Yao County to the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum is pretty good. The road toll (the cost of the road and the bridges) is 45 yuan.
e was voted as the chieftain of the Xuan Yuan tribe at fifteen and then became the emperor when he was thirty seven years old. The greatest contribution of Yellow Emperor is that he experienced fifty three wars during which he defeated Wangyu Tribe, conquered the Yan Emperor and killed Chiyou Tribe, thus he uniformed the three tribes. Yellow Emperor led China from the savage time to a civilized and demonstrated country which promoted him as the first and the greatest emperor of the Chinese nation. He was so respectable that when he died at 110, people tried their best to keep him and then collected his utilities and buried them in his tomb in memory of him. That was the early Mausoleum. Later, people added something to the mausoleum and today there are the Xuan Yuan Temple, Hanwu Immortal Base, the ancient monuments, the cypress grown by Yellow Emperor, the General Cypress and some thousands of other ancient cypresses all of which was honored by mountains of Chinese people every year.Xuan Yuan Temple
Located at the foot of the Bridge Mountain, this temple was built in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) and was expanded during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) where some sacrifices to ancestors were held even as a national activity. During the early Kaibao Time (a period of the Song dynasty), the emperor moved the temple from the west side of the Bridge Mountain to the east, where the Yellow Emperor grew the cypress by himself. People rebuilt the temple especially the gate, the passing pavilion and the hall. And again the emperor made the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor Temple as one of the places to hold the ceremony to offer sacrifices. That is the Xuan Yuan Temple.
The Cypress Grown by Yellow Emperor
As we know, there is a Xuan Yuan Temple at the foot of the Bridge Mountain and there are fourteen ancient cypresses in the temple among which a surprising thick one was one the right with the branches coiling like snakes. It is the cypress grown that the Yellow Emperor grew five thousand years ago with partly bared root and dense leaves through the whole year which looks like a large green umbrella. Some people described the cypress on a tablet set ion a tablet pavilion as “It’s the king of cypress with the height of fifty eight chi (chi is a traditional unit of length, equal to 1/3 meter)”, the bottom circle of thirty one chi which has been thirty chi recently, the middle circle of nineteen chi and six chi of the top circle.” There is also a proverb said “A tree is extremely thick with some tree lumps in the trunk.” It is said to be the biggest and highest cypress of the country, called “king of cypress” as well as “the father of the world’s cypresses”. It is said that the Yellow Emperor once ordered people to cut down all the trees of the Bridge Mountain and also the trees around it to enforce the Bridge Mountain people who were living in the caves to live on the land and then cultivate them. Unfortunately, the flood washed away most of the people who lived in the middle of the bare mountain and their houses. The regretful emperor swore that he would never cut down any trees and grew one cypress immediately to show his decision. The other people all learned from him to grow trees and the Bridge Mountain became dense and green in several years. Therefore, growing trees becomes a traditional moral of China and is passed down generation to generation.
The Virtues Altar
As a conjunction of the mausoleum area, the Virtue Altar is located on the axis of the Mausoleum, with Xuan Yuan Temple to the east, the county to the west, the Inkpad Mountain to the south and the Mausoleum Road to the north. The subject of the Virtues Altar is to honor Yellow Emperor’s virtues and achievement. The structure of it is special as follows: the surface of the altar is a circle with the diameter of fifty four meters, consisting of the outer circle, the middle circle and the inner circle. There are the Heaven Tripod (tripod is an ancient cooking vessel with two loop handles and three or four legs), the Earth Tripod in front of the altar and the Human Tripod in the center of the circle. The tripods are thirteen inches high and they are so large in the circle that it seems available for ten Dan heap soil and also with all kinds of carved Gods, Goddess and animals in it. (Dan is a unit of dry measure for grain in China, roughly equivalent to one hectoliter). The relieves carved on the outer wall of the altar show the contribution of the Yellow Emperor and his descendants to the human.
The Chinese Home Centric Forest of Steles
The steles stand for thirty provinces, municipalities directly under the central government and autonomous regions, the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions which circle the altar from the east, west and north side.
With the total area of 1367.2 square meters and 42.75 for each, these steles stand from lower place to higher places naturally along the slope, circled with the cypress and pine trees. The whole forests of steles take on the scenery of home centric and promoting and became a meaningful grand scenic spot of the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum which embodies the unity and inspiration of the Chinese people, together with the virtue altar.
Kind reminder:
After visiting the Phoenix mountain, the Yang Family Ridge village, the Wang Family Patio village and the Date Garden village, you can go to the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum the second day and return in the afternoon. You can also take the north-line one-day-tourist buses at the railway station. Driving your car along the west Bronze First-class road for 196 kms, you can arrive there directly. Besides, this double-way road from Yao County to the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum is pretty good. The road toll (the cost of the road and the bridges) is 45 yuan.
Huajue Xiang alley in sian
Huajue Xiang is a narrow alley located between the Drum Tower and the Great Mosque in the center of the city. The 500-meter-long winding lane is a great place to pick up souvenirs and antiques. Stalls selling a wide variety of items, ranging from local art crafts including well-embroidered cloth shoes, elegantly-carved China to these fine handicrafts originated in the far southwest parts of China like some fine arts of Miao and Dong minorities line along the street.
Most of the residents in the Huajue Xia
ng area are Muslims-the Hui minority group. The Hui people seem to be natural linguists. Most of the touts in the alley can speak several languages so do not be surprised when finding your shop owner fluent in English.
Although it is one of the best places to purchase trinkets, Huajue Xiang is a little more than a bustling business street. In the alley, visitors will find some historical sites including the Great Mosque, the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosques in China. The traditional Chinese styled temples, pavilions, buildings and Islamic arts, religious atmosphere in the mosque well illustrate the street's rich culture.
Huajue Xiang has a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty over one thousand years ago. The street was originally called Ziwu Xiang. But little of the tiny lane was recorded during the subsequent dynasties. Although very little is known of its long past, one thing is certain that the narrow alley has experienced ups and downs for centuries.
A leisure stroll through the alley seeing the Muslims doing their business will prove to be pleasant and interesting. The varieties of colorful goods sold there will make a feast for your eyes.
Most of the residents in the Huajue Xia
ng area are Muslims-the Hui minority group. The Hui people seem to be natural linguists. Most of the touts in the alley can speak several languages so do not be surprised when finding your shop owner fluent in English.Although it is one of the best places to purchase trinkets, Huajue Xiang is a little more than a bustling business street. In the alley, visitors will find some historical sites including the Great Mosque, the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosques in China. The traditional Chinese styled temples, pavilions, buildings and Islamic arts, religious atmosphere in the mosque well illustrate the street's rich culture.
Huajue Xiang has a long history dating back to the Tang Dynasty over one thousand years ago. The street was originally called Ziwu Xiang. But little of the tiny lane was recorded during the subsequent dynasties. Although very little is known of its long past, one thing is certain that the narrow alley has experienced ups and downs for centuries.
A leisure stroll through the alley seeing the Muslims doing their business will prove to be pleasant and interesting. The varieties of colorful goods sold there will make a feast for your eyes.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Cave Dwelling
Many people in north and central China live in yaodong cave dwellings, named for the typical arched openings. The oldest caves dug right into the hillside while more recent ones are only partially dug in. They are well insulated. Some Yaodao are in very poor conditions; others are furnished with all modern conveniences.
the Great Mosque in sian
Due to its location in Huajue Alley, northwest of the Drum Tower, the mosque is also named the Huajue Alley Mosque. Deemed to be one of the two most significant ancient mosques in the city of Xi'an (the other is the mosque in Daxuexi Alley), it was ostensibly founded by the naval admiral and Hajji Cheng Ho, the son of a prestigious Muslim family who is famous for clearing the China Sea of pirates and leading the great Ming naval expedition to south and west. Since the fourteenth century, the mosque has undergone numerous reconstructions. Most of the buildings extant today are from the Ming and Qing Dynasties of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
The Great Mosque is the major spot for the religious activities of ov
er 60,000 Moslems in Xi'an. It is also an important historic monument in Shaanxi Province. Like the Great Mosques at Hangzhou, Quanzhou and Guangzhou, the Great Mosque of Xian is thought to have existed as early as the seventh century. Unlike Arabic mosques which have splendid domes, minarets reaching into the clouds, and colorful engraved sketches with dazzling patterns, Chinese architectural elements were synthesized into the mosque's architecture. As a result the mosque resembles a fifteenth century Buddhist temple. The mosque occupies a narrow lot about 48 meters by 248 meters, and the precinct walls enclose a total area of 12,000 square meters. Unlike many other Chinese mosques, it has the layout of a Chinese temple: successive courtyards on a single axis with pavilions and pagodas adapted to suit Islamic functions. Unlike a typical Buddhist temple, the grand axis of the Great Mosque of Xian is aligned from east to west, facing Mecca. Five successive courtyards, each with a signature pavilion, screen, or freestanding gateway, lead to the prayer hall located at the western end of the axis.
Although the great mosque possesses plenty of traditional Chinese architectural features, the inner decoration is strictly in accordance with Islamic requirements. Writings in the hall are all in Arabic, and only Muslims are allowed to enter the prayer hall. The great mosque is viewed as a significant combination of Chinese and Islamic architectural arts. It has been classified a key national historical unit by the State Council of China, and listed by UNESCO as an important international Islamic cultural relic.
The Great Mosque is the major spot for the religious activities of ov
er 60,000 Moslems in Xi'an. It is also an important historic monument in Shaanxi Province. Like the Great Mosques at Hangzhou, Quanzhou and Guangzhou, the Great Mosque of Xian is thought to have existed as early as the seventh century. Unlike Arabic mosques which have splendid domes, minarets reaching into the clouds, and colorful engraved sketches with dazzling patterns, Chinese architectural elements were synthesized into the mosque's architecture. As a result the mosque resembles a fifteenth century Buddhist temple. The mosque occupies a narrow lot about 48 meters by 248 meters, and the precinct walls enclose a total area of 12,000 square meters. Unlike many other Chinese mosques, it has the layout of a Chinese temple: successive courtyards on a single axis with pavilions and pagodas adapted to suit Islamic functions. Unlike a typical Buddhist temple, the grand axis of the Great Mosque of Xian is aligned from east to west, facing Mecca. Five successive courtyards, each with a signature pavilion, screen, or freestanding gateway, lead to the prayer hall located at the western end of the axis.Although the great mosque possesses plenty of traditional Chinese architectural features, the inner decoration is strictly in accordance with Islamic requirements. Writings in the hall are all in Arabic, and only Muslims are allowed to enter the prayer hall. The great mosque is viewed as a significant combination of Chinese and Islamic architectural arts. It has been classified a key national historical unit by the State Council of China, and listed by UNESCO as an important international Islamic cultural relic.
Forest of Stone Steles Museum
Situated in the famous Three Schools Street of Xi'an (the three schools refer to the Chang'an School, Fu School and the Xianning School of Qin Dynasty), the steles forest was established in the second year of the Northern Song Dynasty (1078 AD) to store the Kaicheng Stone Inscriptions. Since then, the collection of the steles forest has been constantly expanding. To date the stone tablets total about 3,000 and they are stored and displayed in six steles corridors, seven steles exhibition halls and eight steles pavilions. Collections here are of high value for exploring both Chinese history and Chinese calligraphy. Here stand a number of stone tablets that bear the works of many outstanding calligraphers in ages and styles.
Chinese calligraphy boasts a long development history and basically five basic script forms, namely: seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script and cursive script. Calligraphy is an art dating back to the earliest day of history, and widely practiced throughout China to this day. Although it uses Chinese words as its vehicle of expression, one does not have to know Chinese to appreciate its beauty, because in e
ssence, calligraphy is an abstract art. While viewing a Western abstract painting, one does not ask, “What is it?” When viewing Chinese calligraphy, one need not ask, “What is the Chinese word?” Therefore the steles museum is also highly attractive to tourists and arts lovers from outside China, although most of them cannot read Chinese. The most famous includes the Cao Quan Stele, erected in Han clerical script and famous for its elegant, ingenious inscription.
The Tang dynasty is commonly seen as the summit of China's feudal society and its calligraphy marked by the widespread and popularity of regular script also came to a peak. The most distinguished Tang stele is "the Preface to the Holy Buddhist Scriptures" in the handwriting of Wang Xizhi, a famous Jin calligrapher who was named the Sage of Chinese Calligraphy. Some poems of calligraphy are also collected here.
The first steles exhibition hall
In front of the first exhibition hall stands the biggest stone tablet engraved in 745 AD. The inscription on filial piety was written by Emperor Xuezhong Li Longji of Tang Dynasty. The Scripture on Filial Piety was compiled by Confucius's student Zen Can and the tablet bears the preface for the scripture by Li Longji. His preface was aimed to demonstrate his political philosophy, that is, to govern his empire by filial piety. Following the preface is the original text of the Scripture on Filial Piety and the smaller Chinese characters on the side are the notations by Li Longji. The base of the large stele consists of a three-layer stone platform adorned with lively vines, grass and lion flower, which is a typical decoration of Tang style. On top of the tablet there are clouds and some imaginary beasts that signify good fortune. Made of four pieces of stone and supported by a stone platform, the stele is also called the Scripture on Filial Piety on the Stone Platform.
This exhibition hall altogether houses 114 stone tablets that bear 12 important Chinese classical literary works, including Zhou Yi, or Books of Changes (6 volumes), Shang Shu (13 volumes), Shi Jing or Classic of Poetry (20 volumes), Zhou Li (11 volumes), Li Yi (17 volumes), Li Ji or Book on Rites (20 volumes), Biography of Zuo of Spring and Autumn Period (30 volumes), Biography of Gongyang of Spring and Autumn Period (12 volumes), Er Ya (3 volumes), as well as Gongyang Chunqiu, Scripture on Filial Piet and Lun Yu or the Analects of Confucius. These books are composed of 650,252 Chinese characters and were the most essential text books for China's ancient feudalist intellectuals. To preserve and standardize the correct spread of these classics nationwide in an age lacking modern printing technology, the emperor had them engraved on stone tablets, on both sides. This is one of the most important functions of the steles forest. Such practice starts from East Han Dynasty and seven times of large scale stone carvings for classics took place in Chinese history. But the steles forest that we see today in Xi'an is the only survival.
Other exhibition halls
The second exhibition hall house
s the masterpieces of such famous calligraphers as Ouyang Xun, Zhu Zhuliang, Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan. The third exhibition hall is all about the history and evolvement of Chinese calligraphy. Therefore calligraphies in all the styles: bone script, bronze engraving, seal style, official style, grass or swift style, regular style and running style can all be found here. By studying and appreciating these master pieces of different ages and styles, one easily obtain a clue of the development of Chinese calligraphy. The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh exhibition hall and the Exhibition Hall of Artistic Stone Carving all have their own unique feature and charms. Thanks to the immense collection, the museum is entitled the Treasury of Oriental Arts, the Mine of Chinese Calligraphy, and the Most Ancient Stone Book Storeroom in the World and so on.
Chinese calligraphy boasts a long development history and basically five basic script forms, namely: seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script and cursive script. Calligraphy is an art dating back to the earliest day of history, and widely practiced throughout China to this day. Although it uses Chinese words as its vehicle of expression, one does not have to know Chinese to appreciate its beauty, because in e
ssence, calligraphy is an abstract art. While viewing a Western abstract painting, one does not ask, “What is it?” When viewing Chinese calligraphy, one need not ask, “What is the Chinese word?” Therefore the steles museum is also highly attractive to tourists and arts lovers from outside China, although most of them cannot read Chinese. The most famous includes the Cao Quan Stele, erected in Han clerical script and famous for its elegant, ingenious inscription.The Tang dynasty is commonly seen as the summit of China's feudal society and its calligraphy marked by the widespread and popularity of regular script also came to a peak. The most distinguished Tang stele is "the Preface to the Holy Buddhist Scriptures" in the handwriting of Wang Xizhi, a famous Jin calligrapher who was named the Sage of Chinese Calligraphy. Some poems of calligraphy are also collected here.
The first steles exhibition hall
In front of the first exhibition hall stands the biggest stone tablet engraved in 745 AD. The inscription on filial piety was written by Emperor Xuezhong Li Longji of Tang Dynasty. The Scripture on Filial Piety was compiled by Confucius's student Zen Can and the tablet bears the preface for the scripture by Li Longji. His preface was aimed to demonstrate his political philosophy, that is, to govern his empire by filial piety. Following the preface is the original text of the Scripture on Filial Piety and the smaller Chinese characters on the side are the notations by Li Longji. The base of the large stele consists of a three-layer stone platform adorned with lively vines, grass and lion flower, which is a typical decoration of Tang style. On top of the tablet there are clouds and some imaginary beasts that signify good fortune. Made of four pieces of stone and supported by a stone platform, the stele is also called the Scripture on Filial Piety on the Stone Platform.
This exhibition hall altogether houses 114 stone tablets that bear 12 important Chinese classical literary works, including Zhou Yi, or Books of Changes (6 volumes), Shang Shu (13 volumes), Shi Jing or Classic of Poetry (20 volumes), Zhou Li (11 volumes), Li Yi (17 volumes), Li Ji or Book on Rites (20 volumes), Biography of Zuo of Spring and Autumn Period (30 volumes), Biography of Gongyang of Spring and Autumn Period (12 volumes), Er Ya (3 volumes), as well as Gongyang Chunqiu, Scripture on Filial Piet and Lun Yu or the Analects of Confucius. These books are composed of 650,252 Chinese characters and were the most essential text books for China's ancient feudalist intellectuals. To preserve and standardize the correct spread of these classics nationwide in an age lacking modern printing technology, the emperor had them engraved on stone tablets, on both sides. This is one of the most important functions of the steles forest. Such practice starts from East Han Dynasty and seven times of large scale stone carvings for classics took place in Chinese history. But the steles forest that we see today in Xi'an is the only survival.
Other exhibition halls
The second exhibition hall house
s the masterpieces of such famous calligraphers as Ouyang Xun, Zhu Zhuliang, Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan. The third exhibition hall is all about the history and evolvement of Chinese calligraphy. Therefore calligraphies in all the styles: bone script, bronze engraving, seal style, official style, grass or swift style, regular style and running style can all be found here. By studying and appreciating these master pieces of different ages and styles, one easily obtain a clue of the development of Chinese calligraphy. The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh exhibition hall and the Exhibition Hall of Artistic Stone Carving all have their own unique feature and charms. Thanks to the immense collection, the museum is entitled the Treasury of Oriental Arts, the Mine of Chinese Calligraphy, and the Most Ancient Stone Book Storeroom in the World and so on. Banpo Museum in Sian
In the Yellow River valley, Banpo Village Ruins is a typical representation of the Neolithic Yangshao Agricultural Village. The ruins date back 5600—6700 years. It is the earliest known agricultural village in China. The term "Yangshao culture" is used because the first example was found near Yangshao Village. The oldest Yangshao-type village is Banpo. The Banpo Village Ruins were discovered in 1953 with a 50000 sq. meter built-up area. From 1954 to 1957, the Institute of Archaeology of Chinese Science Academy organized five excavations, which obtained a great deal of precious relics. The excavations uncov
ered 45 houses or other buildings, 2 enclosed sheds, over 200 storage cellars, 6 pottery kilns, 250 graves ( including 73 for dead children ) and over 10,000 pieces of productive tools and apparatus . In 1958, a large hall was built over the ruins, which is the first museum for exhibiting the historic materials. The hall provides us precious and indispensable evidence to our study of the people of that period. The exhibition hall has had over 20 million visitors since it opened to the public on 1st April, 1958.
Banpo Ruins
The Banpo Ruins are divided into three areas: a residential area, a pottery manufacturing area and a cemetery. with the residential area being the body the ruins.
The Banpo people, who lived during the Neolithic period, used wooden or stone tools in their time. The women were the dominant force in that society; they took responsibility in pottery manufacturing, weaving, raising poultry and the many household chores. The men were responsible for the job of hunting and fishing and bringing home the food to feed the family.
The Banpo Ruins relates to visitors the history of the ancient Chinese people with genuine artifacts from that period.
Banpo Museum
The museum measures about 4500 sq. meter, consisting of relics display room, a ruins room and accessorial room. Most of the relics are displayed in the first and second rooms. The displayed materials are classified and categorized into stone, bone and pottery. The relics include production tools, apparatus, arts, etc. The accessorial room is for themed exhibitions of the historical items. In this museum, there is a great deal of colored pottery. Much of this pottery of plates, pots, earthen bowls, etc is with mystic and various drawings of the time.
Ruins Hall
The ruins, once part of the residential area in the Neolithic age, occupies around 30
00 sq. meter.
The ruins offer the visitors a vivid picture of the prehistoric village. The earlier houses are half underground, in contrast to the later houses which stand on ground level and have a wooden framework. The residential part of the village is surrounded by an artificial moat, 300 meters long, about 2 meters deep and 2 meters wide.
The moat protected the village from attacks by wild animals and from the effects of heavy rainfall in what was originally a hot and humid environment.
In the ruins lies the cemetery where the adult dead were buried along with burial objects such as earthen pots. Some pots were used to place bones in them and were covered with lid. On those pots, there is a belief, which it is said to the passage for the dead people's soul.
There are many other storage cellars and warehouses in the ruins.
ered 45 houses or other buildings, 2 enclosed sheds, over 200 storage cellars, 6 pottery kilns, 250 graves ( including 73 for dead children ) and over 10,000 pieces of productive tools and apparatus . In 1958, a large hall was built over the ruins, which is the first museum for exhibiting the historic materials. The hall provides us precious and indispensable evidence to our study of the people of that period. The exhibition hall has had over 20 million visitors since it opened to the public on 1st April, 1958.Banpo Ruins
The Banpo Ruins are divided into three areas: a residential area, a pottery manufacturing area and a cemetery. with the residential area being the body the ruins.
The Banpo people, who lived during the Neolithic period, used wooden or stone tools in their time. The women were the dominant force in that society; they took responsibility in pottery manufacturing, weaving, raising poultry and the many household chores. The men were responsible for the job of hunting and fishing and bringing home the food to feed the family.
The Banpo Ruins relates to visitors the history of the ancient Chinese people with genuine artifacts from that period.
Banpo Museum
The museum measures about 4500 sq. meter, consisting of relics display room, a ruins room and accessorial room. Most of the relics are displayed in the first and second rooms. The displayed materials are classified and categorized into stone, bone and pottery. The relics include production tools, apparatus, arts, etc. The accessorial room is for themed exhibitions of the historical items. In this museum, there is a great deal of colored pottery. Much of this pottery of plates, pots, earthen bowls, etc is with mystic and various drawings of the time.
Ruins Hall
The ruins, once part of the residential area in the Neolithic age, occupies around 30
00 sq. meter.The ruins offer the visitors a vivid picture of the prehistoric village. The earlier houses are half underground, in contrast to the later houses which stand on ground level and have a wooden framework. The residential part of the village is surrounded by an artificial moat, 300 meters long, about 2 meters deep and 2 meters wide.
The moat protected the village from attacks by wild animals and from the effects of heavy rainfall in what was originally a hot and humid environment.
In the ruins lies the cemetery where the adult dead were buried along with burial objects such as earthen pots. Some pots were used to place bones in them and were covered with lid. On those pots, there is a belief, which it is said to the passage for the dead people's soul.
There are many other storage cellars and warehouses in the ruins.
Shaanxi Historical Museum
This large, modern State museum is situated at the western side of the "Wild Goose Pagoda" in Xi’an City. The exhibits on the ground and first floors are grouped into the Basic Exhibition Hall, the Theme Exhibition Hall and East Exhibition Hall. As well as the chronological dynastic displays including the Han, Wei, Jin, North and South, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the pre-historical and bronze period exhibits, together with terra cotta figures and murals from tombs of the Tang Dynasty, are highly recommended.-by Angela The large-scale modern State-class museum, is situated at the western side of the "Wild Goose Pagoda" in Xian City. It covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, the architectural area of which is 55,000 odd square meters.
The Shaanxi Historical Museum, a large-scale modern State-c
lass museum, is situated at the western side of the "Wild Goose Pagoda" in Xian City. It covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, the architectural area of which is approximately 55,000 square meters. Opened to the public on June 20, 1991, the museum is divided into three main parts for overall display, for temporary display and for display on special topics.
Xi’an was the imperial capital in ancient time, and more than 13 (the number is the largest in China, even bigger than Beijing) feudal dynasties built their capitals here including Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang etc. Therefore to some extent the history demonstrated in the museum can be viewed a condensed history of the whole Chinese nation. The architecture of the museum is a great integration of traditional Chinese imperial palace and garden featured by imposing mansions, elegant pavilions and snaking corridors. In the meantime local architectural factors and modern design inspiration have also been incorporated into the building of the important museum. The exhibition hall houses more than 113,000 pieces of antiques unearthed in Shaanxi, one of the most important cradles of the 5,000 years old Chinese civilization. The seven categories of collection that include prehistory, Zhou, Qin, Han, the south North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing systematically demonstrate a panorama of the history of Shaanxi from 1.15 million years ago until the outbreak of the Opium War in 1840 AD.
To enhance international cultural exchange, the museum has already built a multifunctional auditorium that offers simultaneous interpretation in six languages as well as a museum library with a collection of over 300, 000 books. Shaanxi Historical Museum is also the first online museum in China. In other words, visitors now can tour the great museum at any time and anywhere simply by clicking their website at http://www.sxhm.com/e_ysldefault.asp. Pictures and relevant descriptions of all the important exhibits are available online. Visual tours and physical visits are obviously mutually complementary.
Attractions of the Museum
Welcoming Stone Lions
With a huge color photo of the Yellow River at the back, two huge stone lions, duplicate of the stone lions of the Shun Mausoleum of Tang Dynasty, stand in front of the central hall to receive the tourists from both home and abroad.
Fundamental Exhibition Hall
Taking the historical course as a clue and displaying typical antiques of different ages, the Fundamental Hall strives to illustrate the ancient social and civilization development of Shaanxi in a lively way. The 4, 600 square meters hall is divided into three exhibition rooms and seven categories, namely, prehistory period, Zhou, Qin, Han, the South and North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Among the 2,000 pieces of the exhibits, some especially capture our attention. Good examples are the ancient pained potteries that demonstrate the life scenes and artistic pursuit of our prehistory ancestors; the bronze utensils of Zhou Dynasty that witnessed the rise of the Zhou people in central China more than 4, 000 years ago; the bronze swords, terra cotta warriors of Qin that saw the first unification of China by Emperor Qinshihuang and the Three Colored Glazed Potteries, gold and silver wares of Tang that exhibit the glory and prosperity of the Tang Empire. Many pictures, models of historical relics and diagrams are displayed at the same time to provide the viewers a panorama of the ancient history from the prehistory time period to 1840. Xi’an was t
he capital city of such dynasties as Zhou, Qin, West Han, Shui and tang, therefore the exhibits associated with these dynasties are the most comprehensive and worthwhile to see.
Theme Exhibition Hall
In the west wing of the museum, the Exhibition of Shaanxi Rare Bronze Wares and the Exhibition of Shaanxi Elite Pottery Tomb Figures are the first two exhibitions with a particular theme that ever takes place in this museum. More than 600 pieces of valuable antique that are rarely seen elsewhere are on display, among which, 260 are bronze wares. After attending the bronze ware exhibitions, viewers will obtain a general idea regarding the production process of such bronze wares in the ancient time as well as their special classifications, functions and craftsmanship. Besides the inscriptions on the bronze vessels, their impact upon the development of Chinese calligraphy and seal carving are also addressed. The whole exhibition gives us an impression of historical depth and thickness. 341 pieces of pottery tomb figures are displayed in the tomb figure exhibition in the order of five different time period – Qin and Han, the South and North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming.
Shaanxi Historical Museum houses 115,000 pieces of antiques, among which, 41,000 have been registered and the rest have not been sorted out and filed. A major part of the collections were from the previous Shaanxi Provincial Museum and are typically classified as the eight categories as below:
Bronze ware
More than 3,900 pieces of bronze wares from the Shang Dynasty to Qin and Han Dynasties have been registered. Among these ancient wares one sees ceremonial utensils, music instruments, weapons, vehicles, harness and other tools and life utensils. The most valuable are the ancient cooking vessels (Duoyou Ding and Shixian Ding for instance) produced in Shang Dynasty. The inscriptions on these vessels are of very high historical value. Some important wares noted for their unique shape are the Phoenix Post Vessel and Bull Vessel of the Zhou Dynasty, the Bird Kettle of the Warring States Period and the Colored Painted Goose and Fish Lantern etc.
The murals of the tomb of Tang Dynasty
The 400 murals of a total area of 1,000 square meters were unearthed and obtained from 25 Tang tombs from 1952 to 1989. The owners of these tombs were all the members of the royal families or high ranking officials of the Tang Empire. These tomb murals basically depicted the Gods of the Heaven, imperial guards, various ceremonies, Tang architectures and some life scenes of the emperor such as his meeting with the foreign envoys and hunting, thus providing very vivid materials for studying the social life of Tang Dynasty.
Ceramic tomb figures of different time period
More than 2, 000 pieces of tomb figures in the collections of the museum have been registered which belong to dynasties including Qin (221-206 B C), Han, Bei, Shui, Tang, Ming and Qing (1644-1912 A D) etc. The ceramic and multiple colored glazed potteries are made in the images of civil and military officials, servants, guards, maids, foreign businessmen from the middle Asia, Gods, horses and camels among others.
Porcelain wares
More than 5, 000 pieces have been registered as collections of the museum, some of which date back to the prehistoric civilization, many more are the green porcelain wares of West Zhou Dynasty, glazed ceramics of Han, three colored glazed ceramics of Tang, ancient glass, colored glazed, green ceramics of Rao kiln of Song Dynasty and suchlike. Exhibits here are ordinary family utensils, stationery and tomb utensils.
Building materials
The 1,000 registered materials that belong to the historical periods from Zhou until Qing, include ceramic tiles, bricks, stones and metal constructions components.
Bronze mirrors of Han and Tang Dynasties
Some of the registered 800 bronze mirrors carry elegant patterns, designs and poetic lines of auspicious implications.
Gold, silver and jade wares
Among the 2, 000 registered items most notable and rarest are the jade ceremonial utensils of West Zhou, the gold woodpeckers unearthed from the Qinggong Tomb of Spring and Autumn Period, the jade queen of West Han, the gold and silver bamboo smoke stove, the beast head agate cup unearthed in the He Family Village of Xi’an in 1970, the eight arris gold cup and the gold walking dragon.
Ancient coins
Over 10, 000 registered valuable ancient coins have been displayed and other 50, 000 pieces of coins that weight 7, 000 kilograms have not been sorted out and exhibited yet. One can easily see rare species that can not seen elsewhere such as the seashell coins of West Zhou, the knife coin of the Warring States Period, Half a Tael of Qin, gold and silver coins of West Han, Tang and some other countries as well as the coins in circulation during the reign of emperor Wang Mang.
Aside from the eight major categories mentioned above, the wide range of Chinese painting and calligraphies, ancient books, Buddhist inscriptions, fabrics, bone wares, wood wares, lacquer work, metal wares, stone wares and seals will also make the museum a worthwhile place to visit.
The Shaanxi Historical Museum, a large-scale modern State-c
lass museum, is situated at the western side of the "Wild Goose Pagoda" in Xian City. It covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, the architectural area of which is approximately 55,000 square meters. Opened to the public on June 20, 1991, the museum is divided into three main parts for overall display, for temporary display and for display on special topics.Xi’an was the imperial capital in ancient time, and more than 13 (the number is the largest in China, even bigger than Beijing) feudal dynasties built their capitals here including Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang etc. Therefore to some extent the history demonstrated in the museum can be viewed a condensed history of the whole Chinese nation. The architecture of the museum is a great integration of traditional Chinese imperial palace and garden featured by imposing mansions, elegant pavilions and snaking corridors. In the meantime local architectural factors and modern design inspiration have also been incorporated into the building of the important museum. The exhibition hall houses more than 113,000 pieces of antiques unearthed in Shaanxi, one of the most important cradles of the 5,000 years old Chinese civilization. The seven categories of collection that include prehistory, Zhou, Qin, Han, the south North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing systematically demonstrate a panorama of the history of Shaanxi from 1.15 million years ago until the outbreak of the Opium War in 1840 AD.
To enhance international cultural exchange, the museum has already built a multifunctional auditorium that offers simultaneous interpretation in six languages as well as a museum library with a collection of over 300, 000 books. Shaanxi Historical Museum is also the first online museum in China. In other words, visitors now can tour the great museum at any time and anywhere simply by clicking their website at http://www.sxhm.com/e_ysldefault.asp. Pictures and relevant descriptions of all the important exhibits are available online. Visual tours and physical visits are obviously mutually complementary.
Attractions of the Museum
Welcoming Stone Lions
With a huge color photo of the Yellow River at the back, two huge stone lions, duplicate of the stone lions of the Shun Mausoleum of Tang Dynasty, stand in front of the central hall to receive the tourists from both home and abroad.
Fundamental Exhibition Hall
Taking the historical course as a clue and displaying typical antiques of different ages, the Fundamental Hall strives to illustrate the ancient social and civilization development of Shaanxi in a lively way. The 4, 600 square meters hall is divided into three exhibition rooms and seven categories, namely, prehistory period, Zhou, Qin, Han, the South and North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Among the 2,000 pieces of the exhibits, some especially capture our attention. Good examples are the ancient pained potteries that demonstrate the life scenes and artistic pursuit of our prehistory ancestors; the bronze utensils of Zhou Dynasty that witnessed the rise of the Zhou people in central China more than 4, 000 years ago; the bronze swords, terra cotta warriors of Qin that saw the first unification of China by Emperor Qinshihuang and the Three Colored Glazed Potteries, gold and silver wares of Tang that exhibit the glory and prosperity of the Tang Empire. Many pictures, models of historical relics and diagrams are displayed at the same time to provide the viewers a panorama of the ancient history from the prehistory time period to 1840. Xi’an was t
he capital city of such dynasties as Zhou, Qin, West Han, Shui and tang, therefore the exhibits associated with these dynasties are the most comprehensive and worthwhile to see.Theme Exhibition Hall
In the west wing of the museum, the Exhibition of Shaanxi Rare Bronze Wares and the Exhibition of Shaanxi Elite Pottery Tomb Figures are the first two exhibitions with a particular theme that ever takes place in this museum. More than 600 pieces of valuable antique that are rarely seen elsewhere are on display, among which, 260 are bronze wares. After attending the bronze ware exhibitions, viewers will obtain a general idea regarding the production process of such bronze wares in the ancient time as well as their special classifications, functions and craftsmanship. Besides the inscriptions on the bronze vessels, their impact upon the development of Chinese calligraphy and seal carving are also addressed. The whole exhibition gives us an impression of historical depth and thickness. 341 pieces of pottery tomb figures are displayed in the tomb figure exhibition in the order of five different time period – Qin and Han, the South and North Dynasty of Weijing, Shui and Tang, Song, Yuan and Ming.
Shaanxi Historical Museum houses 115,000 pieces of antiques, among which, 41,000 have been registered and the rest have not been sorted out and filed. A major part of the collections were from the previous Shaanxi Provincial Museum and are typically classified as the eight categories as below:
Bronze ware
More than 3,900 pieces of bronze wares from the Shang Dynasty to Qin and Han Dynasties have been registered. Among these ancient wares one sees ceremonial utensils, music instruments, weapons, vehicles, harness and other tools and life utensils. The most valuable are the ancient cooking vessels (Duoyou Ding and Shixian Ding for instance) produced in Shang Dynasty. The inscriptions on these vessels are of very high historical value. Some important wares noted for their unique shape are the Phoenix Post Vessel and Bull Vessel of the Zhou Dynasty, the Bird Kettle of the Warring States Period and the Colored Painted Goose and Fish Lantern etc.
The murals of the tomb of Tang Dynasty
The 400 murals of a total area of 1,000 square meters were unearthed and obtained from 25 Tang tombs from 1952 to 1989. The owners of these tombs were all the members of the royal families or high ranking officials of the Tang Empire. These tomb murals basically depicted the Gods of the Heaven, imperial guards, various ceremonies, Tang architectures and some life scenes of the emperor such as his meeting with the foreign envoys and hunting, thus providing very vivid materials for studying the social life of Tang Dynasty.
Ceramic tomb figures of different time period
More than 2, 000 pieces of tomb figures in the collections of the museum have been registered which belong to dynasties including Qin (221-206 B C), Han, Bei, Shui, Tang, Ming and Qing (1644-1912 A D) etc. The ceramic and multiple colored glazed potteries are made in the images of civil and military officials, servants, guards, maids, foreign businessmen from the middle Asia, Gods, horses and camels among others.
Porcelain wares
More than 5, 000 pieces have been registered as collections of the museum, some of which date back to the prehistoric civilization, many more are the green porcelain wares of West Zhou Dynasty, glazed ceramics of Han, three colored glazed ceramics of Tang, ancient glass, colored glazed, green ceramics of Rao kiln of Song Dynasty and suchlike. Exhibits here are ordinary family utensils, stationery and tomb utensils.
Building materials
The 1,000 registered materials that belong to the historical periods from Zhou until Qing, include ceramic tiles, bricks, stones and metal constructions components.
Bronze mirrors of Han and Tang Dynasties
Some of the registered 800 bronze mirrors carry elegant patterns, designs and poetic lines of auspicious implications.
Gold, silver and jade wares
Among the 2, 000 registered items most notable and rarest are the jade ceremonial utensils of West Zhou, the gold woodpeckers unearthed from the Qinggong Tomb of Spring and Autumn Period, the jade queen of West Han, the gold and silver bamboo smoke stove, the beast head agate cup unearthed in the He Family Village of Xi’an in 1970, the eight arris gold cup and the gold walking dragon.
Ancient coins
Over 10, 000 registered valuable ancient coins have been displayed and other 50, 000 pieces of coins that weight 7, 000 kilograms have not been sorted out and exhibited yet. One can easily see rare species that can not seen elsewhere such as the seashell coins of West Zhou, the knife coin of the Warring States Period, Half a Tael of Qin, gold and silver coins of West Han, Tang and some other countries as well as the coins in circulation during the reign of emperor Wang Mang.
Aside from the eight major categories mentioned above, the wide range of Chinese painting and calligraphies, ancient books, Buddhist inscriptions, fabrics, bone wares, wood wares, lacquer work, metal wares, stone wares and seals will also make the museum a worthwhile place to visit.
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