The Eastern Promise of Xi’an
A Wealth of Culture and History
Formerly a home to emperors, poets, merchants and warriors, Xi’an is the jewel in the crown of China’s great ancient capitals, possessing a wealth of cultural and historical treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Nothing gives a greater understanding as to what is at the heart of modern-day China than travelling back to its origins to discover the country’s rich, dynamic past. With impressive pagodas, ancient architecture and illustrious sites of historical importance, a journey to the city of Xi’an is like stepping back in time to the beginnings of Chinese civilisation.
Located in the Shaanxi province of North Western China, Xi’an dates back over 3,000 years and stood as the country’s capital for over a millennium, with 73 emperors overseeing their rule from this illustrious city. Famed for being the eastern terminus of the Silk Road – an ancient trading route for Chinese silk that spanned as far as the Mediterranean Sea – Xi’an was usually the first port of call for visitors to the East, and has a long tradition of welcoming guests from across the globe. In the last few years the city celebrated its historical connection with the Silk Road after the Eastern-most part of the trail was awarded a place on the United Nation’s World Heritage List.
While it is no longer China’s political capital, today Xi’an still plays an important role in the economic revival of China, having evolved into a cultural, industrial and educational powerhouse for the whole nation. It houses facilities for China’s space exploration programme and was named one of the country’s 13 emerging megacities, demonstrating how its legacy of countrywide significance continues unabated.
Blending a progressive, modern way of life with a skyline full of breath-taking Chinese antiquities, this city sees the truth behind the legends come to life in its endless list of museums, monuments and masterpieces. Xi’an is a living history book, making it a must-see for the intrepid traveller who is ready to explore the genuine mystery and allure of China.
Stunning Sights
Even the towering walls that surround Xi’an seem to signify its grandeur and majesty, giving a glimpse into how important it is both nationally and internationally. You will find that some of the landmarks situated here are among the world’s oldest, including the prized Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. This subterranean life-size army of thousands has silently stood guard over the soul of China’s unifying emperor Qin Shi Huang for more than two millennia, and each statue includes an intricate level of detailed stone carving that has been remarkably well preserved to this day.
The buildings also pay testament to its established reputation as a cultural melting pot and, at every turn, there is another piece of heritage waiting to be revealed. Outside the walls you can marvel at the Buddhist Famen Temple, which boasts records that go back as far back as 67 AD, and contains a 13-storey high brick pagoda as part of the monastery. Inside the walls, you’ll find the city’s Grand Mosque – the first ever to be built in China – and the Eight Immortals Temple, which contains texts and illustrations dedicated to the ancient Eastern religion of Daoism.
Local Luxuries
Nonetheless, as you’d expect from any city, Xi’an is buzzing with the activity and life you’d see in any international hub. You can find fashion houses and fine clothes in South Street, where you’ll see Prada, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. Or, to get your finger on the pulse of Xi’an’s youth culture, scope out the student-populated Shida Lu – packed with beauty salons and boutiques.
Of course, there’s a wealth of traditional local delicacies to sample too. Dumpling fanatics will want to try Défachang Jiaoziguan, as this 100-year-old restaurant is famed for its treats stuffed with beef, pork and mushrooms. Meanwhile, Ding Ding Xiang showcases what modern Xi’an is all about. It possesses a clean, cafe atmosphere over four floors with aspirational snaps of Europe in scattered picture frames on the walls, while a well-dressed crowd peers down onto the street, drinking beer and eating Chinese classics such as generously portioned hotpots.
Natural Splendour
There are also pockets of paradise within the city itself, mainly on the grounds of its numerous palaces, where you can relax and absorb the serene ambience of the city. For example, at Daming Palace and Park, huge green spaces fuse with equally impressive ancient structures, originating from the Tang dynasty in 634 AD. At Huaqing Palace, which was built by the emperor Xuanzong near hot springs at the foot of Li Shan in Lintong District it is possible to take hot baths and relive the spa’s former glory for yourself. Nature lovers will also enjoy a trek to Taiping National Park, where visitors can witness a gorgeous waterfall and admire the largest area of wild Zijing flower – the city flower of Hong Kong – in north China.
Blending a sense of history, serenity and contemporary culture, Xi’an is the perfect getaway for those who want to delve in to the heritage of the East while indulging in all the modern comforts you desire from a relaxing break.