Through a series of surveys and votes, the people of Shaanxi province (home to the city of Xi’an and the Terracotta Army) have been asked to select the top 10 places of their region.

The 10 places that made the list reflect the unique history of the area, from the might and power of the First Emperor of China, down to the cultural splendor of the Silk Road that flourished from Xi’an under the Tang dynasty. The locations encompass the very best of the history, culture and scenery of Shaanxi province, quite arguably the true heartland of traditional China.

Photo: Proggie

The Terracotta Army Museum 秦始皇兵马俑博物馆

No trip to Shaanxi or list of things to do around Xi’an would be complete without mention of the Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 it has to count as one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time. The three pits containing over 8000 figurines and 40,000 weapons is the foremost tourist attraction of Shaanxi, and one of the most famous China has to offer.

Add: East of Litong County, 37 kilometers east of Xi’an City, Shaanxi 西安37千米的临潼县城东
Tel: 029-81399127, 81399001
Price: RMB 90 (Mar -Nov 30); MB 65 (Dec 1- Feb 28)
How to get there: Take bus No. 306, 307 from the Xi’an Train Station 在火车站门口乘306路或307可直达

Qin Palace秦阿房宫

The first Chinese dynasty was called Qin and was founded in 221 BC. The Qin palace is hence the most famous of all Chinese palaces and was constructed in 212 BC. The original was destroyed not long after by the founder of the following Han dynasty, Xiang Yu and what greets visitors today is a recent realistic reconstruction on the original site based on modern historical and archeological knowledge.

Add: 44 Hongguang Lu, West Suburb of Xi’an City 西安市西郊红光路44号
Tel: 029-84368299, 84368661
Price: RMB 38
Website: http://www.qinepanggong.com/ (Chinese)
How to get there: Take bus No. 302, 521, 720 and get off at e’fanggong Station.

Photo: Haldini

Huaqing Pool 华清池

This is the most famous imperial hot springs complex in China. With a recorded historical usage dating back to the era of the Zhou in the 4th century BC, the pools where given their current name during the 8th century AD Tang dynasty. Indeed, it was whilst bathing in the Huaqing pool that the Tang emperor was said to have clasped eyes on one of the classical 4 beauties of China, Yang Guifei, thus starting one of the great love affairs of Chinese history.

 

Add: 38 Huaqing Lu, Lintong District, Xi'an
Tel: 029-83812003, 83812004 ext. 6101
How to get there: No. 306, 307
More information: http://www.echinacities.com/cityguide/Xi'an/Vis/Attractions/VisScenicSpotsItem.aspx?MainID=41

Famen Temple 法门寺

This huge temple complex was relatively obscure until 1987, when a massive thunder storm blew down the main temple pagoda, exposing underneath a treasure trove of Tang dynasty Buddhist memorabilia. Most notable was a small gold casket containing the reputed same finger bone of the Buddha presented to one of the Tang emperors and the subject of an essay by scholar official Han Yu on the crimes committed by Buddhism against traditional Chinese Confucian values.

Add: Fufeng County, Baoji City, 120 kilometers west of Xi' an
Tel: 091-7525 4002, 7525 6995
How to get there: take tourist bus N0.2 from Xi’an Train Station
More information: http://www.echinacities.com/cityguide/Xi'an/Vis/Attractions/VisScenicSpotsItem.aspx?MainID=43

Great Tang Furong Gardens 大唐芙蓉园

A huge park dedicated to the display of traditional Tang dynasty architecture, sculpture and gardening. Visitors to the 1000 hectare estate are in for a treat, including traditional Tang dynasty arts and crafts.

Add: 99 Furong Xilu, Xi’an 西安市芙蓉西路99号
Tel: 029-85511888
Website: http://www.tangparadise.cn/en/index.php (English)
How to get there: Bus. No 21, 22, 23, 24, 44, 212, 224, 237, 526, 609, 715, 720

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Related links:

Xi’an: A Big Small City
Best of China in Ten Days: Day 4 and 5
The 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in China

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