A Spontaneous Trip to Xi'an

At the beginning of the new year, a friend invited us to travel to Xi'an. I had been there a few years ago, and the city is changing rapidly. With time and energy to spare, I decided to revisit. Since our friend took care of all the arrangements, this trip was relaxed and enjoyable. Here’s a record of our journey.

On the first day, we took a high-speed train in the afternoon and arrived in Xi'an after over six hours. From the station, we took the metro for a few stops to our pre-booked hotel – modern transportation is so convenient.

First stop: Huaqing Pool.

Huaqing Pool lies at the foot of Lishan Mountain to the south and overlooks the Wei River to the north. Emperors from the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties built their detached palaces and gardens here. Renowned for its timeless hot spring resources, the historical tale of the beacon fires mocking the feudal lords, the love story between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Lady Yang Guifei, and as the site of the Xi'an Incident, it is celebrated both at home and abroad and has become a landmark Tang palace cultural tourism site in China.

Second stop: the nearby Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. This large-scale archaeological museum is built on the foundation of the Terracotta Army Museum and supported by the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Park (Lishan Garden).

Most visitors focus on the Terracotta Army within the museum. However, the two painted bronze chariots, hailed as the 'crown of bronze work,' are now displayed at Lishan Garden, so many tourists miss seeing this important artifact.

The Terracotta Army is a world-famous archaeological site and a must-see attraction in Xi'an. I had visited before, when cars could drive right up to the museum. Now, there’s a more commercial feel: a long shopping and dining street in front of the museum, and a Lantian jade sales hall inside.

Third stop: Xi'an Qian Gu Qing Scenic Area. 'One city of Chang'an, half of Chinese history.'

The 'Xi'an Qian Gu Qing' performance, with its rich historical and cultural heritage and superb artistry, vividly depicts Xi'an's thousand-year history and regional character, offering a feast for the eyes and ears.

Before watching the show, exploring the scenic area and enjoying the flash mob performances is also highly recommended.

First stop in the morning: Xi'an City Wall.

Xi'an City Wall is a splendid calling card of this ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Throughout history, 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang established their capitals here, making it a political, economic, and cultural center for over 1,100 years. It was among the first batch of historical and cultural cities announced by the State Council. The existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty on the foundations of the Sui and Tang imperial city, then serving as the prefectural seat of Xi'an. It was repeatedly renovated and expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties and remains well preserved today.

Second stop: walking through the Drum Tower to Xi'an's Huimin Street.

Xi'an Huimin Street is a famous food and cultural area, a hub for local snacks. I've been here several times before, tasting delicious Shaanxi specialties like yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton stew).

Third stop: Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Jinglong era of the Tang Dynasty. Together with the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, it is a key surviving symbol of Tang-era Chang'an. The pagoda and the ancient bell in the Jianfu Temple bell tower are jointly known as 'Morning Bell of the Wild Goose Pagoda,' one of the 'Eight Scenic Spots of Guanzhong,' and are part of the Xi'an Museum.

The Xi'an Museum consists of the museum building, the Tang Dynasty Jianfu Temple ruins, and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. After visiting the pagoda, we went to the museum, which uses 'Ancient Capital Xi'an' as its theme. Focusing on Xi'an's 1,000-plus-year history as the capital of 13 dynasties, it showcases artifacts from various periods to highlight the city's urban development and social life.

First stop: Famen Temple, one of the most legendary temples and a renowned sacred site of Chinese Buddhism.

Founded during the late Eastern Han Dynasty around 1,700 years ago, it is hailed as the 'ancestor of pagoda temples in Guanzhong.' The temple enshrines a finger bone relic of Sakyamuni Buddha and a towering pagoda for the Buddha's true body, making it one of the four great Buddhist holy sites of ancient China.

When I came before, the world-famous finger bone relic of Sakyamuni was displayed in the underground palace, allowing up-close viewing. Now, it is housed in the Namaste Dagoba at Famen Temple and can only be viewed from a distance.

Second stop: Yuanjia Village, one of Shaanxi's famous rural tourism destinations.

It was my first visit to a new socialist countryside in northern China. Yuanjia Village, with its rustic charm, rich food culture, and profound historical heritage, is a shining gem near Xi'an. Here, you can savor authentic Shaanxi snacks, enjoy the tranquility and simplicity of rural life, and gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

Third stop: Datang Everbright City, situated in front of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s a commercial street combining shopping, dining, entertainment, leisure, and tourism. At night, Datang Everbright City dazzles with brilliant lights and vibrant colors, crowded with visitors. The ornate brackets and beams are adorned with lights, shimmering in the night, as if transporting you back to Chang'an in the glittering twilight.

On the fifth day, because of our afternoon train, we visited one more nearby attraction.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park. Daming Palace was first built in the eighth year of the Zhenguan era (634) and originally called Yong'an Palace. In 635, it was renamed Daming Palace and served as the political center of the Tang Dynasty for over 200 years. In 904, it was destroyed and reduced to ruins. On October 1, 2010, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park was opened to the public.

The park covers a vast area and follows the historical layout of the Tang Daming Palace. From south to north along the central axis – Danfeng Gate, Hanyuan Hall, Xuanzheng Hall, Zichen Hall, Xuanwu Gate, and Chongxuan Gate – it is divided into three main zones: the front court, the palace area, and the imperial garden. Taking an electric cart or a small train is the best way to tour it comfortably.

The five-day trip was immensely rewarding.