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Chang’an” is the ancient name of Xi’an, meaning forever-lasting peace and prosperity. With this blessed name, it capitalized 13 glorious Chinese dynasties. Once the world’s most cosmopolitan city on earth, Xi’an boasts a rich and varied history, drawing influences from the sophistication of the prehistoric Yangshao Culture, the excitement of golden Tang Dynasty and the exoticness of the colorful Silk Road. Xi’an, a name difficult to pronounce and a destination hard to forget!
Terra Cotta Warriors Museum – Imagine the entire military force of First Qin Emperor, one of the most powerful and most important leaders that shaped China’s vast history. Now imagine each member of this army made from terra cotta! You will visit the Qin Dysnasty Imperial Tomb and Terra Cotta Warriors Museum (Binmayong). The site was accidentally uncovered in 1974 by local peasants and is among the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Make an on-site inspection of the 6,000 terra cotta warriors, made in the 3rd century BC and all with different faces, expressions and postures; they were modeled after real human beings. You may find it difficult to believe that originally, these life-size “soldiers” were found as mashed powder and broken pieces. If you are lucky, you will see on-site archaeologists demonstrate how they restore them into their original condition.
Han Yang Imperial Tomb/Palace Museum – The Imperial Tomb and Palace of Western Han Emperor Jing Di is one of the largest cemeteries discovered in China, covering a vast area of 7.2 square miles, and over 90 pits. This underground museum was 'vacuumed' and covered with glass, allowing visitors to observe the entire structure from above. According to historians and archeologists, religious ritual activities were performed here. You can see guards, warriors, painted ceramic animals, chariots and horses, as well as other cultural relics, which are still located in the same place as hundreds and thousands of years ago. Looking from above the glass floor, you will sense the Han Imperial history, as if you have just traveled through the tunnel of time!
Shaanxi History (Provincial) Museum – Built in the design of a Tang Dynasty palace, this museum boasts the world’s greatest repositories of Tang Dynasty ceramics, painting, and textiles, among items from other dynasties: pottery, bronze, gold/silver wares and other treasures. The special Mural Exhibition Hall displays the world’s most complete collection of mural paintings from the tombs of Tang Dynasty nobles and emperors. The murals vividly capture the life and religions of the time, as well as interactions with other countries. These remarkable diplomatic and commercial activities between Tang Dynasty leaders and other countries are what created the world’s most important connection between the East and the West – the Silk Road.
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