Holidays in China wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Xi’an. As far as important history and ancient civilizations go, Xi’an is on par with the likes of Cairo, Athens, and Rome. Xi’an is located in the southern region of Guanzhong Plain and is the capital of Shaanxi Province. It has much historical significance for holidays in China travelers. Xi’an has great travel weather; all seasons are fine for sightseeing except the coldest part of the winter season.
Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses
One of the most famous sites to see in Xi’an is the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. This magnificent museum has been praised as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The significance of this site cannot be overstated. The entire area of the museum covers 16,300 square meters and is divided into three sections or pits. Visitors on holidays in China absolutely cannot miss this spectacular museum. Nothing else like it exists on Earth. This is the mausoleum of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. This period is known as the Qin Dynasty and represents the years of 211 BC to 206 BC. A museum was authorized to be built on the site in 1975 to commemorate these archaeological findings. It has been one of the biggest attractions for holidays in China visitors ever since.
Over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, and chariots have been excavated at this site from all three pits. They are life-size figures and absolutely enthralling to behold. They are arranged in battlefield formation. It presents a massive ensemble for holidays in China sightseers to view.
Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang
Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb has gone largely unexcavated due to the excitement of unearthing the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Many years have been spent hard at work to uncover Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Recently, the method used to build and conceal the cemetery was figured out. The emperor’s tomb was hidden in a city within a city, behind three sets of walls: the outer wall, the inner wall, and a small city wall within the outer city’s boundaries. Holidays in China visitors will find this treasure on the World Heritage List of sites.
The City Wall
Speaking of walls, holidays in China visitors will find the Xi’an City Wall to be one of the largest and oldest military defense systems ever constructed. The first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, extended the base of the original wall, which was started in the Tang Dynasty, around 618-907. The wall is presently 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide, and 15-18 meters thick at the bottom of the structure. It runs for 13.7 km in length and is surrounded by a moat. At 120 meters apart, ramparts extend from the wall. These ramparts were designed to keep enemies from scaling the wall and there are 98 ramparts in total. This wall was solidly built for security and protection as all holidays in China visitors will be able to see.
Xi’an is another of many beautiful cities that is very worthwhile for spending holidays in China. Much history to see, learn, and absorb are at the fingertips of holidays in China travelers.