Xi'an
 Xian
- The capital of Shaanxi province and a subprovincial city.
One of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xian was
one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China because it has
been the capital of 13 dynasties. Xian was the start point of
the Silk Road. The city has more than 3,100 years of history.
It was called Chang'an, meaning "Forever Peace" in
those old days.
Xian is the largest and most developed city in the central to
the northwestern part of China and is ranked among the 10 largest
cities in the nation. Xian is home to Terra Cotta Warriors Museum.
Some pieces of the broken terra cotta warriors were found by
several local peasants in 1974 when they were digging for a
well. It was soon proved to be a funeral pit buried for the
first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang over 2,200 years ago, which
makes it one of the most important archaeological excavations
of 20th century. Later two more pits were found. So far there
are over 8, 000 full-sized warriors and horses and more than
100 chariots been excavated.
Local Places of Interest, Activities and Tours of the Surrounding
Areas
 Terracotta
Warrior & Horses Museum - The Qin Terra Cotta Warriors
and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations
of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is
around 1.5 km east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Shaanxi
province. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging
for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. Life size terracotta
figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations
are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what
the imperial guard should look like in those days of pomp and
vigor. All of the terra cotta warriors were made true to life,
it is easy to tell their identities and duties, generals, officers,
cavalry or infantry. There were also over 100, 000 bronze weapons
unearthed, which after more than 2,000 years are still sharp
and shining. There are two sets of bronze chariots and horses
on exhibition, which were excavated to the west of the Mausoleum
and are so far the biggest ones unearthed in China.
 Big
Goose Pagoda - As the symbol of the old-line Xian,
Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and
a holy place for Buddhists. It is located in the southern suburb
of Xian City, about 4 kilometers from downtown. Standing in
the Da Ci'en Temple complex, it attracts numerous visitors for
its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing
style of construction, and its new square in front of the temple.
It is rated as a National Key Cultural Relic Preserve as well
as an AAAA Tourist Attraction.
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