In June this year, my wife Rosa and I embarked on a private tour to the ancient city of Xi’an, a place where history whispers through every corner and tradition blends seamlessly with modernity. Our journey was an immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of China, as we explored its historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods.
The trip to Xian is actually an “extra plan” added to my trip to the Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang tour which had been planned several months ago. Our Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang tour starts at Lanzhou, since I had not visited Xian before, I thought I should visit Xian first as the starting point for my Silk Road trip.
Then I contacted Sharon Tan, a tourist guide in Xian who once arranged a tour for my friend David DeVoss several years ago. Sharon was so happy to help and very timely she offered a plan for Rosa and me. As I finished visiting my hometown in Shexian, Anhui Province and Hefei, the capital city of Anhui, I took a highspeed train to Xian from Hefei, and Sharon met us at the railway station.
Sharon wasted no time to send us to the hotel to check in, then drove us to the Minor Wild Goose Pagoda, seemed to be the sister pagoda of Big Wild Goose Pagoda, both are iconic landmarks in Xian that have stood the test of time.
Minor Wild Goose Pagoda was built 1300 years ago to keep the Buddhist books brought back from India, and it has survived several major earthquakes but still stands tall with the 13-storied brick structured building.
Our adventure is highlighted with a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Standing in front of the vast army of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, we were transported back to the time of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each figure, unique in its features and attire, told a silent story of the past, and the sheer scale of the site left us both in awe and contemplation.
The tour takes much walking. Since Rosa has difficulty walking a long way, Sharon hired a local man to push a wheelchair for her, and that helped her much.
After seeing the amazing terracotta warriors unearthed, we went to see the “live” warriors – the terracotta warriors became alive on the stage called “An Army Reborn”, which vividly depicted China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang and his army. The performance is simply splendid!
The Huaqing Palace was our next stop, a place that has witnessed countless historical events. Nestled at the foot of Mount Li, the palace’s hot springs were once a favorite retreat of emperors. Walking through the beautifully landscaped gardens and elegant pavilions, we felt the echoes of its regal past.
Huaqing Palace is not only about the beauty of Yang Guifei, famous Tang beauty, consort of Emperor Xuanzhong in the Tang Dynasty, but also about the historical event in China’s modern history that helped change the fate of China where the famous Xian Incident took place. During the Xi’an Incident of 12th December 1936, China’s top leader Chiang Kai-shek was arrested and then forced to form a united front with the Communist Party to fight Japanese invaders.
Next, we ventured to the Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. As we walked along its ancient ramparts, we marveled at the panoramic views of the city, where traditional architecture coexisted with modern buildings. The blend of old and new was a testament to Xi’an’s dynamic evolution over centuries.
The Xi’an Bell Tower and Drum Tower were next on our itinerary. These impressive structures, located in the heart of the city, once served as timekeeping centers. The Bell Tower, with its intricate wooden architecture, and the Drum Tower, with its mighty drums, provided us with a deeper understanding of the city’s historical significance.
A stroll through the bustling Muslim Quarter was a sensory delight. The vibrant market streets were alive with the aroma of exotic spices, the sizzle of street food, and the colorful display of local handicrafts. We indulged in mouthwatering delicacies, from savory kebabs to sweet pastries, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere that reflected the area’s rich cultural diversity.
One of the highlights of our trip was watching the Tang Dynasty Dance. The graceful dancers, adorned in exquisite costumes, brought ancient legends to life through their mesmerizing movements. The performances were a vivid portrayal of Xi’an’s illustrious history, and we were captivated by the artistry and storytelling.
Throughout our journey, we learned about the significance of Xi’an as the starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected the East and the West. This historical context added another layer of depth to our exploration, as we imagined the exchanges of goods, ideas, and cultures that once flowed through this vibrant city.
Our trip to Xi’an was more than just a vacation; it was a journey through time, where every site and experience enriched our understanding of China’s profound history.
I am glad that I made a smart decision to tour Xian before our Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang visit. Both Rosa and I agreed that the three-day visit to Xian was too short. Just as Sharon told us, in Xian you would learn a lot about the Chinese culture and there had been too many places worth to be visited. Well, that will give us reason for another visit in the near future.
As we boarded our highspeed train to Lanzhou to start our Sil Road and Northern Xinjiang tour, Rosa and I carried with us not only memories of breathtaking sights and delicious flavors but also a deeper appreciation for the heritage that makes Xi’an a true treasure of the ancient world.