In Xian China, in 1974, local farmers were digging a well and discovered, what has become, a wonder of China and the World. The Terracotta Warriors would be the most incredible and amazing example of revealed history you could experience while in China.

The diggings still go on; however, today you are able to see, in huge covered pits, actually 3 building in all, is an army of around 7000, life-size, true-to-life, moulded, kiln-fired soldiers, of many ranks and units, buried to protect an emperor’s Imperial tomb.

In this location in Xian in China and the surrounding areas, not only was an army discovered, but also a command centre, to direct the after-life combat, including horses, carriages… all preserved and open for you to see. Each soldier, horse, is unique is some way; facial expression, a piece of amour, helmet, rank within the army; an incredible undertaking that happened over 2000 years ago.

The Xian Terracotta Warriors is a spine-chilling experience that should not be missed.
More detailed info

There are other major historical sites and sounds to enjoy in Xian China; the city is known as a "walled city” with one of the most massive walls you will ever see surrounding it. However, be prepared for the dense, dry, windless air in this prehistoric plain – it can be a surprise. Xian is also an ancient Chinese capital to many dynasties, and the eastern portal of the famous “Silk Road”.

He is a very basic Xian China city map that may come in handy.

As with Beijing , Shanghai , Hangzhou and Suzhou I have listed the must-see sites.

• Huaqing Hot Springs - The Huaqing Hot Springs are located about 35 kilometers east of the city of Xian China. In the Qin Dynasty, a stone pool was built and given the name, Lishan Hot Springs.

• The Bell Tower – The Bell Tower (morning signal) is a three-story wooden structure topped with dark green tiles situated right in the heart of the city. It is a grand, ancient building with traditional Chinese architectural features. Look for the Drum Tower (evening signal) nearby, behind which you will find the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China, and a fabulous little-known, Muslim marketplace.

• The City Wall - Xian's city wall stands approximately 12 meters high, about 12-14 meters across the top, 15-18 meters thick at bottom and 13.7 kilometers in length. From the top, you can easily see the ancient and the modern, side by side.

• The Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Situated in the Da Ci'en Temple, about four kilometers from the urban center, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. More detailed info

• Maoling Tomb - It is the mausoleum of Emperor Han Wudi(Liu Che). In it are many sacrificial objects.

• Banpo Neolithic Village - The 6,000-year-old Banpo site was a typical matriarchal clan community in the Yellow River Valley.

If I can help in anyway with your trip to Xian China vacation; Please contact me for more info.

More Xian China info

Hotels

Hotels in China can be an interesting experience, I have detailed some important points that Ithink you will appreciate. Click here for more details.

When it comes to low budget accommodation within China , most Agents will not wish to handle this due to no money in booking andprocessing low budget accommodation.

I have a page for this, I have found a very good, proven Hostel / Budget accommodation network that you can book and put in place before you go, this saves a lot of time when you arrive at new places searching for somewhere to stay. Click here for more details

For Shanghai, I have found brand new small of the main track, Chinese Business hotel,and its 5 minutes from the most famous Xintain Di area in Shanghai, right in the heart of downtown. Double, Single, Large rooms are all available at a very good rate.

The Hotel does not do breakfast , however there is a supermarket next door and 10 minutes walk up the Rd is a “All you can eat” western breakfast buffet for RMB28 in a French restaurant serving a large serviced apartment complex.

Please contact me if you would like to stay here, its very good value

If you would like to have your say about Xian China and some of your adventures here, Highs and Lows... I would love to here about them.

I write for a local expat magazine called Shanghai Scene and I am always looking for comments , adventures of both Xian and China.