Xian Shan Travel Guide

 
by wilocrek
 
  •   Xian Shan
    by wilocrek
  •   Xian Shan
    by wilocrek
  •   Xian Shan
    by wilocrek
  •   Things to Do
    by wilocrek
  •   Things to Do
    by wilocrek
 

Pro

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 Lots to see, clean and cheap. 


Con

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 Con artists, limited English 


In a nutshell

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 Definitely 1 of the top 5 cities to visit in China. 

 

Explore Xian Shan

Things to Do  

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower, Xian Shan

 wilocrek Says:  The Bell Tower (along with the Drum Tower) are two of the most notable and beautiful landmarks of Xian. Nestled in the center of the town within the ancient city gates the Bell Tower offers not only a glimpse in to ancient China but amazing panoramic views of the beautiful... 

Terracotta Warriors (Pit #2)

Terracotta Warriors (Pit #2), Xian Shan

 wilocrek Says:  Located 66 feet (20 meters) to the north of Pit 1 at the eastern end, Pit 2 is in an "L" shape. This pit was discovered in April 1976, covering an area of 64,583 square feet (6,000 square meters). It measures 407 feet (124 meters) long from east to west, 322 feet (98 meters)... 

The Terracotta Warriors (Pit #1)

The Terracotta Warriors (Pit #1), Xian Shan

 wilocrek Says:  The idea of the Terracotta Warriors has always fascinated me, the thought of thousands of buried soldiers standing guard in the Emperor's tomb lost for hundreds of years and then rediscovered by farmers is an amazing story. Visiting the Terracotta Warriors was not a letdown,... 

Tour around the city

Tour around the city, Xian Shan

 Oda_ Says:  Since it was a school-trip we also went sightseeing in Xi'an wisiting the drum tower, a chinese mosque and a local market not far from the mosque. The market was very nice with the usual chinese goods like handmade silk paintings, small figurines of dragons etc. etc. etc. Do... 

The Terracotta Soldiers- Emperor Qin Shi Huang's M

The Terracotta Soldiers- Emperor Qin Shi Huang's M, Xian Shan

 Oda_ Says:  You have never seen anything quite like this, and you will never again! It is hard to believe that the estimated amount of 7000 uniqely designed real sized terracotta soldiers could lie hidden in the ground for more than 2000 years! A couple of local farmers stumbled across... 

Warriors

Warriors, Xian Shan

 Buckz Says:  Few things are as striking as the Terracotta Warriors. There are about 1000 of them uncovered, with about 7000 more underground.They have 3 amazing features-1 the amount of work that went into creating them2 The amount of effort that went into destroying them.3 The ongoing... 

The 'Banpo' neolithic village

The 'Banpo' neolithic village, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  Well, I visited this place a few years ago, and it was 'ok'. It's one of the oldest villages every found, however it's being extremely poorly excavated, so there's water everywhere and in reality you can't see much, let alone imagine how they lived 6,000 years ago. It's... 

HuangShan mountain

HuangShan mountain, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  This is one of the 5 'sacred' mountains of China. I did not visit it and only saw it from the bus, but it looked amazing. I've been to another of the 'sacred mountains', that being the Yellow mountain in Anhui province. These things kick ass and are totally mind-blowing. You... 

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  This is one of the 'must see' attractions of Xi'an. Dating back to its creation in 654 (or something crazy like that) it has survived many earthquakes and remains almost pristine to this day (well it looks great, that's for sure). It's been renovated a couple times, sure,... 

The Shanxi History Museum

The Shanxi History Museum, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  This place is awesome. First off, get here by taking the # 610 bus (from the Bell Tower). It'll be on your left, and you'll see tons of Chinese flags and such. You can't really miss it. It's about 15 minutes from the city center. Anyway, if you take that same bus 1 or 2 more... 

The Muslim quaters

The Muslim quaters, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  The entrance is located right under the Drum Tower. You can't miss it, there's McDonalds 10 feet away. Upon entering, turn right after having walked about 10 metres, and you'll enter a little alley-way where people sell stuff. There's all kinds of junk and you can find lots... 

The Teracotta Warriors, or Bin Ma Yong

The Teracotta Warriors, or Bin Ma Yong, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  This is the reason why you should come to Xi'an. One of the most magnificient pieces of history ever found, the warriors and the Great Wall and the 2 most prized-possessions of Chinese history (in my opinion). They are open 8:30-5:30. Contrary to what other people would say... 

Haqing Hot Springs

Haqing Hot Springs, Xian Shan

 Scottyj36 Says:  These are a series of Hot Springs that the emporers have enjoyed for 2000 years. Bus#306 stops outside the cable car enterence. A mini bus runs back to the train station and takes about 35 minutes and costs about 3-4RMB. Enterece fee is 30RMB. Hot pool and Sauna 20-120RMB.... 

The Forest of Steles

The Forest of Steles, Xian Shan

 Scottyj36 Says:  This place containes over 1000inscription etched stones in 7 exibition halls. Open Daily 8:00am-6:30pm enterence fee is 30RMB. 

Restaurants  

The Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: Supper, with a twist...
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MylesD 95 reviews

I witnessed the 'Tang Dynasty Dinner Show' experience a few years ago, on my first trip to Xi'an. I was part of a tour group so the dinner was included within the tour...this time around, we found the place and decided to try and book ourselves some seats. Well, I guess it's really, really popular because the show goes for 410 Yuan / person nowadays, which is very expensive by my standards...even for a great show. And trust me, it really is a great experience, but not worth 410 Yuan for 1 1/2 hours. It's a 4-course meal served during a 3 or 4 act play, which includes all kinds of costumes and cool stuff...really nice eye candy, 'specially for me, and I don't even like theatre. Smart dress-code required, and no smoking, by the way. Make reservations by calling a few days ahead of time...the show is usually packed. It plays every night.

Favorite Dish: You can choose from 2 or 3 different dishes...from what I can remember. The food was ok.

Written May 18, 2004

Address: 75, Changan Road

Phone: 526-1633 and -1619 (fax)

Related to:
 Theater Travel

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Transportation  

Xian to the Terracotta Warriors by Bus

Xian to the Terracotta Warriors by Bus, Xian Shan

 wilocrek Says:  There are many buses leaving regularly for the Terracotta Warrior museum in front of the Xi'an bus station (east to the train station, outside (in the north) the city walls). Bus 306 (Chinese bus green 5) leaves from the lot in front of the train station and will take you to... 

taxi

taxi, Xian Shan

 Edy8 Says:  Like everywhere else, taxi-drivers in China are both lovable and detestable. In Kunming, we saw a convoy of `loving heart’ taxis ferrying passengers supposedly on welfare for an outing. Such a sight gives us a good impression of the taxi-drivers who are doing a charitable... 

Warnings and Dangers  

TAXIS

TAXIS, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  Yes, taxis will always swindle you and that is the ever-persistent behavior of Chinese drivers.In Xi'an, the meter drops at 5 Yuan and you can go 3 km before it switches to 0.7 every 1/2 km after that.Always offer the first price. KNOW your Chinese numbers!! This is... 

WARNINGS FOR XI'AN

WARNINGS FOR XI'AN, Xian Shan

 MylesD Says:  Yes, I wrote that in capital letters for a reason. Read the following extremely carefully, even if you only plan to spend a few hours in Xi'an. The second you leave the train / bus station, there will be pick-pockets around you. There will be people walking on your heels.... 

Favorites  

Entrance tickets
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

MylesD 95 reviews

Favorite thing: ...to the Bell and Drum towers can be purchased underground, right beneath the Bell Tower. That's where the 'tunnel' is, and somewhere in there you can buy your tickets. They're not worth it though. Just take a picture from accross the street, same damn thing.

Written May 21, 2004

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Map of Xian Shan