Xi‘an: China’s Ancient Powers: Silk and Clay
SOP
... sPIRIT
OF pREMIUM tRAVEL
1.Tag: Xian - Muslim Quarter - City Wall
Today you will learn about the history of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and take a leisure stroll atop the 12 km
long square city walls. Our tip: rent a bicycle at the wall.
The lively Muslim Quarter which surrounds a 1400 year old great mosque takes you back to the days of the
old Silk Road. Especially in the evening you will experience the exciting atmosphere of oriental bazaars and
numerous restaurants and shops of the Hui minority.
2.Tag: Terracotta Warriors - Shaanxi Provincial Museum
The huge tomb area with its 8000 warriors was accidentally discovered by farmers in 1974. It displays the
immense power of the first emperor - Qin Shi Huang Di.
The Historical Museum of Shaanxi enjoys a world renowned reputation and contains an impressive
collection of more than 3000 artifacts.
3.Tag: Experience “On your Own”
Silk, and the mighty army of
8000 terracotta warriors – two household
names unmistakably and eternally
linked with Xian, the first capital of the
Chinese empire.
The source and also the destination of the Silk Road, which didn‘t
only bring exotic goods to the west, but
also functioned as a bridge of ideas, cultures and religions, and has shaped the
face of the world as we know it today.
Silk, tea, silver, slaves, weapons
and the explosive power of ideas were
brought through the Taklamakan and
Gobi deserts to and from Xian, the „Gateway of China“, by caravans.
Only the capital of Shaanxi
province allowed a small insight into
the hermetically sealed vast empire with
its unique cultural prosperity of 3000
years. The outside world was regarded
as barbarian and the middle kingdom
took great efforts to protect itself from
such influence.
8000 terracotta tomb guardians are the unique witnesses of China‘s
power and skill.
Today, the city still attracts
visitors from all over the world as it is a
historic melting pot of cultures.
The morning is free for own exploring, but we would be more than happy to provide you with any advice
and assistance, if you may need it.
In the afternoon you can enjoy the last impressions of Xian during your ride to the airport or train station
with your own private car and driver.
THE FRIENDLY ADVICE:
Stroll through the pub area in Defu Lu near south gate. Tuesday is the “trendy” day to go out as all women have
free entrance to all clubs. „Didi‘s“ even lets almost all foreigners go in for free because “they look so funny“
according to their doormen.
CONNECTION PROGRAM TRIPS and recommended excursions:
- The trip can be combined with Silk Road, Yangtze Gorges Cruise, China‘s mega-cities: Shanghai, Beijing and
Hong Kong.
- Huashan: located 120km east of Xian is called „Flower Mountain“ because people say its formation of 5 peaks
make it resemble a blooming flower.
Here is the most westerly point of the five sacred Taoist mountains. 18 turns along the winding path are to be
overcome before one can fully enjoy the view from one of the temples.
A special event not to miss is the hike during moonlight, and many pilgrims and tourists choose to experience the
unique sunrise from the eastern summit.
- Longmen Grottoes: 1350 caves, 750 niches, 40 pagodas and 11,000 surviving statues line the edge of steep
limestone cliffs, about 13 km south of Luoyang‘s „World Heritage“ by UNESCO.
- Shaolin Temple: Myth and reality - the center of kung fu attracts thousands of
pilgrims and visitors each week. The martial art must be learned for
20 years and taught five hours a day until a monk can be called Shaolin.
SOP
... sPIRIT
OF pREMIUM tRAVEL
For more information please contact us
Your German travel agency in Shanghai
www.SoP-Travel.com Mail: [email protected]