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- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Xi'an
Xi'an
In ancient times the city of Xi'an was a major crossroads on the
trading routes from eastern China to central Asia, and the
beginning point of the famed Silk Road; in recent years this 3,100
year old city that was once regarded to be on a par with Rome and
Constantinople, has come back into its own as one of China's major
tourist attractions.
In 1974, on the city's eastern outskirts, archaeologists
stumbled across a treasure trove: an army of terracotta warrior
figurines in battle formation standing in underground vaults.
Hailed as the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century, the
Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an have brought visitors from around the
world flocking to the city to soak up its historical and cultural
heritage, and perhaps embark on an adventure tour along the ancient
silk caravan route.
Xi'an, in ancient times known as Chang'an, is situated in
central China in the southern part of Guan Zhong Plain in Shaanxi
province, with the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Weihe
River to the south.
Besides the terracotta warriors, the city has a great many
historical relics of interest including museums and temples, having
been the capital city of China through 12 dynasties during its
thousands of years of development. The city wall is the largest in
the world, and the Forest of Steles, with its collection of more
than 3,000 ancient stone tablets, is both the largest and oldest in
China.
Information & Facts
Climate
Xi'an has a continental monsoon climate, with four separate
seasons. Summers are usually hot and wet, and winters tend to be
cold and dry. July to September is the wet season and the average
yearly temperature is 56°F (13°C). Spring and autumn are favourite
times to travel to Xi'an, though generally the weather is pleasant
year round.
Getting Around
Xi'an is easy to negotiate on foot, as it is relatively small
and compact. Buses run frequently, linking most attractions, as do
the smaller and more crowded minibuses. Taxis are plentiful but
visitors should ensure the metre is switched on as drivers can tend
to overcharge with 'fixed rates.' Hiring a bicycle is also an
option, though one should be careful on the busy streets.
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
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