Joanna James
Xi'an located in the Shaanxi Province of China is a marvellous treat; it is not just museums and historical sites the place is a fun centre for many discoveries. Read on and learn before your visit.
The terracotta army undoubtedly is Xi'an's top attraction; a truly rewarding and mesmerizing sight the statues with their lifelike expressions are known to impress. Visit the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and wonder at the amazing craftsmanship and skill that has gone into the creation of this army that dates back to 221 BC. Mind you the place most likely will be packed but it's well worth exploring; especially the workshops that explain how the terracotta warriors were constructed. You can even try creating your own soldiers out of clay.
If you are hankering for an adrenaline rush, head over to Xi'an's highest and most impressive mountain Huashan. The place is considered one of the most beautiful environs in the region and also a place to challenge yourself. Mount Huashan is made up of five peaks, the tallest measuring in at 2,154.9 metres; the range is considered the most challenging but it is possible to climb with a little bit of grit and determination. Besides, you will be well rewarded with sights of the areas pristine beauty. Guests at Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an will find the place is close to a 2hrs away; but then it is a marvellous day trip filled with loads of adventure that one needs to look forward to. Plus you just may be adventurous enough to walk the wooden plank that hangs along the side of the wall!
That's right in Xi'an you can ride a bicycle on a wall; well it's a border wall that surrounds the old town of Xi'an and is open for tourists to explore. The best way is to hire a bicycle and explore to your heart's content. It is quite an experience, loads of fun and also one of the best means to discover the traditions and culture behind the Tang and Ming Dynasties.
Visit the Tang Bo Art Museum and get a healthy dose of ancient Chinese art and calligraphy. Rich in cultural splendour the museum has a hands-on workshop that lets you test your skills at calligraphy. Also, the place is easy to reach from your hotel apartment. Xi'an, as you will discover, is rich in culture and this place helps you understand the intricate skills that go into creating the elegant calligraphy writings. A fact that is easy to understand the first time you try your hand at the art and realize how difficult it is to master the skill of writing just one letter in calligraphy.
The Shaanxi History Museum is your best venue for discovering ancient China. The place is a treasure trove of artefacts that define the country's rich culture and history. On display are murals from past emperor's tombs, beautiful paintings and a history from the Silk Road. This is a marvellous display to explore since Xi'an was the starting point of the Silk Road.
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