Joanna James
Having served as one of the Four Ancient Capitals in the globe, Xi'an is a city full of heritage and history. From visiting cultural attractions and activities to understanding Xian's complex past, here are some of the best cultural things to do during a getaway in the city.
As the main reason why that most tourists visit Xian in the first place, the Terracotta Warriors are contained within a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's identified as the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Those based at Grand Park Xian and other similar hotels in Xian, China, must take time to tour this iconic space, which contains hundreds of well-preserved terracotta warriors known to represent the imperial army of Qinshihuang. Believed to have been buried with the emperor's remains between 210 and 209 BCE, each terracotta warrior differs from the others in the pit due to small details such as facial expressions and attire.
Tourists who wish to learn a skill that they can take back home with them should sign up for a dumpling-making class during their stay. Xian offers culinary enthusiasts a number of classes and cooking schools to choose from so that even those on a limited budget can learn the basics of making dry-fried, boiled or steamed dumplings the old-fashioned way. As an area of China famed for this delicious snack, there's no better venue to sign up for a dumpling cooking class.
The Guangzhong Leather-silhouette Show is a remarkable performance art piece that culture buffs at home and abroad flock to see once a year. Documenting China's rise to power, the story of the Chinese people is communicated using shadows to great effect in this folk-art form with a rich history.
Folk art exhibitions are also a regular fixture in Xian where Chinese folk-art forms such as tri-coloured glazed pottery and paper-cut artworks are all part of the local culture. Most of these traditions date back to the Tang Dynasty and have been passed down from generation to generation.
As one of the largest and most imposing landmarks in Xian, the Ancient City Wall is the site of many cultural festivals and events throughout the calendar year. The Welcome Ceremony is one such occasion where performers don Tang-style attire and perform a welcome ritual that was practised during China's imperial age.
Xi'an's Ancient City Wall is a landmark of this city. Those who would like to get in touch with the culture of Xian may find that the welcome ceremony held here is quite the highlight of the day. Performers who wear Tang-style dresses reenact the welcome ceremony reserved for the emperor in ancient times.
Tourists who are lucky enough to be in Xian during the month of September can witness the Xian Ancient Culture and Art Festival, which has been taking centre stage in Xian since 1990. Some of the major events that are part of the programme include the Imperial Firework Ceremony, the Imperial Gong and Drum session and Shehuo performances.
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