Xi'an

Terracotta Army Museum

The Terracotta Army Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the life-sized terracotta army created to accompany China's first emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, this archaeological marvel consists of over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, all arranged in battle formation. Each warrior has unique facial features, hairstyles, and armor, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. The museum complex includes three main pits: Pit 1 contains the main infantry army, Pit 2 features the command center with chariots and cavalry, and Pit 3 represents the headquarters. The site provides profound insights into Qin Dynasty military organization, technology, and burial practices.

Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum

The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over 38 years by 700,000 workers, this massive burial complex was constructed for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor who unified China in 221 BC. The site covers approximately 56 square kilometers and features the famous Terracotta Army - thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The mausoleum itself remains largely unexcavated, with the main tomb mound still containing the emperor's remains and untold treasures. The complex represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese funerary art and engineering, showcasing the power and ambition of China's first centralized empire.

Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace also known as Huaqing Pool is a historic site located at the northern foot of Mount Li in Lintong District Xi'an Shaanxi Province This ancient imperial hot spring resort has a history dating back over 3000 years to the Western Zhou Dynasty The site is most famous for its association with Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his beloved concubine Yang Guifei whose legendary love story unfolded here The palace complex features natural hot springs that have been used for therapeutic bathing since ancient times with water temperatures around 43°C The architecture combines traditional Chinese palace design with beautiful gardens pavilions and pools The site also holds significance as the location of the Xi'an Incident in 1936 when Chiang Kaishek was detained leading to the formation of the Second United Front against Japanese invasion

Huaqing Palace Theater

Huaqing Palace Theater is a world-class performance venue situated within the historic Huaqing Palace complex at the foot of Mount Li in Xi'an. This theater presents the spectacular Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Show which recreates the glorious cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Xi'an known as Chang'an was the capital of China and one of the largest cities in the world. The theater itself is an architectural masterpiece that blends traditional Chinese design with modern stage technology. The performance tells the legendary love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite concubine Yang Guifei set against the backdrop of the magnificent Huaqing Palace which was originally built as an imperial hot spring resort during the Tang Dynasty. The show features over 200 performers in exquisite Tang Dynasty costumes accompanied by traditional Chinese music and breathtaking stage effects. The theater's location within the actual historical site adds an authentic atmosphere that transports audiences back to the golden age of Chinese civilization.

Xian City Wall

Shaanxi History Museum