Facts of Xian
English Name: Xi'an, Hsian, Sian
Chinese Name: 西安 (xī ān)
Alias: Chang'an
Location: Guanzhong Plain, Shaanxi Province, Northwest China (34°16′N, 108°54′E)
Postal Code: 710000 - 710090
Area Code: 029
History of Xi'an
Historically known as Chang'an, it was home to the ruling house of 13 dynasties, notably, the Qin (221 BC – 207 BC), Han (206 BC – 220 AD), Sui (581 AD – 618 AD) and Tang (618AD – 908AD) Dynasties. The Emperor Qin Shihuang united China for the first time and left Xi'an and the world one of the most extraordinary archeological finds in history - the Terracotta Warriors, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. The city reached its peak in the Tang dynasty, boasting 2 million taxable inhabitants and the largest, most cosmopolitan, settlement in the world during the reign of Xuanzong (712 AD – 756 AD)...More
What to see in Xi'an?
The cultural and historical significance of Xian, as well as the abundant relics and sites, help Shaanxi enjoy the laudatory title of 'Natural History Museum'. The Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is praised as 'the eighth major miracle of the world', Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is listed on the World Heritage List, and the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the largest and most intact Ming Dynasty castle in the world. In the city, there is the 3,000 years old Banpo Village Remains from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC), and the Forest of Stone Steles that holds 3,000 stone steles of different periods from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. ...More
Around Xian, the Famen Temple enjoys the reputation of being the 'forefather of pagodas and temples in Central Shaanxi,' because it holds the finger bones of Sakyamuni -- the founder of Buddhism. The natural landscape around Xian is also marvelous Mt.Huashan one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics.
When to visit Xi'an?
Xian weather is mild with four distinct seasons - a warm but variable spring, a torrid summer, a cool autumn, and a dry and chilly winter. The highest temperature occurs in July, 35 – 40 C (95 – 104 F); while the coldest month is January, with the temperature low to -10 – -5 C (14 – 23 F). There is a moderate rainfall caused by frequent summer storms and a succession of overcast and rainy days in autumn.
Xian climate in spring is usually warm and pleasant, and March to May is the best time of a year to pay a visit. Early autumn running through September and October is also a good season for travel.
How to get to Xi'an?
Xian is one of the most important and convenient transportation hubs in central and western China. Frequent flights, trains and buses connect the city with other major cities all around the country. The urban transportation of the city has been somewhat frustrating in recent years because of the metro construction. Now metro line 1, line 2 and line 3 are in operation. Several other lines are also under construction or in the planning process. For now the buses and taxis can take you to get around the city.
Xian Travel Tips
Practical tips and suggestions are offered in this part for visitors' better experience in this city. You may be interested in the following topics: More about Xian travel tips , Unique Style Shops in Xian , Xian Muslim Street
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