{short description of image}  
 

CHINA CITIES - XI'AN

 
 

Today Xi'an is a manufacturing city, capital of Shaaxi Province, with a population of 5 million. It is a very wealthy city, as visits to the up-scale stores will reveal, but in a relatively poor agricultural region of the Wei River valley and 100 miles from the Huang He River.
It was the imperial capital (or actually they were at now ruined sites in the close proximity) for 11 - 13 dynasties (sources vary), between 1000 BC and 1000 AD. Now it is most famous as a tourist center due to the discovery ofthe underground Terra Cotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (210 BC) - Bing Mayong - 20 miles east of town. Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's actual capital was at Xianyang, about 30 miles northwest of Xi'an. But there are many other interesting places in and around Xi'an. Among these are hot springs (Huaqing Chi) in use for 3000 years; the Banpo Neolithic village; Qian Ling, the tomb of a Tang dynasty emperor; and Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. And there are several excellent museums in the city.
Xi'an reached the pinacle of its glory days (then named Chang'an) as the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it was reputed to be the largest city in the world. It owed its importance because it was the Chinese starting place of the famous "Silk Road" across Asia to Europe.
But the massive city wall that is the best preserved such fortification in China today dates from the Ming Dyansty - it was built on the foundation of ancient Tang walls.

 
 

Xi'an is well represented on the Internet - some web sites include:
Wikipedia;
City guide;
China Odyssey;
China attractions;
Maps

 
{short description of image}

A separate section on the Terra Cotta Warrior Museum at Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Departing Chinese airline at Xi'an airport

 
{short description of image}

Aircraft at the Xi'an airport

 
{short description of image}

The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the airports we passed through in China are modern.

 
{short description of image}

The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the airports we passed through in China are modern.

 
{short description of image}

The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the airports we passed through in China are modern.

 
{short description of image}

A busy downtown street in Xi'an, China

 
{short description of image}

The upper floors of the Bell tower (Zhanglou) at the crossing of two main streets (west-east, Xidajie-Dong dajie - and north-south, Beidajie-Nandajie south of the center of Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

View inside the defensive courtyard of the Xi'an southern gate (Nan men)- The fortification is elaborate, with two gates, off set with a courtyard between. The massive walls date from the Ming Dynasty

 
{short description of image}

Stairway and one gate in the defensive courtyard of the Xi'an southern gate. These walls are massive.

 
{short description of image}

Stairway and one gate in the defensive courtyard of the Xi'an southern gate. These walls are massive.

 
{short description of image}

Upper stories of the Xi'an southern city gate.

 
{short description of image}

Upper stories of the Xi'an southern city gate.

 
{short description of image}

Standing on the top of the Xi'an City fortress wall - clearly wide enough for two chariots.

 
{short description of image}

The outer side of the Xi'an city fortress wall - view toward the next tower. Visible at bottom of photo is a modern archway put through the wall for street.

 
{short description of image}

The outer side of the Xi'an city fortress wall - view toward the next tower. Visible at bottom of photo is a modern archway put through the wall for street.

 
{short description of image}

View along the top of the Xi''an city wall on southern side of city

 
{short description of image}

View along the top of the Xi''an city wall

 
{short description of image}

View across the parapet of the Xi'an city wall toward very modern tall buildings south of the city center. While there are strikingly modern buildings inside the fortress walls. they are restricted to lower heights

 
{short description of image}

View across the parapet of the Xi'an city wall toward very modern tall buildings. While there are strikingly modern buildings inside the fortress walls. they are restricted to lower heights

 
{short description of image}

A medieval design made into a trash receptical on the Xi'an city wall

 
{short description of image}

View from the top of the Xi'an city wall gate directly into the city center - the tower is at the crossroad of the central east-west and north-south streets.

 
{short description of image}

A remarkable architecture - building next to the city gate.

 
{short description of image}

View in opposite direction along the top of the huge Xi'an city wall

 
{short description of image}

A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.

 
{short description of image}

A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.

 
{short description of image}

Four re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.

 
{short description of image}

Four re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.

 
{short description of image}

A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.

 
{short description of image}

The outer side of the Xi'an city wall next to one gate - with modern gate for roadway.

 
{short description of image}

The upper floors of the Xian City wall gate tower.

 
{short description of image}

View of the Xi'an city wall and the outer section tower - then modern buildings in the distance.

 
{short description of image}

View of the Xi'an city wall looking down from an upper level in the gate tower.

 
{short description of image}

The Bell tower (Zhanglou) in the square at central crossroads of the north-south and east-west main city streets. It is 36 meters high, was originally located west in 1384 but moved to its current spot in 1582 and restored in 1739. Note Colonel Saunders' smiling face on the building on left. KFC is a major chain in China - part of the YUM Brand.

 
{short description of image}

View up the main street from the Xi'an gate tower - note that vehicle traffic has been routed around the gate on both sides through new passages put through the wall

 
{short description of image}

View along the city wall in opposite direction from upper floor of the city gate. Note that most of the modern high-rise buildings are outside the old town.

 
{short description of image}

Interior of one room inside the Xi'an city gate - these are now stores with sales for tourists.

 
{short description of image}

Display of goods for sale in shop inside the Xi'an City gate.

 
{short description of image}

Interior side of wall inside the city gate

 
{short description of image}

Interior side of wall inside the city gate

 
{short description of image}

Interior staircase inside the city gate complex

 
{short description of image}

Interior of the Xi'an city gate

 
{short description of image}

Interior of the Xi'an city gate

 
{short description of image}

A cannon placed on the Xi'an city wall

 
{short description of image}

A cannon placed on the Xi'an city wall

 
{short description of image}

View from the city wall into the adjacent houses inside the city.

 
{short description of image}

The ANA Grand Castle Hotel - located just outside the southern gate of Xi'an. This is a very fine hotel.

 
{short description of image}

Central atrium in the Grand Castle hotel in Xi'an - It is located directly across the road from the southern city gate. This is a terrific hotel that Vantage Tours uses.

 
{short description of image}

The central atrium in the ANA Grand Castle Hotel. It faces the South Gate in the old city wall. The hotel architecture is modeled after the ancient Big Goose Pagoda.

 
{short description of image}

Ground floor in the atrium of the ANA Grand Castle Hotel

 
{short description of image}

View from window of the ANA Grand Castle Hotel across the park and major city streets to the southern gate of Xi'an. In this view one can see the design of the gate. The multistory tower is over the entrance gate in the city wall itself. Outside this is a square 'barbican that has its own entrances. One is directly on the southern side, but there is another around on the eastern side of this fortification. The city wall is surrounded by a deep moat.

 
{short description of image}

Two very modern buildings adjacent to the ANA Grand Castle hotel. The city wall is reflected in the buildings.

 
{short description of image}

View of the hotel atrium from an upper floor.

 
{short description of image}

The tower of the outer gate in the Xi'an city southern gate complex. Note the verticals of the bridge over the moat.

 
{short description of image}

The tower of the outer gate in the Xi'an city southern gate complex. Note the verticals of the bridge over the moat.

 
{short description of image}

The moat in front of the outer fortification of the Xi'an city southern gate complex.

 
{short description of image}

Section of the moat outside the southern wall, looking west

 
{short description of image}

ANA Grand Castle Hotel at Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

The Bell tower (Zhanaglou) in the center of Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

The Bell tower in the center of Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

The southern gate tower at Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Parkson hotel in downtown Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Entranceway to side street in downtown Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

The upper part of the western gate tower

 
{short description of image}

Part of the city moat at the southwest corner of Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

The western gate tower ((Ximen) of Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

Inside of the western city wall of Xi'an - my taxi and driver who showed me the city.

 
{short description of image}

Inside of the western city wall of Xi'an.

 
{short description of image}

A restaurant built into the southwest corner of the Xi'an city wall.

 
{short description of image}

Inside of the southern city wall.

 
{short description of image}

Inside of the western city wall. Note the modern houses across the street. The western gate is in the distance.

 
{short description of image}

One of the modern passageways put through the Ming Dynasty wall to accomodate traffic. - this is the southern city wall.

 
{short description of image}

Entrance to the ANA Grand Castle Hotel.

 
{short description of image}

Xi'an was the Chinese gateway to the 'Silk Road' across Asia for many centuries - here in the Grand Castle Hotel the memory of those caravans is depicted.

 
{short description of image}

Xi'an was the Chinese gateway to the 'Silk Road' across Asia for many centuries - here in the Grand Castle Hotel the memory of those caravans is depicted.

 
{short description of image}

Ruth with camel in the hotel to commemorate the starting point of the Silk Road.

 
{short description of image}

View of part of the Xi'an southern city wall from upper floor of the Grand Castle Hotel.

 
{short description of image}

A doorman at the entrance to the Tang dynasty Theater Restaurant on 75 Changan Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. This is a super fine restaurant with excellent food, plus a fascinating after dinner program. The restaurant web site - {short description of image}

 
{short description of image}

The crowd gathering and entering the dinner theater from the lobby. Our first night in Xi'an featured attendance at a dinner theater featuring a Tang Dynasty banquet followed by a remarkable show. The entire performance is available on DVD - a fine reminder of the visit to China.

 
{short description of image}

The musical entertainment during dinner is provided by this musical group playing ancient Chinese instruments.

 
{short description of image}

The musical entertainment during dinner is provided by this musical group playing ancient Chinese instruments.

 
{short description of image}

The audience is enjoying a six course Chinese banquet.

 
{short description of image}

Restaurant is decorated in Tang Dynasty motif

 
{short description of image}

More musical entertainment before and during the banquet - the Vantage Tour secured tables for us directly against the stage, making it simply to set the camera right on the stage.

 
{short description of image}

More musical entertainment before and during the banquet -

 
{short description of image}

More musical entertainment before and during the banquet -

 
{short description of image}

More musical entertainment before and during the banquet -

 
{short description of image}

More musical entertainment before and during the banquet - the featured instrument is a qin

 
{short description of image}

The featured soloist during the banquet

 
{short description of image}

The featured soloist during the banquet

 
{short description of image}

The performer is using a sheng - an ancient Chinese wind instrument.

 
{short description of image}

The spectacular performance begins with the emperor's guards.

 
{short description of image}

The spectacular performance begins with the emperor's guards.

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The ladies and entertainers of the Tang Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.

 
{short description of image}

The Da Nuo Dance - various spirits and goblins dance under changing light.

 
{short description of image}

The Da Nuo Dance - various spirits and goblins dance under changing light.

 
{short description of image}

Da Nuo Dance

 
{short description of image}

Da Nuo Dance

 
{short description of image}

Da Nuo Dance

 
{short description of image}

Da Nuo Dance

 
{short description of image}

Da Nuo Dance

 
{short description of image}

The scene shifts - The Rainbow costume dance - the court is awaiting the arrival of the emperor.

 
{short description of image}

The scene shifts - the court is awaiting the arrival of the emperor.

 
{short description of image}

A contortionist begins here routine

 
{short description of image}

The Rainbow costume dance - courtesans dance while awaiting the emperor

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

The warriors Triumphal Dance

 
{short description of image}

Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while court members enjoy a spring garden party.

 
{short description of image}

Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while court members enjoy a spring garden party.

 
{short description of image}

Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while court members enjoy a spring garden party.

 
{short description of image}

Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while court members enjoy a spring garden party.

 
{short description of image}

Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while court members enjoy a spring garden party.

 
{short description of image}

The Spring Orioles Song - A solo on the Pai xiao - pipe flute - by a master musician

 
{short description of image}

The Spring Orioles Song - A solo on the Pai xiao - pipe flute - by a master musician

 
{short description of image}

The main orchestra has moved off stage into two side boxes.

 
{short description of image}

We are about to see the emperor's entrance.

 
{short description of image}

A fanfare to greet the emperor

 
{short description of image}

The soldiers are greeting the emperor with multiple drums.

 
{short description of image}

And here comes the emperor's entorage down the center isle of the restaurant. We had a 'ringside' - well stage-side seat for the proceedings.

 
{short description of image}

A leading court official is waiting on stage to greet the emperor.

 
{short description of image}

The emperor and his consort appear

 
{short description of image}

The emperor and his consort appear

 
{short description of image}

The emperor and his consort appear

 
{short description of image}

TA Ge - the emperor is seated on his throne and the musicians and dancers are performing for him. (and us)

 
{short description of image}

The emperor sits serene and solemn, observing every movement.

 
{short description of image}

An emperor's official or guard seated nearby

 
{short description of image}

An emperor's official or guard seated nearby

 
{short description of image}

A dancer pleases the emperor and empress

 
{short description of image}

The emperor takes his turn on the dance floor

 
{short description of image}

Dancers join the emperor

 
{short description of image}

Dancers join the emperor

 
{short description of image}

The soloist with the Pai Xiao joins the emperor for the finale of the spectacular performance

 
{short description of image}

The orchestra takes its bows.

 
{short description of image}

The performers are enjoying the applause from the delighted audience.

 
{short description of image}

Back at the ANA Grand Castle hotel after that spectacular performance we can see the southern gate from the hotel window.

 
{short description of image}

The south east corner of the Ming Dynasty walls - taking a taxi ride around the city.

 
{short description of image}

The tower at the south-east corner of the Xi'an city wall

 
{short description of image}

The eastern gate (Dong men) of the Xi'an city fortress wall - note there is no outer fortification for this gate

 
{short description of image}

The eastern gate of the Xi'an city fortress wall - note there is no outer fortification for this gate

 
{short description of image}

The eastern gate seen from inside the city

 
{short description of image}

The Bell tower (Zhanglou) at the center of Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

The Bell tower at the center of Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Modern buildings surround the Xi'an city central square. They are all interconnected by underground passage ways and underground stores.

 
{short description of image}

Modern buildings surround the Xi'an city central square. They are all interconnected by underground passage ways and underground stores.

 
{short description of image}

Another view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Facade of a remarkable building close by the Xi'an southern gate.

 
{short description of image}

Facade of a remarkable building close by the Xi'an southern gate.

 
{short description of image}

Facade of a remarkable building close by the Xi'an southern gate.

 
{short description of image}

Modern buildings outside the southern wall of Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Part of the entrance gate to the grounds of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyan Ta) - 45 meters tall - in southern part of Xi'an

 
{short description of image}

Part of the entrance gate to the grounds of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in southern part of Xi'an. It was founded in 707 AD - 151 ft tall.

 
{short description of image}

Exhibition hall of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Jainfu Temple

 
{short description of image}

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda

 
{short description of image}

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda

 
{short description of image}

Chinese ladies doing their morning Tai Chi exercises at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda grounds.

 
{short description of image}

One of the buildings on the grounds of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda

 
{short description of image}

The Small Wild Goose pagoda

 
{short description of image}

A building on the grounds of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda that is an art gallery with prints for sale

 
{short description of image}

Another building on the pagoda grounds.

 
{short description of image}

The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small Wild Goose pagoda

 
{short description of image}

The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small Wild Goose pagoda

 
{short description of image}

The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small Wild Goose pagoda

 
{short description of image}

Very expensive prints for sale at pagoda

 
{short description of image}

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda

 
{short description of image}

A large wall hanging for sale

 
{short description of image}

A large wall hanging for sale

 
{short description of image}

A large wall hanging for sale

 
{short description of image}

Caligraphy masters creating signs and sayings for customers

 
{short description of image}

Statue of Buddha

 
{short description of image}

A very large bell - struck by a heavy wooden beam

 
{short description of image}

A very large bell - struck by a heavy wooden beam

 
{short description of image}

A building on the pagoda grounds.

 
{short description of image}

View of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and a nearby modern high-rise building.

 
{short description of image}

Various machinery in the pagoda yard.

 
{short description of image}

A collection of steles

 
{short description of image}

Another view of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda

 
{short description of image}

More Chinese doing their morning exercises.

 
{short description of image}

Another very large bell - housed in a special building.

 
{short description of image}

Very modern style building next door to the pagoda - Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology

 
{short description of image}

Another special building on the pagoda grounds

 
{short description of image}

A giant drum hanging in its own small building

 
{short description of image}

Lovely statues carved from natural wood

 
{short description of image}

Monkeys carved into a tree

 
{short description of image}

Musician playing the Chinese pipes.

 
{short description of image}

Another musician - playing the Pai Xiao - flute

 
{short description of image}

Chinese musicians enjoying an improptu concert.

 
{short description of image}

Sign outside the Jin Jang Jade carving factory

 
{short description of image}

Tour bus parked next to modern apartment buildings near the jade factory

 
{short description of image}

Tour bus parked next to modern apartment buildings near the jade factory

 
{short description of image}

Tour group listening to a factory lecture about making of jade items.

 
{short description of image}

Jade factory public relations man discoursing on the finer points of jade products.

 
{short description of image}

The very impressive show rooms at the Xi'an jade factory - bring lots of cash or a big credit card account.