Xian Culture
Xian is often referred to as the “cradle of Chinese civilization’. This city has a long and ancient history that dates back to the Neolithic Age, some 600,000 years ago. Formerly called Chang’an, Xian served as the imperial capital of China for twelve dynasties, over a period of 1,120 years. During the Middle Ages this city was one of the biggest in the world and a center for international trade.
The starting point for the Silk Route, Xian’s culture can be found its many ancient relics and artifacts, like the terra cotta warriors and the stone steles. This city’s rich culture has had numerous influences such as the Tang Dynasty, the Sui Dynasty, the Western Han Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty. Religion has also had a profound effect on this city, with a great many Chinese here being Muslim. Buddhism’s effects can also be seen in the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas in the city. A glimpse into this city’s rich heritage can be seen in the Tang-inspired cultural show which is preformed by the Tang Dynasty Song and Dance Troupe and includes opera, acrobatics and classical recitals.
Xian Weather
This city lies in the center of the Guanzhong Plains and has a mild, pleasant climate most of the year. Located in a temperate zone, Xian is cold in winter and warm in the summers. January is the coldest month and June is the hottest month with the average temperature of around 26° C (79°F). The annual average temperature is 13° C (55°F). If you are visiting Xian in the summer, be sure to drink plenty of water, as summers can be very dry and dehydrating.
Xian Shopping
Xian is an excellent city to shop in if you enjoy buying souvenirs and antiques. Chinese calligraphy rubbings, handicrafts, replicas, folk paintings, folk paper cuttings and green porcelain are just some of the many items you can find on sale in most street markets and shops in Xian. Be sure to authenticate any antique purchases because they can be counterfeit. The area around Jiefang Road is a great place to shop and a place to get good bargains is the area behind the Drum Tower in the Muslim quarter.
If you prefer to shop in stores, Xian has plenty of them like Friendship store, Century Ginwa Department Store, the Xian Department Store and the Guangren Department Store. Beiyuanmen Street and Shuyuanmen Street are two places where you can get good deals. The best place for antiques is the market outside the Baxian Gong held every Wednesday and Sunday. For cheap clothing, try the markets that are in the alleys down Dong Dajie. Xian also has quite a few night markets. The night markets in the Muslim quarter of the city and in Beilin have truly amazing bargains.
What to Wear in Xian
With its mild climate, anything goes in Xian. You must remember to dress properly when visiting temples and other holy places. In these places clothing should not be revealing and sleeveless tops and shorts are frowned upon. Jeans, cotton pants and t-shirts are perfect. If you plan to see the Tang Musical Show, remember to pack something semi-formal, as there is a strict dress code for these shows.
Travel Around in Xian
The easiest way to see the many sights in and around Xian is by taking an organized tour of the city such as the Green Bus tours. These buses leave from the Bell Tower at regular intervals throughout the day. Another way to get around the city is by taxi. There are plenty of taxis in Xian and the fare depends upon the size of the cab: the bigger the taxi, the higher the fare. Most cab fares are just ¥5 to 6. Since most taxi drivers here do not speak English, remember to take the address of the place written in Chinese. You can also travel by bus around Xian, especially to the more remote locations outside the city. Bus fares are cheap but the trip can is not for the faint of heart as bus drivers often drive recklessly. Another way to travel around Xian is by bicycle. There are plenty of hotels and shops in the city that rent bicycles for the day. The price usually ranges between ¥50 and 200.
Xian Health Services
There are plenty of hospitals in Xian including the Xian Central Hospital (phone: 8725-1973), the Xian Red Cross Hospital (phone: 8788.0857) and Xian No. 1 Hospital (phone: 8721-7170). The emergency number for the ambulance is 120, however most operators speak only Chinese. To be on the safe side, you should avoid any food poisoning or stomach ailments do not drink tap water or eat from road side stalls and markets. Stick to international standard restaurants and cafes.
Xian Nightlife
Xian has a modest nightlife, when compared to a city like Shanghai. There are a few pubs, discos and karaoke bars in the city. Chaplin’s Bar in the Bell Tower Hotel is an enjoyable place to hang out with friends and features a snooker table. The Salon Bar is a cozy place to hang out for a quiet evening. If you want to have a little more fun, The Entertainers at the Hyatt Hotel is a great way to spend the evening with a live band, dance floor and DJ. Didi’s and Twenty One are two of the most popular clubs in the city where the younger crowd usually hangs out. For a more sedate evening, the Tang Dynasty Dance and Music Palace and the Shaanxi Opera House are two interesting places to visit as they give tourists an insight into this region’s culture and heritage.
Dining Out in Xian
There are plenty of restaurants in Xian that offer a diverse range of food. When visiting this city most people like to try out ‘jiaozi’, a kind of Chinese dumpling that is filled with chicken, meat, vegetables or seafood. There is also great food in the Muslim quarter, particularly in Damaishi Jie, or in the night market on the eastern end of Dongxin Jie. Singapore Food Court on 237 Dong Dajie is the only restaurant in the city that is open 24 hours. Some other popular restaurants in Xian include:
- Baohua Jiujia
- Bob and Betty's
- Dad's Home Cooking
- Mum's Home Cooking
- Dongya Fandian
- Shaanxi Local Food Restaurant
- Wuyi Fandian
Xian Business
Xian is a mainly industrial and commercial city with aviation, aerospace, electronics, machinery, communications, and electric power as the main industries. However, the tourism industry and the hotel industry are also growing rapidly as Xian becomes a more popular tourist destination.
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