There are numerous places of historical significance in Xian. There are around 4,000 historical sites in and around the city. These are some of the main tourist attractions in Xian.
Old City Wall
The Xian Old City Wall is the most complete city wall that remains in China. The wall was built during the Tang dynasty to serve as a defense against the Emperor’s enemies. Construction of the wall started in the seventh year of the reign of Emperor Hongwu and was completed in the eleventh year, 1378 AD. It was further enlarged during the Ming dynasty and measured 13.75 kilometers (8 miles) around, 12 meters (39 feet) high and had 98 ramparts once completed. There were four gates constructed in each direction: to the east is the Changle Gate, to the south is the Yong-an Gate, to the west is the Anding Gate and to the north is the Anyuan Gate.
Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is the most well-preserved tower in China. Originally built in the Yingxiang Temple in 1384 AD, at the crossroads of West Street and Guangji Street, this tower was moved in 1582 AD to its present location in the heart of Xian city. With its magnificently carved beams and rafters and gold-tiled roof, this three-story wooden structure is built in classical Chinese architecture and is truly a sight to behold.
Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses
The terra cotta warriors and horses are often regarded as the eighth wonder of the world. One of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century, these warriors and horses are listed in the World Cultural Heritage List. Emperor Qin Shi Huang had them constructed over 2,200 years ago. These 8,000 life size warriors, each with a unique face and clothing, were buried with him to protect his empire after his death. They were uncovered in three pits by peasants in Xiyang Village in 1974. Arranged in the rectangular battle formation of the Qin Dynasty and facing east, these terra cotta warriors were buried with real weapons and battle armaments that were treated with chromium. These priceless relics show the wisdom and intellect that was present in China during that period. A breathtaking sight, the museum in which these warriors and horses are housed is a must see for anyone who visits Xian.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is Located in the Da Ci'en Temple in the south of Xian and is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. This temple was originally built in 589 during the Sui Dynasty and was called Wulou Temple. However in 647 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, the temple was rebuilt in memory of the Emperor Gao Zong’s mother (Li Zhi), and called Da Ci’en Temple which means Thanksgiving Temple. After the downfall of the Tang Dynasty this temple fell into decay. It was rebuilt by the monks who turned the temple into a house for Buddhist scriptures brought from India. In 652 AD, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built to store scared relics of Buddha brought from India by famous Buddhist translator and monk Xuanzang. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is 64 meters high (210 feet) and its walls and doors are carved with exquisite Buddha figures.
Little Wild Goose Pagoda
Found in the Jianfu Temple, the Little Wild Goose Pagoda gets its name because it is smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is thought that this pagoda lost several of its stories during an earthquake in the 1500’s. Completed in 709 AD, when Buddhism was established in China, it was built to store the sutras and figurines of Buddha brought from India. It is part of a temple complex and a monastery where visitors can climb to the top to get a great view of the city.
Bampo Neolithic Village Museum
The Bampo Neolithic Village Museum is 5 kilometers (3 miles) east of Xian on the eastern banks of the Chang River. An actual Neolithic village dating back some 6,000 years, this village was discovered in the spring of 1953. Just as any typical village of that period, the Bampo Village had about 500 residents. What remains are around 200 cellars, 45 houses, 2 stables, 6 kilns, and about 250 graves. This village is a key historical site and is under the Shaanxi government protection.
Drum Tower
The Drum Tower was built during the Ming dynasty in 1380 A.D. It is located north of West Street in Xian City. The foundation of this solemn building covers an area of 1804.3 square meters (5,919 sq. ft.). It is said that there used to be a huge drum on the tower which was used to tell time. At a total height is 33 meters (108 feet) it is smaller than the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower is very strong and has withstood more than ten earthquakes in 500 years without even a crack. The tower stands on its original site and marks the entrance to Xian’s Muslim residential area.
Forest of Stone Steles Museum
The Forest of Steles Museum is located at Sanxuejie Street close the South Gate. This museum houses the largest collection of stone stele dating back from the Han Dyansty to the Qing Dynasty (206 BC to 1911 AD). This museum has more than 1,000 stone steles on display with works of ancient literature, philosophy, historical annals, pictorial stones and calligraphy engraved on huge stone tablets and pillars.
There are many more place of historical importance in Xian which include:
