Things to do in Xianyang

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-star review! Highly recommend Ms. Yanzi from the Qin and Han Dynasty Hall of the Shaanxi History Museum! Ms. Yanzi's explanations are professional and solid, and her presentation is vivid and engaging. Our group wasn't a premium small group tour, but the quality of the explanations far exceeded my expectations. Compared to several premium small group tours I've attended before, it was just as good, and much more affordable. My daughter is particularly fascinated by Qin Dynasty history and listened attentively throughout the entire tour, especially enjoying Ms. Yanzi's explanations. Following Ms. Yanzi through the Qin and Han Dynasty Hall, she clearly explained the stories behind the Qin and Han artifacts, making the whole experience incredibly enjoyable and well worth it!

Knowing that tickets to the Shaanxi History Museum are hard to get, I tried signing up for a guided tour. I was surprised by how reliable the service was from a large platform. The guide, Zhang Xiaojing, sent me the important information and meeting point the day before. He was also there early the next day to wait for everyone. Thanks to Xiaojing, the explanations were excellent, covering the most famous treasures and unique exhibits in Halls 1, 2, and 4 very clearly.

Yuanjia Village is an administrative village under the jurisdiction of Yanxia Town, Liquan County, Xianyang City. It is famous for its Guanzhong folk culture and rural tourism and is known as the "No. 1 Village in Guanzhong". The village was formed before the Yuan Dynasty, with an area of ​​0.4 square kilometers. It was listed in the second batch of traditional Chinese villages in 2013. The main industries include traditional snacks, farmhouses and handicraft workshops. Yuanjia Village is located in the hinterland of the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi, China, about 60 kilometers away from Xi'an, with convenient transportation. Tourism Features and Industries Folk Culture Experience: Preserve the style of Guanzhong folk houses, and regularly hold performances such as Qinqiang and shadow puppetry (national intangible cultural heritage). Food Street: It brings together Shaanxi specialty snacks such as mutton soup buns and cold noodles, and is known as the "Guanzhong Food Museum". Handicraft Workshop: Visitors can participate in the production of traditional crafts such as tofu, vinegar, and oil.

Zhaoling, this majestic mausoleum, stands quietly atop the main peak of Jiuyi Mountain in Liquan County, Shaanxi Province. It is the joint burial site of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, and Empress Wende, Zhangsun. As the largest of the 18 Tang Tombs in Guanzhong, its grand scale, vast area, numerous accompanying tombs, and rich cultural relics are all breathtaking. 🕰️ The construction of Zhaoling took 13 years, from the initial burial of Empress Wende in the 10th year of the Zhenguan reign to the interment of Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, in the 23rd year of the Zhenguan reign. It embodied the wisdom and dedication of countless craftsmen. Meticulously designed and overseen by Yan Lide, Zhaoling is more than just a mausoleum; it is a silent history book, telling the glorious chapter of the Tang Dynasty's prosperity. 🌳 The location of Jiuyi Mountain is truly blessed. Surrounded by mountains, the winding Jing River flows through it, and before it lies the vast Guanzhong Plain, with the Wei River flowing through it like a jade belt. This geographical location is not only excellent for feng shui but also symbolizes peace and prosperity, perfectly complementing the achievements of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, in both civil and military affairs. 🐎 The "Six Horses of Zhaoling" are undoubtedly the crowning jewels of the mausoleum. These six steeds, loyal companions of Li Shimin throughout his campaigns, are immortalized in high-relief stone carvings at the mausoleum's edge. Each steed possesses a unique posture and expression, as if narrating the days of war and battle. Sadly, "Salu Zi" and "Quanmao Gu" were stolen and shipped to the United States, leaving a lasting legacy for the Chinese people. Today, the remaining four are treasured in the Xi'an Forest of Steles Museum, attracting countless visitors to see their splendor. 🏺 In addition to the "Six Horses of Zhaoling," numerous precious cultural relics have been unearthed from the mausoleum, including statues of chieftains from fourteen states, exquisite pottery figurines, and vibrant Tang Dynasty sancai (three-colored glazed pottery). These artifacts are not only artistic treasures but also vivid reflections of the prosperity and prosperity of the "Zhenguan Reign" during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. From various perspectives, they showcase the remarkable achievements of the time, encompassing economic, social, and cultural fields, offering a glimpse into the splendor and grandeur of that era. 👑 The system of accompanying burials at Zhaoling is also unique. Emperor Taizong of Tang issued an edict requiring meritorious officials, close relatives, and those who assisted his time in their deeds to be buried alongside him. This measure not only demonstrated his deep affection for his deputies but also underscored the harmonious relationship between the emperor and his subjects during the Tang Dynasty. According to statistics, a total of 154 individuals were buried there, including renowned figures such as Zhangsun Wuji, Cheng Yaojin, and Wei Zheng. Their tombs, like stars surrounding the moon, form a vast complex of accompanying burials within the 300,000-mu (approximately 1,000 acres) Zhaoling cemetery. Many ministers considered it an honor to be buried there, and even their descendants followed their fathers' example. This orderly tradition of accompanying burials has become a unique historical hallmark of Zhaoling. 🌟 Today, Zhaoling has been designated a first-tier National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. When you step into this ancient land, it is as if you have traveled through time and space and returned to the magnificent Tang Dynasty.

The Xi'an Museum at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda was less crowded than the Shaanxi History Museum, but its collection was also very rich. The guide, Xiao Li, explained everything in great detail; although it's repetitive work every day, she didn't do it half-heartedly. 👍

Take a stroll through the Tang Dynasty Never-Sleeping City on a pleasant autumn evening. The evening breeze is cool, the lights are dazzling, and the atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty is palpable. Street performances are everywhere, and tourists come and go, creating a lively scene. No need to plan a route; just wander around and explore as you please. Immersed in this world of lights, feeling the warmth of everyday life and ancient charm, this is what small satisfactions in ordinary days are all about. Chang'an's autumn nights are as bright as ever.

Add this to your itinerary if you're visting Xi'an! I have been to the quarter 3 times. Walk along the main path of the quarter BUT make sure you also walk down the narrow alleyways! There are LOTS of shops and food stalls you don't want to miss. Open 24/7 too so make sure you visit!

I was so surprised! This museum is free, and has so many ancient items including a tiny teracotta army!

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport Museum (Terminal 5) is a rare archaeological site museum within an airport in China, built upon over 3,500 ancient tombs discovered during its construction. The museum features "underground artifacts, above-ground exhibitions," combining authentic archaeological sites with modern displays, showcasing approximately 120 precious artifacts, including the stone sarcophagus from the Northern Zhou Dynasty's Shi Jun Tomb, which is being exhibited for the first time. This innovative "airport + museum" model allows passengers to experience the civilization of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties while waiting for their flights, making it a model of cultural tourism integration and well worth a special trip. But remember to visit it before security! It's located in the baggage check-in area.

A highly underrated museum in Shaanxi. Although a Class II museum, the Zhaoling Museum boasts over 400 Class I artifacts, and over 1,000 Class I and Class II artifacts combined. Considering how few artifacts are on display, the 17-meter-tall Xu Maogong stele, a national treasure, sits openly in the open air, unprotected for over 1,000 years. While I don't fully understand the stories behind many of the figures, it still seems quite impressive. I plan to learn more and return in the future.