Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province of China. It used to be the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. For over a thousand year's beginning in the 11th century BC it was the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. There are lots to see in Xian even today. The Grand Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 is located in the Dac'ien Temple complex in the Southern suburb of Xian. Seven stories high at 210 feet it is a unique square pagoda of blue brick. Four stone doors in the base of the pagoda feature exquisite carvings from the period of the Tang dynasty. A Buddhist sutra was brought from India (where Buddhism originated) and the grand Dayan Tower was built to store this sutra. You can view the whole ancient city from the grand Dayan Tower. The Stele Forest has the largest number of steles (stone epitaphs) from different dynasties with almost 3000 epitaphs from the Han Dynasty. The construction of the Stele forest started in 1087. The steles are a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy.
The Drum Tower was named after the big Drum placed in the tower, which was hit at dusk for giving the correct time. 33 meters high and 52.5 meters wide the Drum Tower is a 2 storey tower. The old drum has been replaced by a new one, which can be, heard a great distance away.
In Huajue lane lies the Mosque. Built in 742 it is the best-known example of Islamic and Han - architecture. Qianling Tomb lies 52 miles northwest of Xian. The tomb of Gaozong Lizhi (628-683) and his Empress Zetian, who became the only woman Emperor in Chinese history, was built in 684 AD. The huge stone sculptures in front of the tomb showcase the best of the Tang Dynasty's Sculptural arts. The ruins of Banpo Village a matriarchal commune of the Yellow River region are 6000 years old.
By far the most interesting sight is the Tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang made up of life size terracotta soldiers and horses In Yanzhai Village Lintong country and spread over 22,780 square meters there are 210 figures in military suits arrayed as in actual combat with more than 500 horses and carriages. 568 more figures were found in another cluster with 4 horses and a carriage. Implements used in actual combat in thousands have been found. No two figures resemble each other. The site is unique and now declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Souvenirs such as replicas of the terracotta army, Qin embroidery, pottery, Hu Country peasant paintings, Guan Hong paper cuts and other folk crafts make very good gifts and no one can leave without buying them, from the several shopping centers such as Min Sheng, Kai Yuan, Tang City and Qui Lin.
Xian Xianjang International Airport is well serviced by all the Chinese domestic airlines and makes getting there easy for tourists.