Shaanxi is also well known for its natural sceneries such as Hua Mountain, Hukon Waterfall along the Yellow River, and the vast expanses of the Loess Plateau.
Famous Places in China
Famous Places in ChinaXi'an is located at the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. It is the capital of Shaanxi Province, located in the heart of the Guanzhong Basin with the Weihe River running to the north. It is the largest metropolis in northwestern China. It was also known as Chang'an in ancient China. Xi'an is a world-renowned ancient capital. For 1,062 years beginning in the 11th century B.C., Xi'an was the capital of 13 dynasties including the Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, Eastern Han, Sui, and Tang. The continuous dynastic occupation kept the city beautiful and magnificent. More than two hundred and seventy palaces and temples were built during its heyday, such as the "Three Han Palaces" in the Han dynasty, namely Changle, Weiyang, Jianzhang Palaces, and numerous other palaces and watch towers. The best known among these is the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, with the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses.
Famous Places in ChinaThe Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses listed as the Eighth Wonder of the World and consisting of more than 7,000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses, were unearthed near the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. The tomb is a rammed-soil mound reaching approximately 154 feet into the air. In 1974, three large pits of terra-cotta figures were found about 1 mile east of the mausoleum. The excavation revealed more than 7,000 pieces of pottery figurines, bronze chariots and horses and weapons. Three burial pits were found. The No. 1 pit contains a rectangular formation of chariots and army troops; the No. 2 pit holds a winding formation of chariots, army troops and cavalries; and the No. 3 pit designed to symbolize a command headquarters. The Museum of Emperor Qin Shihuang's Tomb Figures of Soldiers and Horses is one of the 10 most famous places in China, and was announced as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.
Famous Places in China
Famous Places in China
Famous Places in ChinaThe Stele Forest lies inside the southern city wall of Xi'an, where there are the largest numbers of steles from different dynasties. The construction of the Stele Forest began in 1087. It was maintained and expanded constantly during the dynasties of Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing and the Minguo period, so the stored stones were increasing day after day. It stores almost 3000 epitaphs and steles from the Han Dynasty until now and 1089 of them have been exhibited. People admire the steles due to their uncanny resemblance to a forest and for their gathering together all kinds of styles of characters. It is a treasure house of Chinese calligraphy with a huge collection of steles inscribed by outstanding calligraphers from different dynasties.
