#1. Xi An
Xi’an is a large city and capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. Once known as Chang’an (Eternal Peace), it marks the Silk Road’s eastern end and was home to the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties' ruling houses. At archaeological sites in Xi’an’s surrounding plains are the famed Bingmayong (Terra Cotta Army), thousands of life-size, hand-molded figures buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Surrounding Xi’an’s inner core is the Ancient City Wall, standing 12m tall. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an iconic, tapering Buddhist temple from the Tang Dynasty. The Muslim Quarter contains twisting lanes with shops, kebab houses and fruit stalls. It also includes the expansive, Chinese-style Great Mosque, founded during the height of the Tang Dynasty in the year 742. The Forest of Stelae Museum holds a large number of inscribed tablets including the Confucian classics. Outside Xi’an, another popular site is Han Yang Ling, Emperor Jingdi’s mausoleum, containing terra-cotta soldiers, eunuchs and domesticated animals.
Most people only spend two or three days in Xi’an; dynastic enthusiasts could easily stay busy for a week. Must-sees include the Army of Terracotta Warriors, the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, Xi’an City Walls and the Muslim Quarter, but try to set aside time for its pagodas and museums, plus a side trip to nearby Huá Shan.