en.infoglobe.cz » China: Si-an
China: Si-an
Published: 25.2.2012
Ancient city of Xian, or Si-an is about 3000 years old. It is one of the most important places throughout Chinese history, since it is here that housed 11 Chinese imperial dynasties. At the time when Beijing was a mere village, golden Si - an shone by bright colours of temples, wide boulevards and architectural excesses.
Today Si-an is the capital of Shaanxi province and lived there about 8 million people. China is an important centre of science and space research.
Modern construction but doesn’t take anything of beauty of ancient town. The surrounding slopes filled cascading cotton and rice fields here and there you can find an inhabited cave. All Si-an is then surrounded by hundreds of artificial hills - unopened tombs of emperors and their courtiers. Burial site, archaeologists have uncovered hidden beautiful murals of 7 century, ceramic figures and commemorative plaques.
Si- an was also an important crossroads of the Silk Road and flowed this way because the sheer number of exotic goods, but also a number of scholars and artists. Even in the 14th century there were built grand city walls, during a visit to Xian Si can´t be overlooked. There are about 14 km long and wide so that they can avoid the two carriers. Within the walls you can admire the wooden bell tower -Zhong Lou, built without only one nail.
Gems of Chinese architecture, there are indeed everywhere, whether you'll be amazed by the low earthen traditional houses - hutongs, or a huge golden pagodas. The most famous structures are the Wild Goose Pagoda of 4 century Great Mosque of 1 century Drum Tower and the 14th century, where every day you can watch a traditional ceremony to play drums with the sounds of traditional Chinese music. Although many local temples were damaged during the Maoist Cultural Revolution,
Si-an you should visit them. Apart from that, a short distance away, you can find the famous Terracotta Army.
Author: Viola Kratochvílová
Are you attracted to travel in China? See the best tours to China
Photo: ESO travel
| Discussion at the article (0) |
Related Articles
China: How It All Began – How Foreigners Became Actors
Published: 26.4.2014
Despite the title looks promising there wont be a long description of my acting career. As we promised to the elderly, we came on the following day to another “rehearsal”.
China: Guiyang: “We Won’t Accommodate Foreigners Here!”
Published: 23.11.2013
After a nine hour train ride we got to the station in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou Province. What was our surprise when we tried to beat a hot gust of fresh air as Chungking! You can not say, although it would not be hot, but there was a gentle breeze, and overall was a lot more comfortable.
China: Chongqing: Departure from Hell
Published: 16.11.2013
We just reinforced our opinion that it is difficult to find how you can get where you need to go. The IN thing right now is the mien-c' face concept. We have something similar in the Czech Republic as well. Long story short – you don’t want to loose your face in front of others.
China: Chongqing, "Batman City without Batman"
Published: 9.11.2013
K625 train from Chengdu to Chongqing was relatively ... interesting means of transport. But since it was turned on only every other light, and because we were tired to death, we just passed the seat (unusually empty, endured a few most determined). Nerozhlíželi we left nor right, because ignorance is sometimes the key to success, and we slept fitfully.
China: Chengdu - Waiting for Godot
Published: 2.11.2013
We both knew Chengdu quite well, so after a thorough sleep we went to a bamboo park at the university where I studied. Refreshed by a sweet watermelon we set ourselves another goal: the mosque to the west of Tiananmen Square.
China: From Sung-Pan to Chengdu
Published: 26.10.2013
The path to Sung-Pan lasted about three hours. As soon as we got off the bus, we realized that we were in a an area superpacked with tourists. While the night was still far, we were worrying about overpriced accommodaiton.
China: Zhuo-er-kai – There Are Still Good People Among Us
Published: 19.10.2013
Lao-pan of our hotel (if you dare to call it hotel) promised that the bus heading to our following destination, Zhuo-er-kai (a town known as Zoige), departs at 7 o’clock in the morning
China: Langmusi II.
Published: 12.10.2013
It seemed that weather wanted to reward us for what we bore on the other day. So we woke up in beautiful morning. Also, we found out that somebody dig up the main street in the village. So we had to jump over many of the new holes on the road.
China: Langmusi I. – On Borders
Published: 5.10.2013
A bus trip went relatively fast, sky became clear and we had a view of vast land before us. More and more we submerged between high mountains covered with grass and nimble goats.
China: From Xia-he to Che-cuo: A Journey Full of (Un)pleasant Surprises
Published: 29.9.2013
After our visit of Labrang monastery we were falling asleep, in rain, and in rain we were waking up. We were also quite glad that we had abandoned our initial goal to sleep on steppe under sky.
China: Xia-he: A Journey Across Chinese Mecca
Published: 28.9.2013
It is hot. We sit in a bus crammed by a window and we are trying to breath fresh air. The freeway changes to a dusty road with many bumps. Bumped we got off the bus for a short visit in Linxia town.
China: Tianshui – Water with Sky
Published: 21.9.2013
Another road was ahead of us, it was from Ping-liang in Gansu Province to Tianshui. The name of the latter means literally “sky – water “(天水). This was the very first thought we had when we jumped to a puddle right when we got off the bus.
China: SIA-CHE: Labrang Monastery
Published: 14.9.2013
It was already evening and when we left our accommodation and set out to the Labrang monastery. It is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelugpa sect, a Tibet Buddhist sect, known also as “the yellow caps sect.”
China: Pingliang – In Eastern Corner of Gansu Province
Published: 7.9.2013
„Waky, waky! We are in Pingliang!“ It takes a while for one to realize that this is not just a dream but that a Chinese conductor tries to tell you that it is about time to leave your warm bed in the carriage for you arrived in your destination.
China: A Long Journey VII. - Yinchuan III. A Town of Chinese Muslims
Published: 29.7.2013
As it has been already said in the previous article, Yinchuan is the capital of Ningxia, an autonomous region of the Hui people. Long story short, the Hui people are Chinese Muslims and you may recognize them at first glance for men as well as women wear typical hats.
China: Zhangjiajie I: The Land of Avatar and Steps
Published: 30.11.2013
Our first impressions of the Zhangjiajie National Park were not positive from the first moments we were there. Positive impressions, however, were not following. At the entrance we met a woman who insisted on offering us an amazing hotel accommodation in the park at a price that we even had to haggle areas not favored by tourists.
China: Zhangjiajie: How to Get Out of a Crowd?
Published: 7.12.2013
We decided to give the park another chance and start from the other end - from the south. We also fulfilled our commitment to avoid the stairs, so we walked along the river.
China: From Changsha to Hengyang
Published: 14.12.2013
When we purchased the tickets that we guarantee that we will be able to leave the Zhangjiajie National Park, we did not protest when we found a complete state of affairs: a printed inscription in characters wu-cuo quite clearly said that most likely during the way we sit.
China: How It All Began - „If Friends from Afar Come To a Visit...“
Published: 19.4.2014
After registration troubles in the office, I managed to go through the rest of the week pretty well. I did not have to worry about the housing. Gradually, I was getting to know my new roommate and our new pets – cockroaches.
China: How It All Began – Sysiphus‘ Toil
Published: 12.4.2014
At the airport, I get in the bus heading to my university. There are always traffic jam in Beijing. I have a lot of time to think. How it was back then. I had already settled, bought several necessities to get by… and then I just had been waiting for my roommates to show up.
China: How It All Began – Campus: Living in a Jungle
Published: 5.4.2014
I am waiting for tickets to get from the Beijing Airport. I have to just sit in a right bus. An hour later I am on place. I am really curious about my new place, campus and its surroundings. I have to remember my first campus in Chengdu two years earlier.
China: Zoucheng: Just a Little Bit and the Circle Will be Complete
Published: 15.3.2014
Previous day in Chu-fu, sadly, in comparison to places that we've visited was not that interesting. Maybe if around the tomb of the great Confucius did not stand crowds of Chinese eager to make photos and if for passing the cemetery of the Kchung family was not required admission 40 yuans, the overall impression would be a little bit better.
China: Qufu – Confuciu’s City
Published: 8.3.2014
While browsing in the diary, I found this note: "Qufu, arrival around 00:00." I remember that moment too well. It was quite cold, pitch black, and right at the exit of the station greedy taxi drivers came to us. Matter of principle had to be rejected. Then, however, had no choice but to hope that they were wrong and that you can get accommodation in and around the station ...
China: Heze
Published: 1.3.2014
Although, I was about to tell you how we lost accommodation in Heze, I should mention our train trip as well. We sat in a slightly crowded carriage and talked in Czech, which of course attracted the attention of our fellow travelers. In contrast, a bunch of us sat constantly laughing gentlemen who were watching us a lot, and finally dared to ask where it actually are.
China: From Kaifeng to Heze
Published: 15.2.2014
Another day spent in Kaifeng was very spirituality. At first, we visited five mosques, because in Kaifeng there is a large community of Chinese Muslims. We were surprised also neglected half-ruined church, where making of wedding photography took place. We finished the entire circuit in a Buddhist temple.
China: Kaifeng: Nontouristic Experiences
Published: 8.2.2014
We loved Kaifeng from the very beginning. Well, not actually, no. Because I was snorted over the fact that they even hadn’t swept up the room when the previous guests left.
China: Bozhou III: Nonexistent Temple
Published: 1.2.2014
Bozhou said good bye in style. We went to temple Mu-lan cch'. It is a temple dedicated to the memory of famous Chinese heroin, Mulan. Perhaps some of you have heard her name in the Ballad of Mulan. Until the present, Mulan is an example of traditional Chinese son/daughter devotion (siao in Chinese).
China: Bozhou II: Lets Hide Under Ground!
Published: 25.1.2014
Our sleep that night, although intermittent, but still quite refreshing, so we did not hesitate and early morning set off to explore other monuments in Bozhou. Silently we hoped that the sooner we get up, the less heat will accompany us.
China: Sou-sien: Who is More Interesting Here?
Published: 11.1.2014
Even local policeman knew of our arrival. So we could safely roam the city. A relatively small community of Hui live in the city. We like them not only for their culture but also for their kind attitude. So we went to the streets to see their mosques.
China: Hefei: The Town of Just Justice Pao
Published: 4.1.2014
The train, although it made us very, very tired. It took us safe right into Hefei, the capital and largest city in Anhui province.
China: Nanchang
Published: 28.12.2013
On the following day, around seven o’clock in the morning we got to Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi. It has very rich history.
China, Hengyang: A Temple in Hell
Published: 21.12.2013
As we decided upon a plate of la-mien soup. So we did. Right in the morning we got on a city bus going to the Xiang River. As soon as we got off the bus, we saw our destination - Tung-Chou. Because it is a real island, the only access road goes along the river.
China: A Long Journey VI – Yinchuan I, Travellers’ Hardships
Published: 15.6.2013
Beijing – Datong– Hohhot... and Yinchuan was supposed to follow. As we were amazed that we managed to get some tickets, we didn’t examine it.
China: By Journalist’s Eyes – Freedom of Speech in China, Internet II
Published: 23.2.2013
Profane language and pornography shouldn’t be on the Internet. We would certainly agree with that if only this wasn’t just a cover for endless clutch of the Chinese Internet censorship. Under the cover of a protection of national cultural heritage, and public interest and prosperity the Chinese government tries to hide its rough cleansing.
China: Long Journey II - Icy Summer Palace
Published: 16.3.2013
If we set off to China it is almost imposible to miss out its capital - Beijing. Beijing is full of traces of history but Beijing also lives in the present and future in every of its wide avenues and narrow streets. Beijing is full of fabulous food, noisy traffic... And so on and on. Where would you look for peaceful moments in busy metropolis?
China: By Journalists Eye XV: Thangka Art
Published: 25.8.2012
Qinghai Province fascinates me at every step, or rather at every kilometre. A mixture of Buddhism and Muslim world humbly exist together is incredibly interesting phenomenon, especially for journalists from far, accelerated, often impersonal and intolerant Europe. This time we are heading into the valley that lies in Rebkong area, the centre of Tibetan art in the province.
China: By Journalists Eye XIV: Back to 19th century
Published: 18.8.2012
The third day we devoured spell of western China and the knowledge that we have somewhere "behind" Tibet is our "ugly," said attractive. There, under the auspices of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, certainly can´t go, but Tibetan culture we meet at every step.
China: By Journalists Eyes XIII. - At school
Published: 11.8.2012
Our bus finally stops at the end of a long, dirt track, in which about an hour ago has changed as if by magic a modern six-lane highway. My worries we will finish up on the roof, fortunately not materialized, we drove past woods and gouged out before us, football pitch right and green has left. Everything was dominated by ground shabby, battered gray building - school.
China: By Journalists Eyes XII: To See The Yellow River
Published: 4.8.2012
Our bus goes on the perfectly smooth highway, where we ones a time meet some man in a hat, with a scarf over his face and a broom in his hand - he is alone, far from him you can´t see anything of civilization, the high mountains on both sides, and he sweeps the shoulder.
China: By Journalists Eyes XI: On The Yaks Farm
Published: 28.7.2012
Morning view from hotel window in Xining reveals a breathtaking backdrop. The city is surrounded by high mountains, over which the sun shines and I'm really looking forward for today's trip, which has sometimes copied the former trade artery between Asia and Europe - the Silk Road. The fact that I wet my feet in the Yellow River, it is still like science fiction.
China: By Journalists Eyes VIII: The Jump To The Chinese Market 2.
Published: 7.7.2012
Visit of Beijing food market and edibles of all kinds, shapes, smells, often of unknown origin and a long life even more dangerously we were really stunned for a moment and quietly wandering Chinese traders staring at the blonde, which move at a rate of marathon runners. Phew. We are off and miraculously in front of us pleasantly familiar signs shucks "Starbucks Coffee".
China: By Journalists Eyes VII: The jump to the Chinese market 1.
Published: 30.6.2012
Beijing is for us concentration of paradoxes. Endless skyscrapers, luxury living residences, shops of all tech brands on one side and then thousands of artifacts, ancient Chinese culture. We are interested in both of it, but the traditional one is but much more interesting.
China: By Journalists Eyes VI: Around The Chinese-Covered Table
Published: 23.6.2012
The first dining experience in China didn’t impress me too much. Five stars beautiful hotel, a lot of fuss on arrival our journalistic delegation - a bow and waving fans welcomed us beauties in traditional dress, from the table.
China: By Journalists Eyes V: China: Life In The Streets Of Beijing
Published: 16.6.2012
From the bus window, we could see Beijing crisscross, authentic atmosphere of the streets and alleys and hundreds of thousands of people in them, but we sucked up in the role of hikers and then of course after "bedtime" is ended with an official dinner with selected potent and our tired guide disappeared behind hotel room door.
China: By Journalists Eyes IV. - How To Ride In Beijing
Published: 2.6.2012
We "elect" could see the Chinese megalopolis through largely a luxury air-conditioned bus with a smiling dude behind the wheel. It is also part of local standard, certainly not just for a small group of natives and of course for wealthy tourists.
China: By Journalists Eye III. - Great Boxers
Published: 26.5.2012
World media today proclaims that the Chinese state television CCTV triumphantly finished its job and officially opened a new headquarters in Beijing. The futuristic-looking building that should symbolizes the emergence of China on the world stage, journalists dubbed it - thanks to the remarkable shape for her grace in the world called the Chinese "Great boxers."
China: By Journalists Eye II. - Great Wall Of China
Published: 19.5.2012
Being in China and not visit the Great Wall is equal to savagery. The official program that the Chinese government has prepared us is this trip only alternative and we have to earn deserve it. From early morning we sit in the Red Hall headquarters of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China and pretend to listen to propaganda papers enthusiastic speakers.
China: By Journalists Eye I. - Fight On Tiananmen Square
Published: 12.5.2012
Finally Beijing. Our journalistic team has battled a series of security checks and we find ourselves in an endless airport lounge. The feeling that the local crowd have to absorb us was not correct. Then we see a smiling Chinese lady and in minutes everyone sit in a luxury air-conditioned bus.
China: Land Of Contrasts
Published: 18.2.2012
Huge China is a country of contrasts. It consists of several climatic zones, there you can find a noisy city full of glass skyscrapers and smog, but also the traditional mountain village with mud houses and rice plantations.
China: By Journalists Eye XVI.: Ta'er Monastery 1
Published: 1.9.2012
Again our bus is going on the new highway, which I'd read that it was probably built for only one reason - to make available the Tibetan Buddhist monastery Ta'er. And really, this time not waiting for us any boneshaker dirt road and conveniently parked outside the gates of a large complex at the foot of greenish mountains.
China: By Journalists Eye XIX: Carpet For Monks
Published: 22.9.2012
Classical Chinese carpets have described Marco Polo in his travelogues, but till today in the world are still not too much to seen and know little about them. I look forward to our visit carpet factories in the province of Qinghai, Xining on the outskirts of the city, to widen my horizons. The lives of local workers I try to plug deeply into the subconscious and try to see the beauty around.
China: By Journalists Eyes - Freedom of Speech in China and the Internet I
Published: 9.2.2013
We all got used to all these superlatives surrounding China. I wouldn’t exaggerate if I said that she achieved some primacy every week.
China: By Journalists Eyes - Chinese Names
Published: 26.1.2013
We had many formal meetings during our journey in China with government officials or top managements of some companies that tried to make themselves more visible through us, European journalists. In a hurry after these precisely scheduled meetings I always gathered prepared business cards and carefully placed them to my notes.
China: By Journalists Eyes XXIX: Chinese New Year
Published: 19.1.2013
We have all this Christmas martyrdom behind us, more or less. New Year’s eve after-effects are the past now and everyday life came back again. Far in the east of our planet the holiday season is getting to its peak.
China: Half of a Kid in Shanghai
Published: 5.1.2013
Walks and rides in Shanghai are an infinite fount of learning unknown and different no matter where it is. I manage to sit down and observe rush around me for half an hour on one very busy avenue.
China: By the Eyes of the Journalist XXVIII: A Gift for Chines? Never Scissors Let Alone the Flower!
Published: 24.11.2012
To move on the other side of Euroasia is nothing easy for those who don’t know how. Especially when they are going to have a personal contact with a Chinese family, business partners, or politicians and officials. For such a stay it is good to make some little preparations, otherwise you will experience more than one faux pas.
China: By Journalists Eye XXVI: Gan Bei Or What to drink in China 2
Published: 17.11.2012
In China, people drink really everything you can think of. Everyday drink is inherent tea, whether green or black, fermented or semi-fermented. Water and hundreds of species of non-alcoholic beverages are part of food as well as beer or very popular traditional rice wine. On the tables of local "higher" classes but there are also wine from grapes, until recently marginalized drink.
China: By Journalists Eye XXVI: Gan Bei Or What to drink in China 1
Published: 10.11.2012
The first ever Chinese word that I learned, and it still did not forget, is the "pi-jo". If you seem familiar, you are right - though vastly different languages, for favourite golden-coloured brew has phonetically very similar name as Czech and many other Slavic languages. Drinking beer is a hobby that is definitely common with the Chinese.
China: Wall Ten Thousand Miles Long
Published: 21.1.2013
The Great Wall of China. The Long Wall. The Endless Wall. There are many names for the same wall, the wall that everybody knows wherever he/she lives. If you are Chinese, it is THE wall. You are proud of it because it is a national symbol. As Mao Zedong once said: “Who never got on the Great Wall of China is no man.” Or Chinese.
China: By Journalists Eye XXV. - Expo And Better Life
Published: 3.11.2012
Till the start of the World's Expo remains less than 11 months. Here in Shanghai the word Expo is inflected to suffer. Sky blue mascot of Hainan - pao exhibition more than a year before the outbreak this exhibition´s madhouse smiles from windows, posters, winks from light boards, and I decided to bring one teddy home.
China: By Journalists Eye XXIV - How to get the picture in Shanghai
Published: 27.10.2012
The second day in Shanghai. I slept great, the apartment from Chinese Ministry in one of the most modern hotels in Pchu - tung district, hardly compares to the most luxury holiday model.
China - By Journalists Eye XXIII: Pearl Of Orient
Published: 20.10.2012
When I looked at the city in evening from promenade of colonial Bund, Oriental Pearl enchanted me with its graceful shapes, and I watched long how at it clothed in new and new colours in regular intervals. I do not know, which one suits her most...
China - By Journalists Eye XXII: Shanghai - Queen Or A Whore?
Published: 13.10.2012
We are in Shanghai, in a metropolis shrouded by hundreds of "firsts" that is, in the largest Chinese city. One "the best" there certainly lacks – the historic one. Shanghai, unlike many other Chinese cities has relatively short history, after the Middle Ages, you won´t find any foot mark.
China: By Journalist Eye XXI: City The Best
Published: 6.10.2012
To leave the province of Qinghai and thus few days of life in the past, sometimes the century before, it was the more sensitive nature really hard. Local on many places the virgin nature, proud mountain ranges, deep green valleys, vast dry plains, miniature boxes, herds of yaks and colourful mix of nationalities, often pristine civilizations us captivated, amazed, left imprint on the hearts.
China: By Journalist Eye XX: Colour Symbolism
Published: 29.9.2012
Exploring the China is join with infinite variety of impressions, perceptions, experiences and surprises for Europeans often shrouded under a veil of mystery, many time but just ignorance. I did get out of this country dominating feeling - China is incredibly colourful. Colourful from drab uniform gray to a beautiful rainbow combination.
China - Yangshuo And It's Magic Surroundings
Published: 5.9.2010
If you would like to have a stop in a locality, where the time is passing in another rate of speed, where everyday hunt for activity and stress do not have any chance, so, you arrived to the right spot. It is Yangshuo, small Chinese town, situated in nature karst along Li and Yulong rivers.
Do You Know That? Most Polluted Towns Of The World
Published: 8.5.2011
The survey od most polluted towns of the Earth, where the life of hundred of thousands or, better to say, millions of inhabitants, could be threatened with critical levels of harmful matters of poisonous smog, undrinkable water or total pollution of life environment, which could not be imagined at all in our country.
Related Photogallery
Guide:
Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.
Mobile application:
