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| Currency Yuan | Language Mandarin, Cantonese and many others | Time Zone (GMT+03) Moscow |
| If you were traveling under the impression that three grown men couldn't eat a decadent dumpling dinner for only one dollar, well, you obviously haven't been to the Muslim quarter of Xi'an. Historically, known as one of the most important cities in China, it was home to 13 dynasties including the Han, Zhou, Qin and Tang. For all of you powdered beverage aficionados, it is important here to note that Tang the dynasty, long known for building the most cosmopolitan city on the silk road, is different than Tang the Kraft product, long known for its great citrus taste.
Although the Great Wall pretty much takes the cake for impressive walls, the city wall in Xi'an is nothing to scoff at. The ancient wall stands in immaculate condition; the walkway is broad and level, encasing the city center in a large fortified square. Unlike the worn and steep steps of the Great Wall, Xi'an's structure has a wide smooth path between its crenulations upon which visitors can stroll the old city's perimeter or, for the more balanced traveler, rent bicycles for a breezier tour of the city’s fortification.
While Xi'an itself hosts a worthwhile collection of Chinese architecture and artifacts, undoubtedly, the crown jewel is located a short 40 kilometers east of the city center. A trip to central China must indeed include a day spent at the Mausoleum of the first emperor Qin. Guarding his sealed necropolis is an amazing, still standing Terra Cotta army. The emperor was famous for his brutal, legalist regime, not his modesty. So, it should not be a great surprise that he commissioned this army of over 8,000 clay soldiers and horses to guard him even in death. Discovered in 1974, this ancient treasure was literally stumbled upon by a hapless farmer trying to dig a well, who found history rather than hydration. The farmer uncovered hardened sentinels standing vigil at Qin's tomb; a pristine army of buried, life-sized statues, many still holding original weaponry. These hard-baked warriors were literally encased in a subterranean time capsule. Today, they are artifacts as remarkable as they are vigilant. The artistry of the soldiers is incredible, with individual faces and clothing styles represented for the varied ranks.
Fun Fact:
Although Qin’s dynasty ended thousands of years ago, he plays a continued role in modern Chinese history; the name “China” is derived from a westernized form of his name and dynasty.
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