Xian
gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, the Sui, and Tang dynasties, periodically from the 11th century B.C. to the early 10th century AD. As one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization, it marked the start of the famous "Silk Road" that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire. Xian, or Changan as it was called in ancient times, is known as the city of "Everlasting Peace." Located between rivers and mountains in the center of the fertile Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province, Xian - the provincial capital - was a natural place to nurture the nation civilization. Major attractions in Xian include the Qin Terracotta Army - "the 8th wonder of the world", the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - the most outstanding landmark of Xian, Banpo Neolithic Village Museum - the remains of a 6,000 year-old village once home to a matriarchal clan community, and the Xian City Wall which stretches round the old city. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, the Sui, and Tang dynasties, periodically from the 11th century B.C. to the early 10th century AD. As one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization, it marked the start of the famous "Silk Road" that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire. Xian, or Changan as it was called in ancient times, is known as the city of "Everlasting Peace." Located between rivers and mountains in the center of the fertile Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province, Xian - the provincial capital - was a natural place to nurture the nation civilization. Major attractions in Xian include the Qin Terracotta Army - "the 8th wonder of the world", the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - the most outstanding landmark of Xian, Banpo Neolithic Village Museum - the remains of a 6,000 year-old village once home to a matriarchal clan community, and the Xian City Wall which stretches round the old city. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, 35 kilometers northeast of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Qinshihuang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, founder of the first unified empire in Chinese history during the 3rd century BCE. Begun in 246 BCE the grave mound survives to a height of 51.3 meters within a rectangular, double-walled enclosure oriented north-south. Nearly 200 accompanying pits containing thousands of life-size terra cotta soldiers, terra cotta horses and bronze chariots and weapons - a world-renowned discovery - together with burial tombs and architectural remains total over 600 sites within the property area of 56.25 square kilometers. According to the historian Sima Qian (c. 145-95 BCE), workers from every province of the Empire toiled unceasingly until the death of the Emperor in 210 in order to construct a subterranean city within a gigantic mound. As the tomb of the first emperor who unified the country, it is the largest in Chinese history, with a unique standard and layout, and a large number of exquisite funeral objects. It testifies to the founding of the first unified empire- the Qin Dynasty, which during the 3rd BCE, wielded unprecedented political, military and economic power and advanced the social, cultural and artistic level of the empire. source: http://whc.unesco.org
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located at the northern foot of Lishan Mountain, 35 kilometers northeast of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Qinshihuang Mausoleum is the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, founder of the first unified empire in Chinese history during the 3rd century BCE. Begun in 246 BCE the grave mound survives to a height of 51.3 meters within a rectangular, double-walled enclosure oriented north-south. Nearly 200 accompanying pits containing thousands of life-size terra cotta soldiers, terra cotta horses and bronze chariots and weapons - a world-renowned discovery - together with burial tombs and architectural remains total over 600 sites within the property area of 56.25 square kilometers. According to the historian Sima Qian (c. 145-95 BCE), workers from every province of the Empire toiled unceasingly until the death of the Emperor in 210 in order to construct a subterranean city within a gigantic mound. As the tomb of the first emperor who unified the country, it is the largest in Chinese history, with a unique standard and layout, and a large number of exquisite funeral objects. It testifies to the founding of the first unified empire- the Qin Dynasty, which during the 3rd BCE, wielded unprecedented political, military and economic power and advanced the social, cultural and artistic level of the empire. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Shaanxi History Museum
It consists of a group of magnificent Tang-style palaces. As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shi Huang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an ideal place for learning about the origins and development of ancient Chinese history. There are several typical categories of collections: Bronze Ware, Tang Dynasty Tomb Frescoes, Terracotta Figurines, Pottery and Porcelain. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
It consists of a group of magnificent Tang-style palaces. As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shi Huang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an ideal place for learning about the origins and development of ancient Chinese history. There are several typical categories of collections: Bronze Ware, Tang Dynasty Tomb Frescoes, Terracotta Figurines, Pottery and Porcelain. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
Small Wild Goose Pagoda (or Little Wild Goose Pagoda)
Together with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, these two sites are the important landmarks which have been kept from the ancient Chang’an period. Small Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most well-preserved Tang Dynasty buddha temples. As one of the famous historical sites in Xi’an, Small Wild Goose Pagoda is reputed as the Tang Dynasty elaborate and valuable Buddhist architectural heritage. Firstly build between 707 - 709 (Tang Dynasty), it was originally built to keep the Buddhist scripts which were carried by the great monk Yi Jing from the Indian area. During the late Tang Dynasty, Jianfu Temple was destroyed while only this pagoda was preserved well. The big iron bell kept in Jianu Temple has a history more than 800 years. It was originally the collection of an old temple and then lost. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi recovered this bell and transferred it to Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Every morning in that period, the bell would ring. And the voice could be spread widely and cause the place in a mild atmosphere. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Together with the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, these two sites are the important landmarks which have been kept from the ancient Chang’an period. Small Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the most well-preserved Tang Dynasty buddha temples. As one of the famous historical sites in Xi’an, Small Wild Goose Pagoda is reputed as the Tang Dynasty elaborate and valuable Buddhist architectural heritage. Firstly build between 707 - 709 (Tang Dynasty), it was originally built to keep the Buddhist scripts which were carried by the great monk Yi Jing from the Indian area. During the late Tang Dynasty, Jianfu Temple was destroyed while only this pagoda was preserved well. The big iron bell kept in Jianu Temple has a history more than 800 years. It was originally the collection of an old temple and then lost. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi recovered this bell and transferred it to Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Every morning in that period, the bell would ring. And the voice could be spread widely and cause the place in a mild atmosphere. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Xian Stele Forest (Bei Lin) Museum
It was first constructed in 1087 (the second year of the Yuanyou reign period of Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty) to preserve Kaiyuan Stone Scriptures of the Tang Dynasty. And in order to preserve these works well and pass them down to later generations, the rulers ordered them to be carved on these stones. The Forest of Steles is a treasure house of the Chinese calligraphic art. The history exhibition halls introduce the politics, economy, culture and society of the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang and other dynasties through cultural relics, pictures, drawings and models. In this museum, we can study the China ancient stone-carving art as well as social systems. The Steles Forest saved China the most complete set of stone carving books, is li han into two years (AD 837) of twelve books, a total of 114 stone, 228, six hundred and fifty thousand two hundred and fifty-two inscription. These books are intellectuals must read book feudal society of our country. Because of carved into the years, as in the tang dynasty, known as "open into writing". The Steles Forest is one of the places of that preserved ancient Chinese cultural classics carved stone, is also a place assembled past dynasties calligraphy art." The Steles Forest "name after it had many steles stands in cluster as forest. The Steles Forest have more than nine hundred years history, famous for its unique collection and become the Chinese and foreign art treasures. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
It was first constructed in 1087 (the second year of the Yuanyou reign period of Emperor Zhezong of the Song Dynasty) to preserve Kaiyuan Stone Scriptures of the Tang Dynasty. And in order to preserve these works well and pass them down to later generations, the rulers ordered them to be carved on these stones. The Forest of Steles is a treasure house of the Chinese calligraphic art. The history exhibition halls introduce the politics, economy, culture and society of the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang and other dynasties through cultural relics, pictures, drawings and models. In this museum, we can study the China ancient stone-carving art as well as social systems. The Steles Forest saved China the most complete set of stone carving books, is li han into two years (AD 837) of twelve books, a total of 114 stone, 228, six hundred and fifty thousand two hundred and fifty-two inscription. These books are intellectuals must read book feudal society of our country. Because of carved into the years, as in the tang dynasty, known as "open into writing". The Steles Forest is one of the places of that preserved ancient Chinese cultural classics carved stone, is also a place assembled past dynasties calligraphy art." The Steles Forest "name after it had many steles stands in cluster as forest. The Steles Forest have more than nine hundred years history, famous for its unique collection and become the Chinese and foreign art treasures. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Xian City Wall
The first city wall of Changan was begun in 194 BC. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. While built the wall, the south and west walls were constructed on the base of the wall of Tang Dynasty. The whole construction lasted 8 years from 1370 to 1378. Later in 1568, in the top and outside of the wall were covered with black bricks. During the later of Ming Dynasty, in 1644, the governor of Shaanxi, Sun Chuangting, built barbicans at the four gates for guarding against the attack of Li Zhicheng. In 1643, Li Zhicheng Conquered Xian, proclaimed himself emperor, and titled his reigning dynasty as Da Shun. Basically following the Ming system, Qing Government renovated the city wall for 12 times. Xian City Wall was built on base of the Palace of Tang Dynasty. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. There is a enemy tower every 120 meters standing out of the wall, as high as the city wall, which is used for shooting enemies. There are 98 enemy towers around the city wall. Out of the wall, there is a city moat, which is 20 m wide and 10 m deep, forming a complete defense system with the city wall. Xian Ancient City has four gates at south, north, east and west, the four directions: Changle Gate, Anding Gate, Yongning Gate and Anyuan Gate. Outside each gate, there is a barbican. Each gate has 3 buildings: the gate, the embrasured watchtower and the inner building. The inner building is 7-room wide, and 2-room deep, 36 m high, while the embrasured watchtower is 11-room wide, 2-room deep, with a height of 33.4 m. The embrasured watchtower has 4 layers of windows, and each window has 12 holes. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
The first city wall of Changan was begun in 194 BC. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370. While built the wall, the south and west walls were constructed on the base of the wall of Tang Dynasty. The whole construction lasted 8 years from 1370 to 1378. Later in 1568, in the top and outside of the wall were covered with black bricks. During the later of Ming Dynasty, in 1644, the governor of Shaanxi, Sun Chuangting, built barbicans at the four gates for guarding against the attack of Li Zhicheng. In 1643, Li Zhicheng Conquered Xian, proclaimed himself emperor, and titled his reigning dynasty as Da Shun. Basically following the Ming system, Qing Government renovated the city wall for 12 times. Xian City Wall was built on base of the Palace of Tang Dynasty. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. There is a enemy tower every 120 meters standing out of the wall, as high as the city wall, which is used for shooting enemies. There are 98 enemy towers around the city wall. Out of the wall, there is a city moat, which is 20 m wide and 10 m deep, forming a complete defense system with the city wall. Xian Ancient City has four gates at south, north, east and west, the four directions: Changle Gate, Anding Gate, Yongning Gate and Anyuan Gate. Outside each gate, there is a barbican. Each gate has 3 buildings: the gate, the embrasured watchtower and the inner building. The inner building is 7-room wide, and 2-room deep, 36 m high, while the embrasured watchtower is 11-room wide, 2-room deep, with a height of 33.4 m. The embrasured watchtower has 4 layers of windows, and each window has 12 holes. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Green Dragon Temple (Qinglong Temple)
is a famous Buddhist Temple from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). When it was built in 582, it was called Linggan Temple (Temple of Inspiration) and then renamed to its present one in 711. When Buddhism was prevalent during the Tang Dynasty, some Japanese monks were sent to China to study Buddhism. Six of them studied at Green Dragon Temple, and this led to a flourishing period of the temple in the ninth century. Kukai, the most learned of the six monks, made great progress in learning Buddhist sutras, Sanskrit, poems and Chinese calligraphy. After his return to Japan in 806, he advocated the building of a Vagra Temple (Vagra means Buddhist Warrior Attendant) and founded the Zhenyan Sect (the True Word Sect). He is highly honored by both Japanese and Chinese, and in 1982 Kukai Monument was constructed inside the Green Dragon Temple. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
is a famous Buddhist Temple from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). When it was built in 582, it was called Linggan Temple (Temple of Inspiration) and then renamed to its present one in 711. When Buddhism was prevalent during the Tang Dynasty, some Japanese monks were sent to China to study Buddhism. Six of them studied at Green Dragon Temple, and this led to a flourishing period of the temple in the ninth century. Kukai, the most learned of the six monks, made great progress in learning Buddhist sutras, Sanskrit, poems and Chinese calligraphy. After his return to Japan in 806, he advocated the building of a Vagra Temple (Vagra means Buddhist Warrior Attendant) and founded the Zhenyan Sect (the True Word Sect). He is highly honored by both Japanese and Chinese, and in 1982 Kukai Monument was constructed inside the Green Dragon Temple. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
The Drum Tower
The Bell Tower is just 250m from the Drum Tower. It is the largest one existing in China. The foundation of the tower is 52.6m in length, 38m in width and 7.7m in height with one gate. The Drum Tower was built in the thirteen years of Ming Hong Wu (1380), 4 years early than the Bell Tower. The area of foundation of the Drum Tower is 738.55m larger than that of the Bell Tower, and it is also 34m higher than the Bell Tower. There was a big drum hanging on the tower in ancient time which was used for telling the time to citizens, hence the name of the tower. The architectural form of the drum tower is Xieshan - like double eaves with three water dypasses. The middle of south and north wall, there are two 6m high dorrways. The drummer building is rectangular with 2 floors. The foundation is built with black bricks. The two floors both have 10 rooms and are surrounding by corridors. The eaves are decorated with bracket system, which makes the level of the tower clearer. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
The Bell Tower is just 250m from the Drum Tower. It is the largest one existing in China. The foundation of the tower is 52.6m in length, 38m in width and 7.7m in height with one gate. The Drum Tower was built in the thirteen years of Ming Hong Wu (1380), 4 years early than the Bell Tower. The area of foundation of the Drum Tower is 738.55m larger than that of the Bell Tower, and it is also 34m higher than the Bell Tower. There was a big drum hanging on the tower in ancient time which was used for telling the time to citizens, hence the name of the tower. The architectural form of the drum tower is Xieshan - like double eaves with three water dypasses. The middle of south and north wall, there are two 6m high dorrways. The drummer building is rectangular with 2 floors. The foundation is built with black bricks. The two floors both have 10 rooms and are surrounding by corridors. The eaves are decorated with bracket system, which makes the level of the tower clearer. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
The Bell Tower
located in the center of this city, as a symbol to tell the people that it possesses historical value of this ancient capital in China. Built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty with a height of 36 meters, the Bell Tower covers an area of 1,377 square meters. With several large bronze-cast bells from the Tang Dynasty, it is an unique architecture built by bricks and timbers. The tower is a splendid sight with its dark green glazed tiles, blue and green paintings and touches of gold. Ancient Chinese cities were also military castles. In addition to build walls around the city, dig moats and set drawbridge, it also accompanied with the bell tower in the city center as a command center. At peacetime, it was used for reporting time, and so could the drawbridge opening and closing on time. At the state of siege, it was used as city defense command. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
located in the center of this city, as a symbol to tell the people that it possesses historical value of this ancient capital in China. Built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty with a height of 36 meters, the Bell Tower covers an area of 1,377 square meters. With several large bronze-cast bells from the Tang Dynasty, it is an unique architecture built by bricks and timbers. The tower is a splendid sight with its dark green glazed tiles, blue and green paintings and touches of gold. Ancient Chinese cities were also military castles. In addition to build walls around the city, dig moats and set drawbridge, it also accompanied with the bell tower in the city center as a command center. At peacetime, it was used for reporting time, and so could the drawbridge opening and closing on time. At the state of siege, it was used as city defense command. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
The Great Mosque
located near the Drum Tower, is one of the oldest and most renowned mosques in the country. Built in the Tang Dynasty (reign of Emperor Xuan Zong, 685-762), it still used by Chinese Muslims today as a place of worship. Its four courtyards cover an area of more than 12,000square meters with an area of 4,000 square meters. The still intact wooden memorial arch with two sculptured dragon stone tablets on both sides in the second yard was built at the turn of the 17th century. With glazed tiles, spectacular corners and upturned eaves, it stands about 9 meters high and has a history of about 360 years. Unlike Arabian mosques with splendid domes, skyward minarets and dazzlig patterns, this mosque possesses much Chinese tradition in both design and artistic outlook. It assumes the striking features of Chinese pavilions, with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. It is the major spot for the religious activities of over 60,000 Moslems in Xian. It is also an important historical monument in Shaanxi Province. Great Mosque Xi’an is one of China's four great mosque, and it is the earliest mosque in Xi’an that was built in Tianbao period of Tang dynasty (AD 742). It fuse with Chinese and western architectural elements of the unique architectural style, now it is an important attractions that both Chinese and foreign tourists will go to visit when travel to Xi’an. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
located near the Drum Tower, is one of the oldest and most renowned mosques in the country. Built in the Tang Dynasty (reign of Emperor Xuan Zong, 685-762), it still used by Chinese Muslims today as a place of worship. Its four courtyards cover an area of more than 12,000square meters with an area of 4,000 square meters. The still intact wooden memorial arch with two sculptured dragon stone tablets on both sides in the second yard was built at the turn of the 17th century. With glazed tiles, spectacular corners and upturned eaves, it stands about 9 meters high and has a history of about 360 years. Unlike Arabian mosques with splendid domes, skyward minarets and dazzlig patterns, this mosque possesses much Chinese tradition in both design and artistic outlook. It assumes the striking features of Chinese pavilions, with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. It is the major spot for the religious activities of over 60,000 Moslems in Xian. It is also an important historical monument in Shaanxi Province. Great Mosque Xi’an is one of China's four great mosque, and it is the earliest mosque in Xi’an that was built in Tianbao period of Tang dynasty (AD 742). It fuse with Chinese and western architectural elements of the unique architectural style, now it is an important attractions that both Chinese and foreign tourists will go to visit when travel to Xi’an. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Muslim Street
also known as antique street, it is collectively name of many streets in Muslim district which consists of Beiyuan gate, North Guangji street, west Yangshi, Dapiyuan several streets. Local people used to call there for the Muslim lane. It makes distinctive scenery of this ancient city based on the rich Muslim culture and atmosphere. Most streets here are built with bluestone paving, tree-lined road lined with Ming and Qing dynasties style buildings, which is full of Muslim characteristics. All shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. The stalls flanking the narrow alleys sell almost everything you can imagine. There are even a number of stalls selling parts of aircraft. A variety of Muslim food and snacks can be tried here, tasty and very cheap, including the locals' favorites, roasted beef, roasted fish, and pancakes. The title "a street for gourmet" is deserved. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
also known as antique street, it is collectively name of many streets in Muslim district which consists of Beiyuan gate, North Guangji street, west Yangshi, Dapiyuan several streets. Local people used to call there for the Muslim lane. It makes distinctive scenery of this ancient city based on the rich Muslim culture and atmosphere. Most streets here are built with bluestone paving, tree-lined road lined with Ming and Qing dynasties style buildings, which is full of Muslim characteristics. All shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. The stalls flanking the narrow alleys sell almost everything you can imagine. There are even a number of stalls selling parts of aircraft. A variety of Muslim food and snacks can be tried here, tasty and very cheap, including the locals' favorites, roasted beef, roasted fish, and pancakes. The title "a street for gourmet" is deserved. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Banpo Neolithic Village Museum
Banpo sites is the largest and best-preserved Neolithic Yangshao cultural village sites at China's Yellow River basin. Banpo Neolithic Village Museum is built around a historical site consisting of the remains of a 6,000 year-old village once home to a matriarchal clan community. This excavated site of a village dates back to 4500 BC and was discovered in 1953. Banpo Neolithic Village Museum’s display and exhibition area is about 4,500 square meters. It has 3 parts: Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall, the hall of the Banpo Sites and Auxiliary Exhibition Hall. ►The Site Hall: about 3,000 square meters including the residential, pottery making and buri al section. The residential section is the main part of the site. There are huts, kilns and tombs. The site gives us an impression of the aboriginal village and the living condition of the forefathers, reflecting the civilization of that period of time. ►Cultural Relics Exhibition: consisted of the Hall 1 and Hall 2. The two rooms are displaying the production tools and household items. Site hall is 3,000 square meters, which is a part of the original village. ►Auxiliary Exhibition Hall: there are the Hall 3 and Hall 4, which mainly holds special subject exhibition about prehistory. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Banpo sites is the largest and best-preserved Neolithic Yangshao cultural village sites at China's Yellow River basin. Banpo Neolithic Village Museum is built around a historical site consisting of the remains of a 6,000 year-old village once home to a matriarchal clan community. This excavated site of a village dates back to 4500 BC and was discovered in 1953. Banpo Neolithic Village Museum’s display and exhibition area is about 4,500 square meters. It has 3 parts: Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall, the hall of the Banpo Sites and Auxiliary Exhibition Hall. ►The Site Hall: about 3,000 square meters including the residential, pottery making and buri al section. The residential section is the main part of the site. There are huts, kilns and tombs. The site gives us an impression of the aboriginal village and the living condition of the forefathers, reflecting the civilization of that period of time. ►Cultural Relics Exhibition: consisted of the Hall 1 and Hall 2. The two rooms are displaying the production tools and household items. Site hall is 3,000 square meters, which is a part of the original village. ►Auxiliary Exhibition Hall: there are the Hall 3 and Hall 4, which mainly holds special subject exhibition about prehistory. more at: www.topchinatravel.com
Typical Food
Shaanxi Cuisine, also known as Qin Cuisine, is the representative culinary achievement in the northwest China. In comparison to other Chinese cuisines, it is outstanding in three aspects. Firstly, due to Shaanxi's geographical location in the center of China, various kinds of materials deriving from both north and south China are adopted. Second is the special cooking skills of the local chefs, including Tun (deep-fry), Qiang (fry quickly in hot oil, then cook with sauce and water), Chao (stir-fry), Zheng (cook by use of steam), Dun (braise) and so on. Finally is its frequently use of salt, vinegar, capsicum and garlic, making the savory flavor of sour, spicy and fragrant. The history of Shaanxi Cuisine is said to be as long as the national's civilization, retaining the table characteristics of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. At present, the Cuisine has been divided into the Guanzhong (central Shaanxi), Shannan (south Shaanxi) and Shanbei (north Shaanxi) cuisines according to their geographical locations. Here, in Xian, the Guanzhong Cuisine plays the vital role in the citizens' daily lives as well as the Shannan and Shanbei dishes supply the gastronomists with another choice. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com
Shaanxi Cuisine, also known as Qin Cuisine, is the representative culinary achievement in the northwest China. In comparison to other Chinese cuisines, it is outstanding in three aspects. Firstly, due to Shaanxi's geographical location in the center of China, various kinds of materials deriving from both north and south China are adopted. Second is the special cooking skills of the local chefs, including Tun (deep-fry), Qiang (fry quickly in hot oil, then cook with sauce and water), Chao (stir-fry), Zheng (cook by use of steam), Dun (braise) and so on. Finally is its frequently use of salt, vinegar, capsicum and garlic, making the savory flavor of sour, spicy and fragrant. The history of Shaanxi Cuisine is said to be as long as the national's civilization, retaining the table characteristics of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. At present, the Cuisine has been divided into the Guanzhong (central Shaanxi), Shannan (south Shaanxi) and Shanbei (north Shaanxi) cuisines according to their geographical locations. Here, in Xian, the Guanzhong Cuisine plays the vital role in the citizens' daily lives as well as the Shannan and Shanbei dishes supply the gastronomists with another choice. more at: www.travelchinaguide.com