The city of Xian (population 6 million) was the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the Ancient world, not in 1980 under the "Open Door" policy but in fact during the Tang dynasty when Xian blossomed as the first stop on the Silk Road.Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west.
Many of the sites to visit are outside Xian and the surrounding countryside offers a treasure trove of historical and religious relics. The most famous site is the Terracotta Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose Mausoleum lies close the warriors. Both these sights are to the east of Xian.
There are other less famous but equally fascinating places worth visiting too. The Famen Temple claims to house the Buddhas fingers and still draws crowds of practicing monks (and tourists) to marvel at the fingers and the Tang dynasty treasures which are kept here. The countryside around Xian is also attractive and there are numerous mountains, including Mount Huashan which are a great break from the city.Aside from being a major tourist destination and historical city, today Xian is an important industrial and manufacturing center. Despite the incredible history that Xian carries, it is a modern and prosperous area. The nightlife here is pretty up to date and Xians University is considered to be one of the best in China.
As a result, the city has a large student population who contribute to the cultural life of the city, making Xian one of the most pleasant cities in China and an ideal place to break the journey between Beijing and Shanghai.Climate in Xian
Xian is situated in the center of the Guanzhong Plains, surrounded by Mountains in the south and the Wei River in the north. Xian is also a city blessed with a pleasant climate most of the year round and its possible to pleasurably visit this city at almost any time of the year.
The coldest month here is January, with an average temperature of O degrees C although Xian has only a minimal snow level.
The hottest and most unpleasant month is Augest, with an average temperature of 30 degrees C. The summers here can also be very dry so make sure you have plenty of drinking water with you when you go sightseeing!! The average temperature for the year is 13 degrees C.
Xian is situated in the center of the Guanzhong Plains, surrounded by Mountains in the south and the Wei River in the north. Xian is also a city blessed with a pleasant climate most of the year round and its possible to pleasurably visit this city at almost any time of the year.
The coldest month here is January, with an average temperature of O degrees C although Xian has only a minimal snow level.
The hottest and most unpleasant month is Augest, with an average temperature of 30 degrees C. The summers here can also be very dry so make sure you have plenty of drinking water with you when you go sightseeing!! The average temperature for the year is 13 degrees C.
Transportation in Xian
Located in the very center of China and long a prime destination connecting the east and west, Xian is today one of the best connected cities in China in terms of travel. There are numerous national and international flights in and out of the city airport and the rail and bus services operating in the city are also good.
By plane:
The city airport, Xiguan is approximately 40 km northwest of Xian. Northwest Airways, China United Airways and Dragon Air all operate out of the airport. There are daily flights to and from Xian to almost all major cities in China and flights are now running to Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, London, Paris, Canada, USA, German.
China Northwest Airways run a minibus service between the airport and their Xian booking center downtown on Laudong Lu. The bus runs every 50 minutes and costs RMB50. A taxi to the airport will cost approximately RMB150.
By train:
The train station in Xian is situated in the northeast of the town and is just outside the city walls. This is a major stop for trains heading either west or east and the line actually splits here. Some trains head north to Beijing and others east to Shanghai.
There are direct trains from Xian to Beijing (16 hours), Shanghai, Guangzhou (27 hours), Chengdu (17 hours), Hefei, Qingdao and Urumuqi. There is a foreigners ticket office on the second level of the train station which is open from 8.30 -11.30 and 2.30 -5.30. Make sure you bring your passport with you as you need this document to register. Most of the major hotels will book train tickets for you, although they will charge for this service.
By bus:
The main long distance bus station is opposite the railway station in the northeast of the city. There are buses from here to Huashan Mountain (12 hours), Zhengzhou (12 hours) and Yinchuan (15 hours).
By Taxi
Taxis in Xian are plentiful and all metered. Its easy to hail. Fares vary depending on the size of the vehicle. Generally most taxis charge a base fee of RMB6 during the day and RMB7 from 10pm-6am, with RMB1.4 for each additional kilometer. However, cases are, most taxi drivers dont speak English. Before you set off from the hotel, ask the bellboy in the hotel to write down where youre going to both in English and Chinese.
By Bicycle
The best way to travel in Xian by yourself is to use the bicycle. There are bicycles for rent in most hotels in Xian, the rental averages RMB10-20 per day with RMB300 or passport as deposit.
Located in the very center of China and long a prime destination connecting the east and west, Xian is today one of the best connected cities in China in terms of travel. There are numerous national and international flights in and out of the city airport and the rail and bus services operating in the city are also good.By plane:
The city airport, Xiguan is approximately 40 km northwest of Xian. Northwest Airways, China United Airways and Dragon Air all operate out of the airport. There are daily flights to and from Xian to almost all major cities in China and flights are now running to Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, London, Paris, Canada, USA, German.
China Northwest Airways run a minibus service between the airport and their Xian booking center downtown on Laudong Lu. The bus runs every 50 minutes and costs RMB50. A taxi to the airport will cost approximately RMB150.
By train:
The train station in Xian is situated in the northeast of the town and is just outside the city walls. This is a major stop for trains heading either west or east and the line actually splits here. Some trains head north to Beijing and others east to Shanghai.
There are direct trains from Xian to Beijing (16 hours), Shanghai, Guangzhou (27 hours), Chengdu (17 hours), Hefei, Qingdao and Urumuqi. There is a foreigners ticket office on the second level of the train station which is open from 8.30 -11.30 and 2.30 -5.30. Make sure you bring your passport with you as you need this document to register. Most of the major hotels will book train tickets for you, although they will charge for this service.
By bus:
The main long distance bus station is opposite the railway station in the northeast of the city. There are buses from here to Huashan Mountain (12 hours), Zhengzhou (12 hours) and Yinchuan (15 hours).
By Taxi
Taxis in Xian are plentiful and all metered. Its easy to hail. Fares vary depending on the size of the vehicle. Generally most taxis charge a base fee of RMB6 during the day and RMB7 from 10pm-6am, with RMB1.4 for each additional kilometer. However, cases are, most taxi drivers dont speak English. Before you set off from the hotel, ask the bellboy in the hotel to write down where youre going to both in English and Chinese.
By Bicycle
The best way to travel in Xian by yourself is to use the bicycle. There are bicycles for rent in most hotels in Xian, the rental averages RMB10-20 per day with RMB300 or passport as deposit.
Business and Industry Information
Xian is the largest commercial and trade-hub, as well as the largest material distribution center in theMid-Western Region of northern China.
Through fifty years development, Xian has already set up sordidindustry basement in certain areas. Aviation, aerospace, electronics, machinery, communications, instruments and meters, and electric power are typical industry in Xian. In some of these areas, the industries in Xian has not only reached the top level in China, but also has equaled to the world advance level.
Xian is the largest commercial and trade-hub, as well as the largest material distribution center in theMid-Western Region of northern China.Through fifty years development, Xian has already set up sordidindustry basement in certain areas. Aviation, aerospace, electronics, machinery, communications, instruments and meters, and electric power are typical industry in Xian. In some of these areas, the industries in Xian has not only reached the top level in China, but also has equaled to the world advance level.
Please check http://www.xiandiscovery.com/ for more information about China or email to me lucyhyp@163.com .
