China isn’t just about Shanghai or Beijing. Xi’an is the cradle of the Chinese civilization, with 3,000-year-old traditions combined with modern delicacies, history and vibrant culture, rich with color, and energy. Above, lanterns and flags decorate the old city wall.
The name means the eternal city, a city that in ancient times, was one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area.
As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, you can experience ancient dynasties that date back 1,100 years.
Imagine experiencing Chinese culture through ancient temples, pagodas, museums, mausoleums, tombs and cultural relics and after you’re done with hours in the past, modern cuisine will invite you back to the present. Or, for shopping, head to Shuyuanmen and Luomashi streets, or to the funky student area around the university in an area called Xiao Zhai.
Xi’an also makes a great base for those interested in taking in other parts the breathtaking Shaanxi region.
The awe-inspiring mountain of Hua Shan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains, is roughly 120 kilometres from the city center, making it a great option for a day trip if you want to use Xi’an as your base.
Photo credit: Kids Britannica
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
