Xi’an is located in a large basin where the fertile land along the Yellow River valley outside of it has always been known as the cradle of Chinese civilization. Ready water, easy access make Xi’an a favorite settlement since the age of nomads, plus its strategic location, Xi’an became favorite capital choice of capital among Chinese emperors.
Today it still retains striking marks of ancient majesty. The wealth of historical sites left behind makes Xi’an the no. 2 must- visit- place in China, only second to Beijing.
If you are curious about the cultural root and history of ancient China, Xi’an would be your very own wonderland.


Shannxi history museum
What is like to have the ancient thousand-year-long history condensed in one place and read it at your own pace? This is Shannxi history museum can offer.
Quite number of visitors were so captured by the exhibitions and stayed for 7 hours! It turned out to be a very good advice! It is worth strolling around for hours and even days here.
It is the perfect starting point for one’s trip to Xi’an to get a quick and brief intro to the Chinese ancient history with something more tangible than words.
The Historic Development of Xi’an
China’s longest dynasty Zhou lasted from 1027BC to 221 BC, with lots of sub periods that marks its ups and downs and the era ended in its “Warring States Period”, named so because of the power struggle between large states of China that were trying to gain control over the entire area.
Among the numerous tombs of emperors, gentry and other wealthy people peppers around Xi'an. The one that is almost obligatory for a tourist to visit.
The resting place of Qin Shi Huang, the man who united China and declared himself emperor for the first time in the history. He was portrayed as one of the most ruthless monarch in the history because of 2 major projects he initiated-- the Great Wall that was meant to protect his empire from enemy from the north, and his own mausoleum that protects him in the nether world.

As the overlord that gained his territory more by enforced military power than by placate, this is of course something he would not forget to take with him!!
There are not many mysteries around the purpose of having a project like this done ordered by the first emperor. Live burial was an old practice among the Qin. The practice is called "xun" and makes "following to the grave" have a new meaning. The people who were buried with the ruler were supposed to continue to protect and serve their lord.
Han (206 B.C.-220 A.D.)
Chinese people started to be known as Han people and the Chinese language was also called Han language by neighboring countries, started from this period.
Han emperors followed Confucius doctrine of reigning with benevolence, working on mass’s wellbeing and rebuilding economy and keeping peace with neighboring countries.
Japan and Korea and many other surrounding countries sent delegates to pay tribute to China. Unlike the Qin, they allowed the cultures of the new territories to remain intact and encouraged trade and commerce among the various parts of the empire.
Emperor Wudi sent out envoy Zhang Qian twice to visiting neighboring states, bringing large delegations and items to trade.
Silk was an immediate hit. And the route he took became known as the Silk Road.
The Silk Road effects were immediate to China as well. Fuelled by an insatiable appetite for foreign exotica, new products were introduced from the west including pomegranates, grape vines, and fine horses.
But the real benefits are less tangible. It fires the imagination to find that other’s thoughts can be different from one's own; and exchange of ideas enriches the content of a culture rather than endangers its identity.
People in China really adapted this idea in the grand Tang Dynasty.
The artwork from Tang Dynasty looks most colorful and grandiose, among the most valuable of Shannxi history museum’s collection.
The famous Tricolor glazed pottery, an exquisite art form that combines ceramics and sculpture was invented in this period.
Inside the museum, you can find many more items exhibited according to the chorological order, but the exhibits are mainly focused on the period between Qin to Tang Dynasties. If you are familiar with Chinese history, the museum tour would be worthy and fruitful for your Chinese knowledge reservoir

For detailed information, please drop in an email and you will get a tailor-made itinerary exclusively for your tour calendar and interest.
john@chinahuangshan.com congzhang35@hotmail.com