There is a wealth of historical treasures to be seen in Xian and the immediately surrounding area, from the world-famous terracotta warriors of the Qin dynasty to the ‘forest’ of stone tablets preserving the writings of ancient times.

Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is situated at the exact centre of the city, at the junction of four main roads. This newer tower was constructed in 1582 and restored in 1739. A huge bell hangs from the roof of the tower, which at one time rang on the hour. There are also other, smaller bells on exhibit. The roads leading from the tower run to the four gates of the city wall. The wooden two-storey tower is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China. The grey bricks of its square base, dark green glazed tiles on its eaves and gold-plating on its roof contribute to make the tower a rich and dramatic masterpiece of Ming-style architecture.

Drum Tower
The Drum Tower is located across the square, north-west of the Bell Tower. In ancient China, particularly during the Yuan dynasty, drums were often used to sound the alarm in emergencies. Initially built in 1380, during the reign of Ming Emperor Hongwu, the tower was renovated in 1699 and again in 1740 during the Qing dynasty. It is a two-storey post and panel structure. The architecture is a combination of Tang and Qing dynasty styles. You’ll see 24 drums here, representing the 24 Solar Terms, constituting a type of weather calendar.

Forest of Stone Steles
During the Northern Song dynasty, from 960-1227, the Forest of Stone Steles Museum was established at the site of the Temple of Confucius, when a number of precious stone tablets were moved here for safekeeping. The tablets included the 'Classic on Filial Piety' that was written by Emperor Xuanzong in 745 and 'the Kaicheng Stone Steles' that were carved in 837. This vast collection comprises the earliest stone steles ever found, from the Han to the Qing dynasties: in all, there are 3,000 steles in seven exhibitions halls.

Great Wild Goose Pagoda
Also called the Dayan, this is China’s most famous pagoda, dating from 652 AD. It’s a 248-step climb to the top, from which there’s an excellent view of the surrounding area. A renowned Buddhist monk, who had been on a pilgrimage to India and other neighbouring countries, suggested that the pagoda be built to house the Buddhist scriptures he had been given during his trip. The monk, Xuan Zang, was made abbot of the temple, where be eventually translated the scriptures into Chinese. In the early years of the 8th century, the five-storey pagoda was rebuilt into a seven-storey structure with staircases winding their way to the top. Built using grey bricks, the pagoda is a pavilion-like structure, featuring arched portals on each floor. It is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, bearing a distinctive Chinese style.

Ming Dynasty City Wall
Xian’s ancient city wall was built more than 600 years ago, when Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming Emperor was told by a hermit named Zhu Sheng that he should 'build high walls', store abundant food supplies and take time to become an Emperor’. He followed the advice and today this is the most complete city wall surviving in China, rated as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems anywhere. In 1781, the wall was refitted and the gate towers added. A circular park has been built along the wall and trees and flowers enhance the beauty of the classical Chinese architecture of the fortification.

Terracotta Warriors
Eight-thousand life-sized terracotta warriors were created as guardians protecting the tomb of the first Qin emperor, nearly 2,200 years ago. In 1979 they were accidentally discovered by local peasants and represent the most significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at the site, which is located to the east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. The figures of warriors and horses are arranged in battle formation, and are the main attraction at the museum. Many figures have not yet been unearthed and much of the excavation has been put on hold, until more advanced means of preservation and protection have been developed. This is a must-see for all visitors to the area.

Small Goose Pagoda
Not far from the Big Goose Pagoda stands the temple known as the Small Goose Pagoda, built in 707 AD. The style is fine and delicate: the doors on the north and south sides are exquisitely-carved with ivory designs and figures important to Buddhism. Both pagodas are around two miles south of the city centre.

Xian Snacks Street is one of the best places to sample local and regional dishes that have been around for centuries. Many cuisines are represented, including Shaanxi, Guangdong, Tang dynasty, Huaiyang and Muslim. Both sides of this street of traditional shop fronts are lined with restaurants offering meals and snacks, featuring such delicacies as mutton soup with cake, mutton and porridge and various sausages.

Visit Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural street and be amazed by the blue stone tablets that pave it. The street boasts shops that are antique and elegant in style. You can find treasures in stone and metal carvings, jade carvings, calligraphy and paintings here. There are also various other attractions and dining options in the area.

Appreciate some Folk Painting in Hu County. The images are simple, bold and somewhat rough, representing local folklore. There’s a local museum, the Hu County Folk Painting Museum, which has 12 exhibition halls, in which paintings are arranged according to period and style. Most of the works represent rural life, employing bright colours with closely-woven images.

Watch a Fengxiang New Year's Painting being created. In their traditional style, the works demonstrated a primitive simplicity. Ancient models are still used as the basis for new work, on subjects such as 'Auspiciousness,' 'Happiness Bestowed from Heaven' and 'Wealth and Prosperity.' Visitors to Fengxiang can watch the process of making a New Year's painting, from drawing, to engraving and finally, printing.

Visit Farmers' Houses in Fengxiang and experience rural life in the south-eastern part of this county. There’s a man-made lake here, called East Lake, adjacent to which are more than 20 ancient buildings with beautiful historic details. The lake is clear with images of the willow trees and surrounding pavilions reflecting on its surface. Tourists can visit local peasants' homes, work with them in the fields and cook and dine with them.