Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning) Gate Xian

Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning) Gate Xian

Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning) Gate, Xian

Shuyuan Gate is a cultural street factually restored in the style of the ancient architectures of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It is situated on the eastern side of the South Gate. It is 570 meters (about 623 yards) long and 10 meters (about 11 yards) wide. Shuyuan Gate got its name because the Guanzhong Shuyuan (central Shaanxi academy, established in the Ming Dynasty), which was one of the leading academies in ancient China and the highest institution of Shaanxi Province in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, was located here.

After visiting the Bell Tower, walk along the South Avenue until you will see a traditional archway on the east side of the road. That is Shuyuan Gate. Through the archway on which 'Shuyuan Gate' is carved, a green flagstone street extends, and you can see the 2-storey stores in ancient style along both sides and smell the aroma of Chinese ink.

Most storekeepers, sitting leisurely in their stores, holding a little teapot or two small jade balls in their hands, never hustle. These stores deal mostly in the four treasures of study; curios, jade articles, gold and silver ornaments, calligraphies and paintings of celebrities, copybooks and handcrafted keepsakes. There are authentic works by some celebrated artists, but you can always try bargaining for the one you want. You can find here paintings by Liu Wenxi, a Xian artist who drew the images on the RMB 100 note. Shadow play figures, paper-cuts and face painting in the ancient style are typical folk handcrafts of Shaanxi Province that are colorful and appealing to tourists.

Stalls outside the 2-storey stores are equally attractive. Along the street, Xun (an ancient egg-shaped wind instrument with eight holes) and jade articles are commonly seen. Walking in the area of Shuyuan Gate, you may hear the sounds of the Xun and the bamboo flute played by storekeepers now and again to drum up trade, which is not quite a melody but more the symbol of Xian.

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