Popular Tourist Sites in Xian

Popular Tourist Sites in Xian
Xian is one of the birthplaces of the ancient civilization. It is a famous historic and cultural city. It stands first on the six largest ancient capitals. It is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the southern part of the Guanzhong Plain. Called Chang'an in ancient times, it obtained its present name in 1369. The cultural and historical significance of the area, as well as the treasure house of relics and sites, help Xian enjoy the laudatory title of 'Natural History Museum'.

Some of the popular tourist sites in Xian are:
- Huaqing Hot Springs, Xian
- Banpo Neolithic Village, Xian
- Hancheng, Xian
- Mt. Huashan, Xian
- Lishan, Xian

You can visit the Huaqing Hot Springs which was noted as early as the Zhou Dynasty more than 3,000 years back The Springs were a popular retreat with Emperors more than 2500 years ago, many of whom enjoyed bathing in the perfectly clear mineral water. Legend has it that the pools were fully established here in the Qing dynasty.

The 3,000 year old Banpo Village Remains of a matriarchal community from the Neolithic Age (approximately from 8000 BC to 5000 BC) is a very famous tourist spot.

Lying in the northeast corner of Guangzhong Plain, by the west bank of the Yellow River in eastern Shaanxi, Hancheng is a city governed by Weinan city government. In ancient history Hancheng was a significant place. It could be called a natural ancient architecture museum for it features many ancient buildings. There are more than 140 ancient architectural buildings from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and 27 historical sites among which 20 of Yuan Dynasty (1271 --- 1368) which are worth a visit.

Mt. Huashan one of the five best-known mountains in China, is famous for its breath-taking cliffs and its unique characteristics. It was called Mt. Taihuashan in ancient times for its five main peaks shaped much like a flower. Huashan was historically the location of several influential Taoist monasteries, and was known as a center for the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts.

Lishan is located in Lintong County, 25 km northeast of Xian. There are hot springs, royal parks (built some three thousand years ago during the Zhou Dynasty), the remains of beacon towers etc. the famous Xian incident took place in Lishan. The Huaquing Pool Resort is also very famous here.