Xi'an Cityscapes, Shaanxi Province: Ancient meets Modern 西安 [Archive]

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 08:54 AM

http://love.xaonline.com/upload/20041117/UF2004111720131.jpg
http://love.xaonline.com/upload/20041117/UF20041117201427.jpg
http://love.xaonline.com/upload/20041117/UF20041117201642.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320184547684.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320203821991.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20055232023847366.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320325792129.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320344891956.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320393938344.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20055232040362118.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320404452926.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320573127185.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/200552320561764338.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/2005661331100.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133138758.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133354288.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056613347253.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133613567.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133625203.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133648346.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133815306.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200566133832436.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056812135796.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568121313892.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568121319710.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568121442449.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056812144997.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568121455413.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/2005612124114945.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/2005612124228755.jpg

atoom

October 6th, 2005, 09:00 AM

so nice!!!!

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 09:03 AM

http://www.xawb.com/img/2005-02/08/xin_bd140302150b41cf87549c109a06adc8.JPG
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20051161824127627.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568114757843.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568132324634.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568132333860.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568132117246.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320522848752.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320454560078.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320452814311.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320444612073.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320484384631.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/2005232036011767.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20052320345028117.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/2005232042757320.jpg

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 09:39 AM

http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/2005521483431072.jpg
华山论剑的金大侠 :)(hua shan mountain)
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20055214192670649.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadimages2/20055214195976554.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/200572310572608.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/200572310579642.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723105851150.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723105924103.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723105936983.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/200572311144565.jpg
Xuan Zang (aka Hsuan Tsang) is one of the most extraordinary figures in Chinese history. He is the monk that made the journey across the Silk Road to India to bring the teachings of Buddhism to China. The Legend of the Monkey King is based on his story
http://military.china.com/zh_cn/history2/06/11027560/20050508/images/12292881_200505081602275787400.jpg
http://www.silk-road.com/maps/images/xzmap.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/200572313187707.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723132846483.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/200572313292853.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723132913978.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-7/2005723134018882.jpg

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 10:51 AM

High technology zone
http://life.xaonline.com/hottopic/image/33_1.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/200473011193363714.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/200473011583043968.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301204545033.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301212280328.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301222365140.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301224144716.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301235011455.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301244457240.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301245921694.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/2004730127835302.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301272497474.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/20047301274624788.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/2004730128337010.jpg
http://bbs.xatvs.com/uploadImages/200473012153325296.jpg

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 10:56 AM

http://www.xtour.cn/pic/xtourpic/20040702164651/20040702164651(1)_200407021702511.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/2005612132555518.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056101101951.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568111217637.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568111747647.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568114253827.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200568102735495.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200567195212353.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/2005689416327.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056894352327.jpg

dingyunyang179

October 6th, 2005, 10:58 AM

Very Well!!!!

YelloPerilo

October 6th, 2005, 01:54 PM

I was in Xi'an two months ago and I really like this great city and also the fact that Xi'an is putting a lot of efforts to preserve her heritage and try to harmonise modern buildings with classical architectur.

chinablue

October 6th, 2005, 05:47 PM

welcome to Xi`an :)

Pangu

October 6th, 2005, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the pictures! Unfortunately Xi'an remains one of the few major Chinese cities I have yet to visit :(

YangtzeSea

October 9th, 2005, 06:22 PM

楼顶是大唐芙蓉园吗？新建的吧。

chinablue

October 10th, 2005, 02:24 PM

是啊,没错,呵呵!

chinablue

October 10th, 2005, 02:29 PM

http://www.yncoo.com/yinxiang2/
this link has some other good XI`an photos ,and I love the music of this site :)enjoy!

SungIEman

October 14th, 2005, 11:32 AM

WOW! Those historical buildings are magnificent, I absolutely love the simplistic and clean feature of those buildings, it's simply stunning. Only from these historical remains can we see how amazing China used (and will) be.

Keep up the good work China, I'll always be rooting for you to become a peaceful superpower like what you used to be.

Facial

October 16th, 2005, 09:04 AM

Great pics.

Tk101

October 18th, 2005, 11:53 PM

TRUELY AMAZING PICTURES. i especaily like the pagoda's really nice color. my favorite is the red and white one.

why is there a wall In Xi'an?

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 02:38 PM

XI`an city wall
When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou, a hermit named Zhu Sheng admonished him that he should "built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor," so that he could fortify the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang dynasty (618 -907), creating the modern Xian City Wall. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

After the extension, the wall now stands 12 meters (40 feet) tall, 12-14 meters (40-46 feet) wide at the top and 15-18 meters (50-60 feet) thick at the bottom. It covers 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) in length with a deep moat surrounding it. Every 120 meters, there is a rampart which extends out from the main wall. All together, there are 98 ramparts on the wall, which were built to defend against the enemy climbing up the wall. Each rampart has a sentry building, in which the soldiers could protect the entire wall without exposing themselves to the enemy. Besides, the distance between every two ramparts is just within the range of an arrow shot from either side, so that they could shoot the enemy, who wanted to attack the city, from the side. On the outer side of the city wall, there are 5948 crenellations, namely battlements. The soldiers can outlook and shoot at the enemy. On the inner side, parapets were built to protect the soldiers from falling off.

Since the ancient weapons did not have the power to break through a wall and the only way for an enemy to enter the city was by attacking the gate of the city wall. This is why complicated gate structures were built within the wall. In Xian, the city wall includes four gates and they are respectively named as Changle (meaning eternal joy) in the east, Anding (harmony peace) in the west, Yongning (eternal peace) in the south and Anyuan (forever harmony) in the north. The south gate, Yongning, is the most beautifully decorated one. It is very near to the Bell Tower, center of the city. Important greeting ceremonies organized by the Provincial Government are usually held in the south gate square.

Each city gate has three gate towers: Zhenglou, Jianlou and Zhalou. The most outside is Zhalou, which stands away from the City Wall and is opposite to Zhenglou. It was used to raise and lower the suspension bridge. Jianlou with small windows in the front and flanks was used as a defensive outpost. Zhenglou, in the inner, is the main entrance to the city. The wall connects Jianlou and Zhenglou Towers. The area between them within the wall was called "Wong Cheng", in which the soldiers stationed. From Wong Cheng, there are sloped horse passages leading to the top of the city wall.

Initially, the wall was built with layers of dirt, with the base layer including also lime and glutinous rice extract. Throughout the time Xian City Wall has been restored three times. In 1568, Zhang Zhi (the government officer of that period) was in charge to rebuild the wall with bricks. In 1781, another officer, Bi Yuan, refitted the city wall and the gate towers. More recently (since 1983) the Shaanxi Provincial Government restored the city wall again. A circular park has been built along the high wall and the deep moat. The thriving trees and flowers decorate the classical Chinese architecture of the wall, adding additional beauty to the city of Xian.

A nice suggestion for tourists: Try biking on the City Wall, you will have an enjoyable and interesting experience.

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 02:54 PM

This wine vessel (zun type, 15 and 1/4 inches high) dates from the early years of the Zhou Dynasty, in the 11th century B.C. It was unearthed in Shaanxi Province, PRC. This vessel is especially interesting because it contains a fairly long inscription:
When the king first moved his residence to Cheng Zhou [i.e., Luoyang], he resumed the practice of King Wu and performed rituals seeking blessings from Heaven. In the fourth month, on the day bingxu, the king made an address to the junior princes of royal ancestry in the principium hall, speaking as follows: "In past times, when your late fathers, the heads of your noble families, were alive, they ably came to the support of King Wen; and so King Wen received this great [commission, to rule the world]. When King Wu had conquered the Great City Shang, then in the court he made an announcement to Heaven, saying 'I will reside in the middle country, and from this place govern the people.' Oh, even though you are only junior princes, surely we can expect that you will emulate [your] princely [fathers] in the noble status they earned in Heaven's regard, attending dutifully to Heaven's bidding and caring reverently for the sacrifices! Help [me] the king to uphold [my] virtue, so that Heaven will make me compliant when I am not earnest." The king concluded his lecture. I was given thirty strings of cowrie shells, and with this I made for the Duke this precious zun vessel -- this being the king's fifth cult year. [Translation modified from David S. Nivison, "'Virtue' in Bone and Bronze,"

http://faculty.vassar.edu/brvannor/bronze.jpg

This wine vessel (9 and 7/8 inches tall) dates from the early Zhou dynasty. It was unearthed in Shaanxi Province, PRC.
This vessel is of the gu type. Confucius was disturbed by the violation of the traditions and rituals of the Zhou Dynasty, and once complained when someone substituted another type of wine vessel in a ritual calling for this type: "A gu that is not a gu. Some gu!"

http://faculty.vassar.edu/brvannor/ku.jpg

The last Shang ruler, a despot according to standard Chinese accounts, was overthrown by a chieftain of a frontier tribe called Zhou (周), which had settled in the Wei (渭) Valley in modern Shaanxi (陕西 ) Province. The Zhou dynasty had its capital at Hao (镐), near the city of Xi'an (西安 ), or Chang'an ( 长安), as it was known in its heyday in the imperial period. Sharing the language and culture of the Shang, the early Zhou rulers, through conquest and colonization, gradually sinicized, that is, extended Shang culture through much of China Proper north of the Chang Jiang ( 长江 or Yangtze River). The Zhou dynasty lasted longer than any other, from 1027 to 221 B.C. It was philosophers of this period who first enunciated the doctrine of the "mandate of heaven" (tianming or 天命 ), the notion that the ruler (the "son of heaven" or 天子) governed by divine right but that his dethronement would prove that he had lost the mandate. The doctrine explained and justified the demise of the two earlier dynasties and at the same time supported the legitimacy of present and future rulers.

The term feudal has often been applied to the Zhou period because the Zhou's early decentralized rule invites comparison with medieval rule in Europe. At most, however, the early Zhou system was proto-feudal (封建制度), being a more sophisticated version of earlier tribal organization, in which effective control depended more on familial ties than on feudal legal bonds. Whatever feudal elements there may have been decreased as time went on. The Zhou amalgam of city-states became progressively centralized and established increasingly impersonal political and economic institutions. These developments, which probably occurred in the latter Zhou period, were manifested in greater central control over local governments and a more routinized agricultural taxation.

In 771 B.C. the Zhou court was sacked, and its king was killed by invading barbarians who were allied with rebel lords. The capital was moved eastward to Luoyang (洛阳 ) in present-day Henan ( 河南) Province. Because of this shift, historians divide the Zhou era into Western Zhou (1027-771 B.C.) and Eastern Zhou (770-221 B.C.). With the royal line broken, the power of the Zhou court gradually diminished; the fragmentation of the kingdom accelerated. Eastern Zhou divides into two subperiods. The first, from 770 to 476 B.C., is called the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋时代 ), after a famous historical chronicle of the time; the second is known as the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C. 战国时代 ).

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 03:14 PM

http://www.yncoo.com/yinxiang2/2.jpg
http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/leey/xian1.JPG
http://www.smnet.com.cn/images/2005-07/06/xin_4107020617120002628944.jpg
General

The king of the Qin state, Yinzheng, conquered the other six dukes through ten years of wars and brought an end to the riotous Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC) in 221 BC. He built up the Qin Dynasty - the first unified, multi-national, autocratic and power-centralized state in Chinese history - by making Xianyang, a city near Xian in the Shaanxi Province, his capital city. Although Qin is a short dynasty with a span of only fifteen years, it started off a 2,000-year-long imperial history in China and exerted a far-reaching influence on the subsequent dynasties. Except for frontiers in the west, southwest and northeast, Qin's territory has been kept fairly intact up to the present-day. To protect the northern frontier, the first Qin emperor ordered the construction of the Great Wall. He instituted centralism and a strict set of rules by which people lived in oppression. An army of peasants overthrew the harsh Qin regime just one year after the death of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 207 BC.

Political History

The first Qin emperor lived from 259 BC to 210 BC. He was crowned at the age of 13 after his king father died. Since he was too young to administer his country, the real power was in the hand of the prime minister, Lu Buwei, who --allegedly--was the real father of the young emperor. Emperor Qin remained silent and continued to strengthen his own force. When the right occasion presented itself, he arrested the prime minister and sentenced him to death. Upon hearing the news, the prime minister did nothing but roar out in laughter, "Well done, well done, that is my boy."

The first Qin emperor seized the power at the age of 22 in 238 BC. Soon after, he launched a unification campaign from 230 BC to 221 BC. The emperor was a great politician. After unifying the country, he carried out a series of political reforms. He divided the country into 36 prefectures, which he again subdivided into more counties. All the regional governments were subordinate to the central government, which was ruled by the emperor himself. The first Qin emperor standardized the measurement of weight and length, written script, legal system and currency. He migrated thousands of people to southern border areas to pioneer the virgin land. Since the northern tribe the Xiongnu plundered the northern frontiers repeatedly, Emperor Qin appointed one of his excellent generals - Mengtian - to the northern areas. Mengtian beat back the Xiongnu tribe and supervised the construction of the Great Wall.
http://bbs.xxjy.net/UploadFile/2003-11/200311161384719647.jpg
Despite all great jobs he did, Emperor Qin ruled as a ruthless tyrant. In order to standardize human thoughts, he burnt most of the books in the country to prevent freethinking. Furthermore, the emperor imposed heavy taxes and constrained thousands of people to work on the Great Wall. In the second year after his enthronement, he started the construction of his mausoleum, which took almost 700,000 conscripts over 30 years to complete. In order to continue his reign after his death, he also ordered the construction of the Terra-Cotta Army east of his mausoleum.

The tyranny of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and his successor resulted in wide opposition throughout the country. Peasant uprisings continually struck the regime of the Qin. Finally, in 207 BC, Xiangyu's army inflicted heavy losses on the Qin army; and in the following year, Liu Bang broke Xianyang, the capital of Qin, thus putting an end to the notorious Qin Dynasty.

Later, in pursuit of the domination of the country, a four-year war known as the Chu-Han War broke out between Xiangyu and Liu Bang. Finally, Liu Bang defeated Xiangyu in 202 BC and established the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD), after which he proclaimed himself the emperor of the Han.

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 06:55 PM

why we call ourselves Han ren(Han people)? why we call our language Han yu(Han language)? why we call our character Han zi/or kanji(Han character)?why we call our traditional clothes Han fu(Han clothes)?That`s all......
http://military.china.com/zh_cn/history2/06/11027560/20050422/images/12262673_2005042214154951000.gif
http://military.china.com/zh_cn/history2/06/11027560/20050422/images/12262673_2005042214154892814200.jpg
http://www.diaosu.cn/manage/img01/1226142702.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/dongman/zjzl/y/2005-02-05/U4P55T4D42265F50DT20050205111829.jpg
http://www.crafts.org.cn/uploadfile/20055139305183.jpg
silk road begin from this city
http://www.ylxw.com.cn/20050621/content/2005621A02311004.JPG

After the civil war that followed the death of Qin Shihuangdi in 210 B.C., China was reunited under the rule of the Han dynasty, which is divided into two major periods: the Western or Former Han (206 B.C.–9 A.D.) and the Eastern or Later Han (25–220 A.D.). The boundaries established by the Qin and maintained by the Han have more or less defined the nation of China up to the present day. The Western Han capital, Chang'an(Xi`an city now) in present-day Shaanxi Province—a monumental urban center laid out on a north-south axis with palaces, residential wards, and two bustling market areas—was one of the two largest cities in the ancient world (Rome was the other).

Poetry, literature, and philosophy flourished during the reign of Emperor Wudi (141–86 B.C.). The monumental Shiji (Historical Records) written by Sima Qian (145–80 B.C.) set the standard for later government-sponsored histories. Among many other things, it recorded information about the various peoples, invariably described as "barbarian," who lived on the empire's borders. Wudi also established Confucianism as the basis for correct official and individual conduct and for the educational curriculum. The reliance of the bureaucracy on members of a highly educated class grounded in Confucian writings and other classics defined China's statecraft for many centuries.

Under Wudi, China regained control of territories, first conquered by Qin Shihuangdi, in southern China and the northern part of Vietnam. New commanderies were established in Korea, and contacts were made with the western regions of Central Asia. The conquest of Ferghana and neighboring regions in 101 B.C., which allowed the Han to seize a large number of the "heavenly" long-legged horses valued for cavalry maneuvers, also gave China control of the trade routes running north and south of the Taklamakan Desert. In return for its silk and gold, China received wine, spices, woolen fabrics, grapes, pomegranates, sesame, broad beans, and alfafa.

Disputes among factions, including the families of imperial consorts, contributed to the dissolution of the Western Han empire. A generation later, China flourished again under the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 A.D.), which ruled from Luoyang, a new capital farther east in present-day Henan Province. Organized around a north-south axis and covering an area of approximately four square miles, the city was dominated by two enormous palace complexes, each 125 acres and linked by a covered pathway. Ban Chao (32–102 A.D.), a member of an illustrious literary family, reasserted Chinese control of Central Asia from 73 to 94 A.D. Trade, less rigorously controlled than in the first part of the dynasty, expanded, with caravans reaching Luoyang every month. There was also an expansion of diplomacy: fifty envoys from Central Asia were recorded in 94 A.D., and Japanese envoys visited in 57 and 107 A.D. Jugglers from West Asia arrived in 122 A.D., and the reported arrival of an emissary from Andun (the emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) bringing ivory, rhinoceros horn, and tortoiseshell suggests a direct link to Rome in 166 A.D. The development of paper, water clocks, sundials, astronomical instruments, and the invention of a seismograph in 132 A.D. attest to the technological and scientific sophistication that marks this period.

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 07:07 PM

the Grand Canal
http://www.lib.whu.edu.cn/~calis/yrrd/txk/img/506.jpg

By the end of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), China had witnessed disunity and chaos for about 270 years.

In 577, the Northern Zhou conquered the Northern Qi and reunified the North China. The Northern Zhou, known as the reign of Yuwen family of the Xianbei ethnic group, continued for 24 years with five emperors over three generations. In 581, Yangjian, a relative of the royal family, usurped the throne and renamed the empire the Sui Dynasty with Chang'an (present Xian City in Shaanxi Province) as his capital city. Yangjian was historically called Emperor Wen.

After the founding of the empire, Emperor Wen quickly carried out a series of military plans to unify the country. Finally in 589, Emperor Wen wiped out the Chen Dynasty and reunified the south and the north.

Sui Dynasty lasted for only 38 years with two generations. History shows it was one of the short-lived Chinese dynasties.

General

Political History

In the early years of the Sui, Emperor Wen adopted many policies to bolster his regime.

For central government, the Sui Dynasty re-established the centralized administrative system created by the Han (206 BC - 220 AD). They set up "Three Departments and Six Ministries", placing under its supervision all state affairs. In local areas, the existing three tier form of government was reorganized, reducing it to a two tier system. This greatly simplified the administrative structure and enhancing the efficiency.

In addition, Emperor Wen abolished the privilege of the noble families which prevailed throughout the Jin (265 - 420) and the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Preferring to choose his officials on merits rather than by birth, Emperor Wen held regular examinations to select able people. By this means he was able to dismiss corrupt officials. This engendered support for the Sui court from scholars and contributed much to the consolidation of its rule. The imperial examination system for the selection and appointment of civil servants initialed by the Sui later was to be used by successive Chinese dynasties for over 1300 years.

A comprehensive law reform removed many of the harsh restrictions and punishments imposed on the people thus lightening the burden which had been imposed on them by earlier rulers.

Social Economy

A series of economical reforms were necessary in order to overcome the financial crisis with which Emperor Wen was faced. A crisis due to the long period of wars and conflict prior to his succession.

In order to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, the Sui reverted to the "land equalization system". While controlling the possession of the land by the rich, this law provided for land distribution to all families on the basis of the number of the people in each household. The people were able to farm the land they owned but were precluded from selling it. By permitting people to retain their land holdings much remained in the hands of landlords. Nevertheless, in spite of this, the farmer's enthusiasm enhanced and great progress in agricultural productivity was achieved during this period.

At the same time, the government unified the coinage, nationalized the mints and standardized weights and measures. Furthermore, Emperor Wen levied lower taxes on the farmers and merchants, greatly promoting the development of social economy.

To improve means of transport between the south and north the construction of the Grand Canal was commenced and completed during the reigns of Emperor Wen and his son, Emperor Yang. This great project connected the Yellow River with the Yangtze River and had the effect of greatly increasing cultural and economic exchange between the two areas.

Moreover, defense works such as the Great Wall, mainly the sections in Ninxia and Inner Mongolia areas, were built in this period to withstand the attack of Tujue (Turks) tribe.

Culture and Foreign Policy

The Sui Dynasty was founded on the centuries of division. People from different tribes and areas were varied in their habits, cultures and customs. By the time the Sui had the territorial unification of China, to unify the people from different backgrounds, the spread of Buddhism was highly encouraged.

Under the patronage of the Sui, Chinese Buddhism blossomed. The number of temples and monks increased greatly. Buddhism in China had its own teachers, whose knowledge was as deep and broad as that of any from India. With the prosperity of Chinese Buddhism, people in other countries came to China in succession to study the religion, turning China into a major center of Buddhist learning.

Due to the long-term disunity, relationships with other countries had declined. The Sui Dynasty re-established these and with the Silk Road, promoted the exchange between China and the Western Asia, laying a solid foundation for a flourishing Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). Emperor Yang sent Peiju to the Western Regions to invite merchants there to trade with the Empire. This enhanced China's status and influence in the Asian area during the Sui Dynasty.

Decline

The Sui Dynasty's early demise was attributed to the government's tyranny and ceaseless wars.

Emperor Wen died unexpectedly in 604 and his second son Yangguang, historically known as Emperor Yang, succeeded to the throne. In the early part of his reign Emperor Yang benefited from the reforms introduced by his father and the Sui Dynasty achieved full economic prosperity.

However, lulled by his easy success, Emperor Yang soon began to abuse his power. On the one hand, he continued to carry out lavish construction projects, such as the Great Wall, the Great Canal and the relocation of his capital in Luoyang. On the other, he repeatedly went on pleasure trips and all too frequently launched wars on his neighbors. Some of Emperor Yang's policy did contributed a lot to the social development and the stability of the country, however, they made the ordinary people 'all out at the elbows'.

Emperor Yang's extravagance and putridness finally led to the exhaustion of the country's resources. Beginning in 613, rebellions broke out one by one. In 616, forced by the chaotic situation, Emperor Yang, retreated to Jiangdu (present Yangzhou City in Jiangsu Province). With the emperor absent, Liyuan, a general stationed in Taiyuan, conquered Chang'an and put a new emperor on the throne.

In 618, Emperor Yang was murdered in Jiangdu by one of his aides. Quickly, Liyuan deposed the new emperor and established his own dynasty in Chang'an - the Tang Dynasty, declaring himself Emperor.

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 07:29 PM

http://home.htu.cn/jingpinkecheng/zhongguomeishushi/ysjp/簪花仕女图.files/10040018.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200567202443346.jpg
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_43.24.3.jpg
http://www.priestleyandferraro.com/stockimages/0010_im.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/20056720149804.jpg
http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200567202359590.jpg
http://www.china.org.cn/images/77785.jpg
http://www.phoenixtv.com/home/zhuanti/fhxd/wqss/jingdian/images/jingdian277298.jpg
http://www.china.org.cn/images/77779.jpg
http://www.china.org.cn/images/77778.jpg
http://www.china.org.cn/images/77777.jpg
http://www.china.org.cn/images/77776.jpg
http://www.cnynss.com/UploadFiles/200454162256300.gif
http://photo.sohu.com/20050122/Img224057033.jpg
http://photo.sohu.com/20050122/Img224057034.jpg
http://photo.sohu.com/20050122/Img224057035.jpg
http://photo.sohu.com/20050122/Img224057036.jpg
http://photo.sohu.com/20050122/Img224057037.jpg
After 300 years of division and fragmentation following the collapse of the Han dynasty in 220 A.D., China was once again unified under the Sui dynasty (581–618). The political and governmental institutions established during this brief period lay the foundation for the growth and prosperity of the succeeding Tang dynasty. Marked by strong and benevolent rule, successful diplomatic relationships, economic expansion, and a cultural efflorescence of cosmopolitan style, Tang China emerged as one of the greatest empires in the medieval world. Merchants, clerics, and envoys from India, Persia, Arabia, Syria, Korea, and Japan thronged the streets of Chang'an(Xi`an), the capital, and foreign tongues were a common part of daily life.

In the beginning decades of the Tang, especially under the leadership of Emperor Taizong (r. 627–50), China subdued its nomadic neighbors from the north and northwest, securing peace and safety on overland trade routes reaching as far as Syria and Rome. The seventh century was a time of momentous social change; the official examination system enabled educated men without family connections to serve as government officials. This new social elite gradually replaced the old aristocracy, and the recruitment of gentlemen from the south contributed to the cultural amalgamation that had already begun in the sixth century.

The eighth century heralded the second important epoch in Tang history, achieved largely during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712–56), called minghuang—the Brilliant Monarch. It is rightfully ranked as the classical period of Chinese art and literature, as it set the high standard to which later poets, painters, and sculptors aspired. The expressions and images contained in the poems of Li Bo (ca. 700–762) and Du Fu (722–770) reflect the flamboyant lives of the court and the conflicting sentiments generated by military campaigns. The vigorous brushwork of the court painter Wu Daozi (active ca. 710–60) and the naturalist idiom of the poet and painter Wang Wei (699–759) became artistic paradigms for later generations. Although the An Lushan rebellion in the middle of the century considerably weakened the power and authority of the court, the restored government ruled for another century and a half, providing stability for lasting cultural and artistic development

chinablue

October 19th, 2005, 07:34 PM

http://www.cng.com.cn/bbs/UploadFile/2005-6/200567194010853.jpg

Johnsons

December 17th, 2005, 06:01 PM

So Nice!!

staff

July 17th, 2006, 12:34 PM

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/7508topframe.jpg

Just when the buzz has faded from the Beijing series, I chock you with a brand new thread in my ONE BIG TRIP series - Xi'An!

When it was time to leave Beijing and head south east, the Chinese new year was being celebrated to the fullest. This means none or very expensive train tickets, so we decided to fly down there instead. This way I got a chance to see Beijing's modern Capital Airport as well.

Xi'An means "Western Peace" and is the capital of the Shaanxi Province. It is known as one of the most important cities in Chinese history, and is listed as one of the "four great ancient capitals of China", because it has been a capital city for no less than 13 dynasties. It also forms the eastern end of the Silk Road.

The metropolitan area of Xi'an boasts some 7,5 million inhabitans. That, plus the 3100 years of history makes this chaotic city well worth visiting if you're in China. Today, Xi'An is mainly known for the Amry of the Terracotta Warriors, which dates from year 246 BC.
The Terracotta Army, however, is not the only historic sight to see in Xi'An. The Drum- and Bell towers are magnificent pieces of dynastic architecture, and the Ring Wall that surrounds the Old City are the longest fully intact city walls in the world. They proved to be one of the true highlight of my whole journey.
Thank you, Xi'An.

:yes: music (http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=18EDB85217F3140B) :yes:

Capital Airport in Beijing.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/tavla.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/tarmac.jpg

And we're aboard China Eastern Airlines bound for Xi'an.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/muinterior.jpg

Welcome to Xi'An, a typical Chinese city, where ancient temples share the urban space with supertall hyper modern skyscrapers.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/lurkare.jpg

And of course, a lot of gardens.
http://img433.imageshack.us/img433/4955/tradgard2ax.jpg

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1633/asar8tj.jpg

And the magnificent Army of the Terracotta Warriors.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/terrakottakaos.jpg

The Ring Walls of Xi'An.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/svang.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/arabscape.jpg

A moto is essential if you want to avoid getting stuck in the dreadful traffic.
http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/852/taforsig0pd.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/armebyggnad.jpg

I think she derserved a bigger audience than that.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/striptease.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/bileosstad.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/spegelsjo.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/bokmal.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/ormstirr.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/byggbyggbygg.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/polberg.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/closesoldat.jpg

Friends.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/oggegrohny.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/commieglasmoat.jpg

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7457/lyxmall2wq.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/darnere.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/lurkers.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/2075/dynasta64ly.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/lurkburk.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/armevinkel.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/daruppe.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/kvallsrusning.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/ensam.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/jurgen.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/folkhotell.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/jordbruksbank.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/fylletempel.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/uppstick.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/glasport.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/trummandarborta.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/horna.jpg

http://img462.imageshack.us/img462/1406/trottoar3kt.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/iloveslvatore.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/traffik.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/infinity.jpg

Xi'An is a fantastic city, and I hope I've been able to show that with this set.

We're soon in Shanghai - but first we got Wuhan, Nanjing and Suzhou coming up. :)

Cheers!

Comanche

July 17th, 2006, 01:59 PM

Good photos again :)

What are this- A Chinese Go go bar? :D
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/striptease.jpg

Pangu

July 17th, 2006, 03:47 PM

Thanks for sharing :) Xi'an remains one of the few major Chinese cities I have yet to visit :(

gaoanyu

July 17th, 2006, 06:49 PM

Yeah, I am curious too. What that all about? A striper? Which nightclub is that? :D

Sexas

July 17th, 2006, 09:38 PM

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/staffh/Xian/spegelsjo.jpg

What is that? LOL!

staff

July 18th, 2006, 10:22 AM

Thanks!

Comanche,
No, actually it's a regular nightclub. :)

Sexas,
I'm not sure what that is actually. The photo is taken in a park inside the old town of Xi'an, and that lake was filled with plastic cartoony statues. :)

Ohno

July 20th, 2006, 01:13 AM

I guess that park is Huayin Park. Anyway, Xi'an, still is imbued with Han-Tang cultural sphere and scent of yellow soil in the air. Have you tried delicious Shaan' Xi food, Mutton bread and spicy bean noodles?

R@ptor

February 6th, 2007, 06:53 PM

Here’s the third part of my 5-week trip through China in August/September.

R@ptor in CHINA Part 1 - BEIJING 1:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435974
R@ptor in CHINA Part 2 - BEIJING 2 + GREAT WALL:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=435976

R@ptor in CHINA Part 4 – HANGZHOU:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=442521
R@ptor in CHINA Part 5 – SHANGHAI 1:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=465709
R@ptor in CHINA Part 6 – SHANGHAI 2:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=470531
R@ptor in CHINA Part 7 – SUZHOU:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=473215
R@ptor in CHINA Part 8 – GUILIN + LI RIVER CRUISE:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=485770
R@ptor in CHINA Part 9 – YANGSHUO + GUANGXI KARST MOUNTAINS:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=490476

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1667.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1402.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1542.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1409.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/bigwildgoose/Img_2112.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/bigwildgoose/Img_2090.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/other/Img_1690.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/cbd/Img_1612.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/cbd/Img_1622.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/Img_2117.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/Img_1642.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/Img_2118.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/other/Img_1689.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1725.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1502.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1957.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/beijing/xian/night/Img_1966.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1499.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1504.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1410.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1539.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1423.jpg

Scroll --- >
http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/IMG_1562x.JPG

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/littlewildgoose/Img_2001.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/littlewildgoose/Img_2037.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/littlewildgoose/Img_2013.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/littlewildgoose/Img_2043.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1585.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1597.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1654.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1986.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1397.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1588.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1389.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/cityviewspanoramas/Img_1664.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1975.jpg

Scroll --- >
http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/IMG_1715x.JPG

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1514.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_1505.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/night/Img_2127.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1427.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1400.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1486.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1704.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/greatmosque/Img_1441.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/greatmosque/Img_1459.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/greatmosque/Img_1444.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1576.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1593.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1573.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1481.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1589.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1478.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1393.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1480.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1482.jpg

Scroll --- >
http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/IMG_1552x.JPG

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/Img_1609.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/Img_1644.jpg

Scroll --- >
http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citywall/IMG_1625x.JPG

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/cbd/Img_1613.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/cbd/Img_1989.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1464.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/muslimquarter/Img_1703.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1600.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1587.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/citycenter/Img_1672.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/xian/belltowersquare/Img_1700.jpg

TERRACOTTA ARMY

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1838.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1904.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1834.jpg

Scroll --- >
http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/IMG_1891x.JPG

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1896.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1905.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1848.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1883.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1906.jpg

http://www.jochenhertweck.com/pics/china2006/terracottaarmy/Img_1887.jpg

to be continued…

Andrew

April 1st, 2007, 02:59 AM

I spent about a week in Xi'an when I travelled around China for two months in the summer of 2006. It's a really interesting city where the ancient and the modern sit together side by side; a city where you get a real sense of not only of the power and riches that made China great hundreds of years ago, but also the economic development that is transforming China so rapidly today. They've struck a good balance between new development on one hand and preservation of the historic environment on the other.

The first set of pics are meant to provide a bit of an overview, to give the general feel of Xi'an.

The Grandeur of Imperial China ...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/441089326_21f8e8ae93_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441089326/in/set-72157600038895270/)

... and the skyline of a modern metropolis.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/441108363_57641b659a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108363/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Old and new side by side
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/441057436_921380be15_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057436/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Wide, modern, busy avenues ...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/441057472_d9f49e4aa1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057472/in/set-72157600038895270/)

... and small traditional streets.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/441041710_eb6a9f1e6d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441041710/in/set-72157600038895270/)

One of the most important cities of the ancient world, Xi'an has 3,100 years of history and was the seat of power for thirteen Chinese dynasties ...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/441089320_761feda9a9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441089320/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Welcome to the ancient capitol of China!

hzkiller

April 1st, 2007, 04:03 AM

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD~！DO YOU KNOW I LIVED IN XI‘AN FOR 3 YEARS！！
I VERY LOOOOVE IT！

hzkiller

April 1st, 2007, 04:05 AM

I SEE DONG DAJIE！东大街

Andrew

April 1st, 2007, 05:31 AM

More pics will come soon. I have a total of 122 photos of Xi'an that I intend to post here (I took about two thousand but obviously I'm only posting the best ones)!

duskdawn

April 1st, 2007, 05:49 AM

Nice pix. Keep them coming please.
It is too bad the c i t y has been destroyed several times when at its peak.
Its glory pretty much faded since 900s AD after Tang dynasty's fall.

Andrew

April 1st, 2007, 03:47 PM

Ok, here's the next set of pics.
The heart of the city around the Bell and Drum towers:

Drum tower:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/441255770_e3dcaf6934_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441255770/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441057464_0c96548419_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057464/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/441053097_767db7bfaa_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441053097/in/set-72157600038895270/)

View from the Drum Tower over the historic Muslim area:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/441053117_5f24ee7990_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441053117/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/441057452_5ee58f8813_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057452/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/441053113_7274f71fe3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441053113/in/set-72157600038895270/)

More views from the Drum Tower:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/441057458_0f3b4dd617_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057458/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/441057426_3db743f065_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057426/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/441053105_ae621770a4_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441053105/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Drum Tower to the Bell Tower (I know you've already seen this pic but I'm posting it again!):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/441057436_921380be15_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441057436/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Bell Tower:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441041696_efef3e061b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441041696/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/441053103_92606e21c7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441053103/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/441089280_67de3b0545_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441089280/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/441066024_e9921329b8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066024/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/441066044_b7afbd4cc8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066044/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/441066030_620c1a4c60_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066030/in/set-72157600038895270/)

The ancient framing the modern:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/441089306_88010fd2a2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441089306/in/set-72157600038895270/)

A modern bustling city stretches out in all directions from from the Bell Tower:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/441066062_46635fe928_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066062/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/441066070_3ed4832764_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066070/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441066078_0eb8e74746_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441066078/in/set-72157600038895270/)

hzkiller

April 2nd, 2007, 02:58 AM

thank you ~~~~

Andrew

April 2nd, 2007, 03:14 AM

That's fine, loads more pics to come. I'm going to post these ones in the international forum now.

Andrew

April 13th, 2007, 04:54 AM

OK I think it's about time for more pics...
For this set, lets leave the histoic walled city and go in search of geese!

There's one... right in front of you!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441141709_2bcf04ec06_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141709/in/set-72157600038895270/)

What do you mean you can't see it?!?

...

OK, OK, OK! When I said geese, I actually meant goose... and when I say goose, I don't mean a bird... I mean the Big Goose Pagoda!

Sorry... really rubbish joke.

Anyway ... erm ... I'll just shut up now and post the pics! The following are taken from the top of the Big Goose Pagoda. I'll post more ground level ones later.

The street in the pic above
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/441108363_57641b659a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108363/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Xi'an actually has quite an impressive, and very dense skyline. What you see here is all the 'new' city, outside the historic walled city. Within the city walls, new developments are srictly medium or low rise only, so this is the area where all the skyscrapers get built.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/441108353_d9d796a36b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108353/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/441115614_b00d109f6c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115614/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/441108359_d155e2b16f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108359/in/set-72157600038895270/)

As you can see, the air was quite smoggy when I was there. Makes for some atmospheric pics though!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/441108367_130c29e153_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108367/in/set-72157600038895270/)

TV tower
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441126014_07cedc2209_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126014/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Massive construction work about to start here
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/441100262_085214415c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441100262/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Around the lake, the 'Tang Dynasty' theme park
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/441100276_e874f0e100_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441100276/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Old rooftops...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/441115630_de9b5c6aa2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115630/in/set-72157600038895270/)

New rooftops...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/441115610_06e21aecfe_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115610/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Even newer rooftops! :nuts:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/441126006_8259b9a3e0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126006/in/set-72157600038895270/)

The pagoda itself forms the centrepiece of a larger temple complex, here are some pics of it from the pagoda
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/441100266_cdffc895c8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441100266/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/441108405_22e98ce55c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108405/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/441115646_b8b9406d3f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115646/in/set-72157600038895270/)

More rooftops! (sorry if you don't have the same fascination with Chinese rooves as I do) :banana:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/441108371_58d224a071_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441108371/in/set-72157600038895270/)

One last one before I call it quits
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/441115644_067aaf8e6f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115644/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Pics of this area at ground level will come soon!

tiger

April 13th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Xi'an is transforming itself so quickly.

gaoanyu

April 14th, 2007, 03:10 PM

Andrew, your pix are really really nice.
I have not been to Xi'an yet, but what you've shown makes me want to travel to the city tomorrow!

Pangu

April 16th, 2007, 03:24 PM

Unfortunately Xi'an remains one of the few major places in China that I have yet to visit :(

I have a few friends who have been there a few years back but it seems like Xi'an has developed much in the past 5 years or so!

Andrew

May 10th, 2007, 07:27 PM

Here are some more shots from in and around the Big Goose Pagoda (Xi'an's oldest skyscraper maybe?):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/441115682_97d0907466_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441115682/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/441126018_1e895a8c64_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126018/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441126058_483c290fe9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126058/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/441131948_14968e7592_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131948/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/441126054_886e01e2da_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126054/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/441131986_de5e39db70_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131986/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/441126062_96accd277b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441126062/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/441131990_5665d557e0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131990/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441131952_a965864184_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131952/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/441131994_9430dcc4f5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131994/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Basketball in an ancient Buddhist temple?!? :lol:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/441131998_8233662d9c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441131998/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/441141689_0e24e460ba_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141689/in/set-72157600038895270/)

OK, that's all from inside the temple complex. Here are some from the surrounding area:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/208/441141691_dd03a9d264_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141691/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441141695_f94c59beed_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141695/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/441141699_5f4b583ddd_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141699/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/441141703_ec3647644e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141703/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/441141709_2bcf04ec06_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441141709/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/441149785_d587840b9e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441149785/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441149799_b500426e76_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441149799/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/441149809_f7640d0fca_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441149809/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/441149815_2035748040_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441149815/in/set-72157600038895270/)

At night, the centrepiece public square certainly comes alive!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/441172118_c78be2f650_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172118/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/441160181_8db4da0505_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441160181/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/441172136_d25a1f1cee_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172136/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/441160201_18a830ea7b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441160201/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/441172146_c57aa0a6c3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172146/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/441172122_ff52bd57ee_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172122/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/441172140_cb38b82b3d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172140/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/441160213_579507d286_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441160213/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Hope you enjoyed, still loads more to come!

zergcerebrates

May 12th, 2007, 04:35 PM

These photos are awesome !

Andrew

May 12th, 2007, 06:41 PM

Thanks

Andrew

May 29th, 2007, 11:06 PM

I think we'll leave the area by the pagoda for now (don't worry, I'll do the Tang Dynasty theme park later), lets go back into the old city centre within the walls. I've forgotten the name of this area of town but it's a wonderful old part of the city where you can buy all sorts of arts and crafts items. Certainly one of my favourite parts of the city:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/441172170_88ab462c9c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441172170/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441181676_a7d0ec7422_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181676/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441181680_e8975808d3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181680/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/441041682_e0e6c1451b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441041682/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/441181682_1a48b2b60d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181682/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/441041668_fc945f3a05_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441041668/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/441227601_6dd0a1254e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441227601/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/441019896_a73d4091c0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441019896/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/441033850_ada9cd5f9b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441033850/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/441033870_3e3ad3bd66_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441033870/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/441033862_484d9a14b0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441033862/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/441033880_d17b432bd7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441033880/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/441019898_f1f23cac15_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441019898/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/441192617_35223ba226_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441192617/in/set-72157600038895270/)

GIANT calligraphy brushes!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/441192569_d20861653c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441192569/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441181692_d9f847e762_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181692/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/441181684_18a3b85bfe_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181684/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/441019900_ca9f65f5f1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441019900/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/441192629_8f0c9a4ae9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441192629/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Restoration...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/441227583_5527345416_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441227583/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/441192637_c5ef954d10_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441192637/in/set-72157600038895270/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/441019940_86dbdc9a3b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441019940/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Still a lot more to come from this part of town (I took loads of photos here).

xtraxxl

June 2nd, 2007, 04:57 AM

tang dynasty, thats where the japanese & korean styles (architechture, clothing, customs, laws, language, etc etc) originated

i love the pics!

xtraxxl

June 2nd, 2007, 04:58 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/441019940_86dbdc9a3b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441019940/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Still a lot more to come from this part of town (I took loads of photos here).

我更喜欢汉服一些，就是那种长的

duskdawn

June 2nd, 2007, 05:31 AM

^^ Yea, Manchu style rules Xi'an, what a pity.

drunkenmunkey888

June 2nd, 2007, 06:58 AM

some of this looks REALLY REALLY japanese! such a pity china doesnt have this architectural style anymore. it looks really modern.

duskdawn

June 2nd, 2007, 09:21 AM

some of this looks REALLY REALLY japanese! such a pity china doesnt have this architectural style anymore. it looks really modern.
I would rather say Japanese looks really Chinese. ;) Xi'an was the capital in Tang dynasty and many other ones when Japan adopted most of their tradition from sending official students to China regularly.
If I say Kimono, Sushi and Samurai swords, even Samurai themselves were part of Chinese culture originally you would be surprised, wouldn't you?

drunkenmunkey888

June 3rd, 2007, 06:16 AM

^^

whoa are you serious? thats insane. yea Tang Dynasty culture and architecture is by far the coolest. Qing Dynasty totally butchers it.

duskdawn

June 3rd, 2007, 08:19 PM

^^ Yes I am :) But sorry for the off-topic guys.

Sushi:
Although in today’s society you will find Sushi served most often in a Japanese restaurant, it actually dates back to 7th Century China. As a way of preserving fish, the Chinese people started making Sushi but without modern day refrigerators, they used the natural process of fermentation. To complete the Sushi-making process, only rice and salt were needed. The result was delicious fish, causing Sushi to grow in popularity.
http://www.asianartmall.com/sushihistory.htm

kimono

Hanfu (left) to Kimono (right)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4016/6065largeoy7.jpg

Tang Dressing

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9427/n6311016300003746365mj9.jpg

Tang Sword to Samurai Sword

Tang Sword

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3518/01rf0.jpg

Samurai Sword, modified with curve.

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8381/123733lgju4.jpg

Tang Warrior

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9885/13855896200701041026043wy9.jpg

Samurai

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1896/250pxsamuraisw5.jpg

hkia

June 14th, 2007, 10:40 AM

Is this taken in Xi'an too?

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9427/n6311016300003746365mj9.jpg

duskdawn

June 14th, 2007, 10:53 AM

^^ That's from a TV series I guess.

lilylidou

June 20th, 2007, 06:15 AM

西安我学习的地方很久没去了
谢谢楼主

drunkenmunkey888

July 7th, 2007, 07:30 PM

Andrew

July 9th, 2007, 06:44 AM

I mean check this out. The resemblance is eerie. The Mongols and Manchus have diluted the once-magnificent Han Chinese culture

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb279/kuai2011/441149809_95a4fe972c.jpg
Photo from earlier in this thread

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb279/kuai2011/IMG_3171_rGVVw4G1NKgU.jpg
Kyoto (taken from Japan thread)

Indeed, though bare in mind that there don't seem to be many buildings with such distinctive bright red colouring in Japan. Also, remember that the building in my photo above is actually a new building inspired by traditional Tang dynasty architecture so don't make judgements from this coimparison. However, it is still interesting to see those two photos side by side.

Joel que

November 9th, 2007, 04:32 AM

I remember see a picture of Zoroastrian temple in Xian.
do anyone got picture of the temple.?

apple

November 9th, 2007, 04:51 AM

You sure that it's not a mosque?

Joel que

November 9th, 2007, 09:31 AM

no, it was zoraostrian temple,the picture appear in large table book "Scenery-China" printed in 70's
Zoroatrian religion in China also refer as "huo-Chaw" translation Fire cult or religion"

bobbycuzin

November 10th, 2007, 01:05 AM

if such temple existed, how hard could it be to find a picture of one located in a major city such as xian?

Joel que

November 10th, 2007, 10:08 AM

after the fall of Sassanid dynasty in Iran, thousand among thousand of persian flee to India and Tang dynasty's China. among the refugees are noblemen,and last prince of sassanid dysnasty.his tomb if exist still some where in Xian.

big-dog

July 7th, 2008, 06:52 PM

XI'AN (home.bbs.cn)

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9157.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9191.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B91B5.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B91EE.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9228.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9245.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9251.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9269.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9277.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B92BD.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B92CA.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B93B8.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9466.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9442.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9404.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B950F.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9565.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B97E5.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B98EB.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9982.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035B9B37.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB196.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB199.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB19C.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB1A0.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB1A2.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB1AF.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB7F7.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB9A6.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBC6F.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBD74.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBD7B.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBD83.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBD98.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BBD9A.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BC581.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BE3B9.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C8B4F.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C8AE8.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C8AC1.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C8965.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C0D67.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C0D55.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035C0D4D.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BEB3B.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BEAE6.002C

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/035BB76F.002C

Saigoneseguy

July 8th, 2008, 05:11 AM

Hi all, I'm going to Xi'an for 2 days this weekend, anyone knows what's cool to do over there, apart from visiting Bingmayong and the city walls? Huaqingchi is also included in my tour but is it worth visiting? Thanks a lot in advance. :)

big-dog

July 8th, 2008, 05:18 AM

I don't think Huaqingchi is worth visiting but it's not far from Terracotta Warriors. Dayanta (大雁塔) and Beilin(碑林) is also my favorite destinations.

If you have more time (2 or 3 days), you can take two days on Mount Hua (华山), the best of Wuyue (五岳) imo.

Enjoy your trip :)

The_BigGeo

July 9th, 2008, 12:33 AM

It would be nice if Beijing and other Chinese cities kept their histories well preserved. From the pictures of Xi'an, it clearly shows that ancient and traditional cityscapes CAN coexist with modern skyscrapers, infrastructure, and economic development. Heck, the city is even building a subway system, burying it 20m deep to avoid historical structures from being affected.

AATAATAATAAT

July 9th, 2008, 06:17 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/441181682_1a48b2b60d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441181682/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Is this one really written by Yan Zhenqing???:bow:

RyukyuRhymer

August 21st, 2008, 12:40 PM

I mean check this out. The resemblance is eerie. The Mongols and Manchus have diluted the once-magnificent Han Chinese culture

The Mongols and Manchus made China the size it is today.

Foglio1986

September 22nd, 2008, 05:01 PM

From kuto.cn
http://www.krawp.com/images/501chjybf8qblx2gffpl.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/s0wt8k5f32ml8lher0p.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/gfazx3hpj7u7jfoynknm.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/nmhekmhsj6o4xmla0s9w.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/3iqdy2cl1nndxlufiv9.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/z8m7pychwi5xenxutpk7.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/xfviaayw4l98l5d1eeb0.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2869974411_a376938d0d_o.jpg

http://www.krawp.com/images/fa39wm1lmc2qaiyh91k.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/cdqtjoj2wseygud3keqb.jpeg

http://boxstr.com/files/3591599_lriab/%E8%A5%BF%E5%AE%89%E5%A4%A7%E5%9B%BE223.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3592521_p9pub/%E8%A5%BF%E5%AE%89eb3fb9530.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2870803340_59fec7396f_o.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3592109_dnc8g/xian10.jpeg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/ec3d3u9b2w1nuyie225.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3593393_bioen/%E8%A5%BF%E5%AE%89e698_b.jpg

Tang Paradise:
http://www.picpanda.com/images/bw4j049erpyxb5xocl.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/7559.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/57710.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/f05561.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/2BD.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/2C4.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/333.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/308.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/5mjztsman680ieuz43fc.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/dy2z3qx99560oyn209m.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/wiewsslhcvlhzccr30i8.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/sheu8x81mzqd1vjlgl0y.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/0nm0ex1gpax7y9d92i6h.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://boxstr.com/files/3593395_xcwn0/%E8%A5%BF%E5%AE%89%E5%A4%A7%E5%94%90%E8%8A%99%E8%93%89%E5%9B%AD4579.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/58372.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/96b9.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/21-37.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/d92a45.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/baf537b.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/ixrkobqv9kmal1jp3wo7.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/2154714.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/d14rwdUq76pgh.jpg

The Terracotta Army (Chinese: 兵马俑; Pinyin: Bīng Mǎ Yǒng; literally "military servants") or Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses is a collection of 8,099 life-size terra cotta figures of warriors and horses located in the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (秦始皇陵; Qín Shǐ Huáng Líng). The figures were discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, Shaanxi province,

The terracotta figures were buried with the first Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang) in 210-209 BC. Consequently, they are also sometimes referred to as "Qin's Army."

The Terracotta Army of China was discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling a well to the east of Mount Li. Mount Li is the name of the man-made necropolis and tomb of the First Emperor of Qin; Qin Shi Huang. Construction of this mausoleum began in 246 B.C. and is believed to have taken 700,000 workers and craftsmen 36 years to complete. Qin Shi Huang was interred inside the tomb complex upon his death in 210 B.C. According to the Grand Historian Sima Qian, The First Emperor was buried alongside great amounts of treasure and objects of craftsmanship, as well as a scale replica of the universe complete with gemmed ceilings representing the cosmos, and flowing mercury. representing the great earthly bodies of water. Recent scientific work at the site has shown high levels of mercury in the soil of Mount Li, tentatively indicating an accurate description of the site’s contents by Sima Qian.

The tomb of Qin Shi Huang is near an earthen pyramid 76 meters tall and nearly 350 meters square. The tomb presently remains unopened. There are plans to seal-off the area around the tomb with a special tent-type structure to prevent corrosion from exposure to outside air. However, there is at present only one company in the world that makes these tents, and their largest model will not cover the site as needed.

Qin Shi Huang’s necropolis complex was constructed to serve as an imperial compound or palace. It is comprised of several offices, halls and other structures and is surrounded by a wall with gateway entrances. The remains of the craftsmen working in the tomb may also be found within its confines, as it is believed they were sealed inside alive to keep them from divulging any secrets about its riches or entrance. It was only fitting, therefore, to have this compound protected by the massive terra cotta army interred nearby.
http://www.picpanda.com/images/8ml04u71gpqrjehym1s.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/288asn1fd3cqqqzzbz7.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/mkwwzzbk805b9wkxzui6.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/rb9t8tpaqfb6epsr1p7i.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/qab5rnfpy5vfwsst5z9h.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/ti0utcedi0gjs3gvmex1.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/ia1hhzysbpxumwicmbu.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3174/2870765522_5cf51b6775_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2870765520_825866752f_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2870765502_ef11f7034b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2870765526_36e7feeac0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2870765528_952da4b474_o.jpg

Foglio1986

September 22nd, 2008, 05:05 PM

From kuto.cn
http://www.picpanda.com/images/7zalxphxx27gvldr890d.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/17616.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/6A.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2d6ksw9.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/fu9yyc.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/8FE.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/1594E.gif

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/4655.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/817.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/8C5D.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/84B.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/40FD5.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/A5.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/EED.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/400A.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/FA.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/EE.jpg

http://www.picpanda.com/images/sgainsa3bl9aycnmmzt7.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/nc49hvhdyr7itcpv7sf8.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/57dku8upfrah4axnk0y8.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/p4a992dlx8fk8otb62u.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/rd7jteuex2prc7ighom.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/ay9ofdgmp4hvn3c6qw0.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/3cgv23dndwe26tv2swk.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/dme8wsyrmabdw7syoqg6.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/0xjaqhx75wujvuab4cqq.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/jv5u8t5vygqf9k50e746.jpeg

Foglio1986

September 22nd, 2008, 05:06 PM

From kuto.cn
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/916.gif

http://www.picpanda.com/images/egwtxsw2f3g1olrg2k8u.jpg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/zvnkxk72c0d2xv3xlt2e.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

http://www.picpanda.com/images/22y40tebqbs8wzwz09xg.jpeg (http://www.picpanda.com/)

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:16 AM

http://boxstr.com/files/3750366_b73uk/xian_cc1.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3750368_hfyqy/xian_cc3.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3750372_wcpqn/xian_cc7.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3750373_3icae/xian_cc8.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/bd_b.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/FA6.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2921530640_4fdf088c65_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2921544382_509d2a5c74_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2920687275_892bbb8932_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2921537054_7be9d86e98_b.jpg

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8954/20080628b015486dedcf6aels1.jpg

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/03A0E085.002C

quoted from foglio1986's post

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:17 AM

Big Wild Goose Pagoda(大雁塔):
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Chinese: 大雁塔; pinyin: Dàyàn Tǎ), is a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveller Xuanzang.
http://boxstr.com/files/3650557_so80r/xian_bb1.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3650558_glbvw/xian_bb2.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3650559_dijls/xian_bb3.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3650560_jgeut/xian_bb4.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3678342_ft4xu/xian_bb16.jpg

http://boxstr.com/files/3678343_7dien/xian_bb17.jpg
quoted

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:18 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2551123938_8242b82df6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2550303793_9b6b25e66a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2541437422_8a6f462dc5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2541437878_499832d168_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2540615911_3c7d9615bb_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/2460018670_268f9aa386_b.jpg
From kuto.cn
quoted

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:20 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2385976477_569a62a293_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2386808774_fb1540aefe_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2388633280_fb8c735beb_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2386899954_abc491543d_o.jpg

quoted

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:23 AM

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/abc-15.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/abc-17.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/abc-110.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/abc-112.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg220/foglio13/abc-113.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10222277243100027369_vg9ll5m0la.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10322277243200027369_jca0ysjpla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10422277243400027369_v3ax4b24la.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10522277243600027369_81rxev06la.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10122277300200027369_5gz5zcg7la.jpg
quoted from foglio1986's post

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:28 AM

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10222277300400027369_34rdamsdla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10322277300500027369_gobzw112la.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10422277300700027369_if61n0dzla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10522277300900027369_fa58eietla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10122277315800027369_43chqny6la.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10222277316100027369_4j8fwkgzla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10522277316900027369_1evsi6knla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10122277346500027369_ltmvxt3gla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10222277346700027369_qe6cxu8gla.jpg

http://st01.zorg.com/pict/200809/30/10322277346900027369_hz6oe4t6la.jpg

quoted

big-dog

November 10th, 2008, 09:29 AM

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7623/xianbb1051dcb5f8hp2.jpg
by foglio1986

big-dog

May 12th, 2009, 05:57 PM

Finger bone of Buddha enshrined in world’s highest pagoda in China

May 11th, 2009

A finger bone believed to belong to the Buddha was enshrined on May 9th in a 148-meter-high stupa, the world’s highest, in an ancient temple in northwest China’s Shaanxi province.

The grand ceremony was held in the Famen Temple, Fufeng county, where a sarira, thought to be the middle finger of the left hand of Sakyamuni, was found in 1987 in a 1,000-year-old underground hall along with 2,000 ancient relics.

The finger bone sarira, concealed in a golden pagoda-shaped container, was carried by senior monks past 20,000 people gathered to see the ceremony.

The sarira was put into an underground sanctum in the stupa.

It would be presented to the public on significant dates or events, according to Zeng Qin, vice chairman of the Provincial Buddhist Association.

“The enshrinement of Buddha’s finger bone proceeded according to Buddhist rituals,” said Xue Cheng, vice chairman of the China Buddhist Association.

According to historical records, the sarira had been kept in the underground sanctum in Famen Temple since 874 in the Tang Dynasty, before it was taken out in 1987.

Since then, the temple, 118 kilometers from the provincial capital of Xi’an, has become a holy place for Buddhists from around the world.

The temple has received about 10 million visitors over the past 20 years, according to the provincial tourism bureau.

“It took workers four years to build the 148-meter-high pagoda at a cost of more than 2 billion yuan (293 million US dollars), most of which was donated by enterprises and organizations,” said Zeng.

The stupa is shaped to resemble the common Buddhist gesture of putting the palms together with fingers pointing upwards.

In the middle of the “palms” is the pagoda that houses the sarira.

Sarira, remains from the cremation of a Buddha or a saintly monk, are regarded as a treasured Buddhist relics.

148m Heshi Sarira Pagoda

rendering

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2584/resizeof2008117103929.jpg

Famen Temple

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5842/978.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6323/416442.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/572/resizeof416422.jpg

Heshi Sarira Pagoda construction

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7411/20093823917734.jpg

rendering

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7009/famensi1.jpg

completion

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8343/100964496.jpg

Wang fei sung in event

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2443/100964508.jpg

Sarira

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7986/20079391344959.jpg

Lian zhan in event (old photo)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9168/u17p4t8d1632344f107dt20.jpg

Sarira event (May 10)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1153/090509176ta3.jpg

(baidu.com)

big-dog

May 26th, 2009, 06:07 AM

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1126/03fbd805.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2330/03fbd44a.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1816/03fbd53d.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/381/03fbd573.jpg

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/4024/03fbd13d.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1671/03fbd3b1.jpg

(xinhuanet)

deepblue01

May 26th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Wow, this city is full of history. Also, its nice to see Faye Wong performing again. Long time since she has performed, i think it was for the earthquake last time?

big-dog

May 26th, 2009, 01:48 PM

^^ Xi'an has the longest history being Chinese capital, even longer than Beijing.

Saigoneseguy

May 27th, 2009, 04:52 AM

I visited Xi'an last summer, it was very nice, not that I've been to many Chinese cities but the city has a very distinct feeling. Only one thing bothers me that is the area around Big Goose pagoda is full of kite sellers trying to approach / steal from the tourists. Maybe more police should be enforced. Other than that the city is safe and nice overall.

big-dog

May 27th, 2009, 06:12 AM

^^ yes that's very disturbing. street selling has disappeared in many tourist cities, but still can be seen in some bad-managed tourist areas.

Andrew

May 28th, 2009, 08:15 PM

In my opinion there's nothing wrong with street selling itself, it's just a problem when the people selling things try to intimidate and rip off tourists, or when there are too many of them. Cities without any street sellers can often become boring and lifeless; I think there should still be some people selling things but they should be controlled, perhaps with a system of permits.

There are loads of photos of Xi'an in the thread in my signature. They're old photos though (2006) and I have a question for anyone who's been there recently; what has been built on the land south of the big goose pagoda shown in the pic below?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/441100262_085214415c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andydshaw/441100262/in/set-72157600038895270/)

Can anyone post a photo of this same view now? I'd love to see how it's changed.

Andrew

June 2nd, 2009, 11:45 PM

没有吗？

oliver999

June 3rd, 2009, 03:51 AM

没有吗？
你的图片没有显示，是个红叉

big-dog

June 3rd, 2009, 05:38 AM

^^ it's working for me.

big-dog

June 17th, 2009, 09:58 AM

Xi'an

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1714/03fbd6b7.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8824/03fbde85.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2884/03fbd69e.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/5165/03fbd0ca.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4482/03fbd61b.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/5633/03fbd668.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/157/03fbd769.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3259/03fbd73d.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4038/03fbd6e1.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1826/03fbd684.jpg

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8783/03fbd823.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6034/03fbd23b.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9292/03fbd07c.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7875/03fbd279.jpg

(xinhuanet forum)

Andrew

June 18th, 2009, 02:39 AM

I really like the last shot. I also like the ones of the park in the snow.

greenlay

July 27th, 2009, 08:03 AM

Þróndeimr

July 27th, 2009, 01:47 PM

Was in Xi'an my self in early june here is my own pictures from that trip.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0057smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0193smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0198smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0205smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0210smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0076smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0092smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0120smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0105smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0147smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0139smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0191smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0118smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0143smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0159smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0090smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0187smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0007smallX.jpg

Terracotta Army, an hour outside Xian.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0214smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0213smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0235smallX.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y162/cityz/Xian%20and%20Beijing/DSC_0241smallX.jpg

big-dog

July 28th, 2009, 05:49 AM

Great pictures, you got the essence of Xi'an.

I don't know people can ride bicycle on the city wall. I want to try it :)

Þróndeimr

July 28th, 2009, 06:09 PM

^^ best thing i did in Xian was biking around the city wall, took about an hour or so if you took an easy trip. (14km around the wall) i recommend it alot! :cheers:

YelloPerilo

July 28th, 2009, 08:44 PM

Wang Fei's (王菲）singing the Xinjing/Heart Sutra (心經) at the Famen Si (法門寺) in Xi'an.

H3xoUd3cG7s&NR=1

:)

travelworld123

July 29th, 2010, 08:02 PM

Squirtle Squad

July 30th, 2010, 07:47 PM

why is xi'an behind other cities in china? xi'an was once the most powerful, cultural, diverse, ahead of time great cities of the world, but now it's not very big in the world stage or even china (i think). so how come a city so rich in history and culture is not as big as say beijing,shanghai, guangzhou etc...?

Why is Athens behind other cities in Europe? Athens was once the most powerful, cultural, diverse, ahead of time great cities of the world, but now it's not very big in the world stage or even Europe (i think). so how come a city so rich in history and culture is not as big as say London, Paris, Moscow etc...?

Got it?

travelworld123

July 31st, 2010, 03:39 AM

yea im not too sure about the history of the two though...

like what happened to xi'an that made its powerful past into an above average city today? also athens

gougou

August 19th, 2010, 03:12 PM

great!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celebriton

October 9th, 2010, 06:52 PM

g0Be3MzsFb0

uwhuskies

October 12th, 2010, 12:04 PM

Pangu

October 12th, 2010, 07:36 PM

yea im not too sure about the history of the two though...

like what happened to xi'an that made its powerful past into an above average city today? also athens
History is full of ups and downs. What is up today hasn't always been up nor will it always be up. The same goes for what is down.

Celebriton

October 12th, 2010, 08:01 PM

good grief!

Xi'an in 2020 is planned to became a big city like Beijing, Shanghai, etc.

Xi'an 10 years into an international metropolis preliminary
published at Jun 13, 2010 @ China Real Estate News

the overall goals of the plan of Xi'an: Xi'an to build the next great world-class tourist destination, country's major R & D center, the country's major high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing base, as well as regional trade and logistics exhibition center, regional financial center, will gradually build into a national center cities, rich history, exotic oriental international city, world culture capital.

2020, Xi'an most of the objectives to reach international targets standard metropolitan.

yesterday, the overall planning of Xi'an International Forum on Spatial Development Strategy held in Xi'an, the overall planning of Xi'an debut.

Planning and realization of benefits millions of people

"plane of building a new level of international metropolis, urban development planning to develop a scientific need it now." In At the meeting, Provincial Committee and Party Secretary of Xi'an Sun Qingyun said that as a programmatic document for the future development of Xi'an, Xi'an master plan worked out great, will be accompanied by Xianyang do a good job with the implementation of efforts to make the substance of planning into a reality, so that Xi'an, Xianyang cities of millions of people share the results of the development of an international metropolis.

Xianyang Party Secretary Chang thousand armed forces, said the process of building a large Xi'an, Xianyang and Xi'an as duty-bound, will conscientiously to the development of Xianyang city on the international context of, and Xi'an, a Metropolis. "Conscious planning of Xi'an obedience, doing a good job supporting the city dock."

span of Xi'an Xi'an, Weinan, Xianyang planning of Xi'an will cover the entire administrative area of Xi'an, Weinan City, Fuping County, Xianyang City Qindu, Weicheng, Jing Yang, Sanyuan "two zones Counties & rdquo ;, an area of 12,009 square kilometers. in which the scope of the main city to the north, Jing Yang, Gao Ling northern border, south to gush River, west into the Weihe River mouth and floods Qindu, Xingping junctionAnd east to the east Baqiao District, an area of 1280 square km.

in accordance with the vision, Xianyang City Qindu, Weicheng and Jing Yang, Sanyuan "two zones counties" are within the scope of Xi'an, Among them, the junction to the east of Xianyang and Xingping about 95 square kilometers of area in the future will become the main city of Xi'an.

2008 年 5, the State Council formally approved a new round of overall urban planning of Xi'an , a year later, in June 2009, the State Council approved the implementation of "off - Tianshui Economic Zone Development Plan", Presented at the national strategic level into 2020 Xi'an 800 square kilometers, a population of over 10 million international city.

in 10 years to reach international city index

in the international arena, international city with some of the main evaluation indicators of Xi'an in the build process, these indicators will also be forging ahead in Xi'an. Xi'an City Planning Bureau and the Red Star said that by 2020 In other words, need 10 years, most indicators of Xi'an goal to reach international city standards.

which, Is a metropolitan city size is an important measure. To 2020, the urban population of Xi'an -1000 will reach 8 million people, to plan the end of 2030, the city of Xi'an will reach 1,329 square kilometers, The total population of 1,200 people, into the international metropolis of the Column.

in economic strength, GDP per capita in 2020 in Xi'an target data will reach 10 thousand U.S. dollars, basically meeting the international metropolis of 10000 -12 000 dollar standard.

in the international exchange, International metropolis demands more than half of Fortune 500 companies to establish branches, the number of foreign financial institutions for more than 100 foreign population, 5% -20% ratio. Currently stationed in Xi'an number of multinational companies is less than 100, the number of foreign financial institutions 6, the proportion of foreign population is only 0.08%, 2020 target data for more than 200 multinational companies, foreign financial institutions are subject to a substantial increase in foreign population.

rail transport, the international city standards track Passenger traffic will be less than 50% share, present, Xi'an target data 2020 to 25% for the proportionThe next 10 years is certainly a large building of rail transportation in Xi'an. (Xinhua Zhang Xiaogang)

radiation eight major cities of Xi'an

development of Xi'an space is divided into the following four Strategic Planning levels were:

the first level of radiation Xi'an metropolitan area

regional context: Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Taiyuan, Baotou, Yinchuan, Lanzhou.

regional rail transport: a cross: Longhai railway line;

one vertical: Package Liuzhou Railway line (including the West Line - Ankang line - Kang Chongqing Railway);

10 radiation: Zheng Xian Railway, Passenger Zealand, Atlantic passenger lines, the West into a passenger line, big Yu passenger line, Seibu Passenger Line, the West Bank line, Ningxi line, Hou west line, flat line of the West.

second level Xi'an metropolitan area

regional scale: Xi'an, Xianyang, Yangling, Fu Ping, Fufeng, Huangling, Tongchuan, Weinan, Huayin, oak water.

Third-level planning area of Xi'an

including the administrative area of Xi'an, Weinan, Xianyang City Fu Ping county and Qindu, Weicheng, Jing Yang, Sanyuan "two zones counties", Involving a total of 12,009 square km land. To the planning period, a total of 1329 square kilometers land for construction, with a total population of 1,200 people.

the fourth level of Xi'an urban planning area to the north, the main Jing Yang, Gao Ling north at the junction of South to bubble River, west into the Wei river mouth and floods Qindu, Xingping junction, east Baqiao District east. involving a total of 1280 square km land. This series of articles by journalist Zhou Muhui have written

http://www.chinarealestatenews.com/news/2010-06-13/88435/

Celebriton

October 21st, 2010, 09:00 AM

Beautiful Shaanxi, China Tourism Travel Tours 舞动陕西
The best video of Shaanxi! A birdeye's view of whole Shaanxi province, from the birdeye's view of capital city of Xi'an, exotic natural scenery to tourist spots like Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum and Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum.

8lWEawqBnh8

International Horticultural Exposition 2011 Xi'an - Promotion Video

FDWl0a2puyY

Celebriton

April 28th, 2011, 07:49 PM

Horticultural Expo blooms in Xi'an
Updated: 2011-04-28 17:21
(Xinhua)

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f23710325.jpg
Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Expo 2011 in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. The opening ceremony lasted less than an hour to embody the Expo's theme of environmental-friendliness. Expo lasts about six months to Oct 22. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f23712326.jpg
Li Meng, image ambassador of the International Horticultural Expo perform at the opening ceremony in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f23714527.jpg
Performers dress as mascots of the International Horticultural Expo 2011 at the opening ceremony in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f23716a28.jpg
Children perform at the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Expo 2011 in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f23718729.jpg
Tulips blossom at the International Horticultural Expo Garden in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f2371b42a.jpg
People tour the International Horticultural Expo Garden on electric buses in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f2371d32b.jpg
A volunteer monitors a line of bicycles available to visitors at the International Horticultural Expo Garden in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/attachement/jpg/site1/20110428/0023ae6962090f2371f52c.jpg
A visitor covers from the sunshine at the International Horticultural Expo Garden in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, April 28, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/usa/china/2011-04/28/content_12416199.htm