• Shaanxi

• Name in Chinese characters: 陕西
• Name in Pinyin: Shǎnxī
• Status: Province
• Capital: Xi'an

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• Location within China

  

  General Overview

  Shaanxi Province (not to be confused with Shanxi Province) is situated in the middle reaches of the Yellow River and therefore holds an important strategic location in China. In fact, Xi'an, or Chang'an as it was then known was once the capital of China - and the largest city in the world. During this period, trade began with the west along what is now known as the Silk Roads.

  In more recent times, Yan'an became the base for the Communists fighting the Guomindang Nationalists.

  Much of the north of the Province (about 45% of the total) lies on a loess plateau. The middle section is well-watered and particularly fertile. The mountainous south marks the watershed of the Yellow and Yangtse Rivers and, traditionally, marks the boundary between north and south China.

  This area is considered the Cradle of Chinese civilization with Lantian Man living hereabouts as far back as one million years ago. The site at Banpo is believed to be about 6000 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements discovered to date.

  Shaanxi is considered the homeland of many folk customs and arts. Of these, Papaercuts are perhaps the most well known.

  Attractions For Visitors

  The most famous site in Shaanxi Province by far is that known in the west as the Terracotta Warriors. This is the site of an army of statues placed to protect the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. His Tomb, which may contain even more fabulous treasures lies behind this site but remains unexcavated whilst archaelogists work on the technology that will preserve their findings suitably. Both sites are found in Lintong County about one hour's drive from downtown Xi'an.

  Xi'an itself has a wealth of sites to visit. Many enjoy the City Walls, the Provincial Museum, The Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Grand Mosque. Lesser sites include the Daoist Baxian Gong Temple, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Forest of Steles (engraved stones) and the ruins of Chang'an. Don't forget, you can also wander into the live-food market and the Muslim Quarter that surrounds the Grand Mosque.

  To the south of Xi'an lie many Imperial Tombs. These can make for a pleasant one-day excursion.

  With a resurgence of interest in Red China Yan'an is becoming more and more popular as a destination. Several key sites are well preserved and, if the struggles of the last 100 years are of interest to you, then this makes for a good detour from the main tourist routes.

  The adventurous may head for Hua Shan. There are routes up to the summit of this mountain, though the going is tough and certainly not for those with a hint of vertigo. In places you must rely on chains or ladders to make progress, sometimes with large drops to one side.

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