Tag Archives: Xian

The morning bell and the evening drum of Xian

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An integral component of exploring a different culture is visiting the landmarks of a city and understanding its symbolic value in addition to its historic importance. Landmarks and monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Great Wall of mainland China are not only of national importance and provide the nation with a degree of visibility in the international arena, they are also symbols with an intriguing history that accompanies its existence. Akin to the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Austria, the Glockenspiel in Munich, Germany and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, the Chinese City of Xi’an is home to the Bell and Drum Tower. Like the Golden Roof and the Bridge of Sighs, this landmark may not be of immense national importance but is a site that is considered as a must visit by tourists visiting the city of Xi’an.

For those who wish to experience a sense of timelessness inside the Tower, opt for a Xi’an apartment in the city instead of a hotel which provides guests with everything they need. Tourists can choose from a myriad of establishments such as Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an and enjoy the city in comfort. As the Tower was built in 1380, its rich and diverse history comes as no surprise. Towering at a stunning 8.6 metres above ground in an imposing green bricked structure, the clang of the Bell Tower can be heard across the city. The Drum Tower is located a mere half a kilometre from this site and centuries ago these two towers acted as two components of one machine with the Bell Tower signifying morning and the Drum Tower signifying the onset of dusk.

Tourists hoping to visit these two towers can do so between 9am and 6pm and it can be accessed by train or via a special airport bus. Even though the Towers have been used for a multitude of purposes such as a bureau of telephone in 1911, a meteorological observatory and even a prison, tourists at present can expect to see it indicating time. Despite this functional activity, the Bell and Drum Tower remains an important cultural relic of the city.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Shaanxi History Museum – One of the Most Ancient Museums in Xian, with Art and Ancient Pieces.

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Shaanxi province is considered as one of the birth places of ancient Chinese culture, the capital of 13 dynasties such as Zhou, Hang and Tang. It has its own unique history and culture features. The Citadines Gaoxin Xian is widely regarded as one of the finest accommodation in Xian. There are also many historic sites like ancient city at the City Wall of Tang Dynasty Park and the Antique City of Tang Dynasty. The apartments are elegantly furnished with separate living and dining areas. The 248 apartments range from studio to two-bedroom walls and are all furnished with a modern array of amenities, including a home entertainment system. This is situated in the heart of the Hi-Tech Development zone and is surrounded by business. One can enjoy these luxurious apartments, with ease and comfort of a serviced apartment.

The Shaanxi Museum is regarded as ”the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures”, gives a miniature overview of the thousands of years of Chinese history of the Splendid ancient cultures of the olden times. The Shaanxi History Museum is situated on Xiaozhai East Road on the North West side of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Shaanxi History Museum is the first modern national museum. The Museum ‘s exhibition halls are generally divided into four main groups, the permanent exhibition halls, the temporary exhibition halls and an exhibition Hall for Tong mural paintings. This museum is also located just a couple of blocks away from the Xiao Zhai metro shop. There is an interesting collection of porcelain, bronze and ceramics. The museum houses relics from pre historic times through the Chinese various golden ages. They have statues from different eras, depict the different styles and sizes of humans at that time. The entrance to the museum is free. There are also very good knowledgeable guides available. This shows many objects from different dynasties through Chinese history including fine porcelain, English porcelain that is almost more than 1000 years.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Mount Li – Enjoy the Ancient Splendours of Xian

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Mount Li is one of the eight scenic spots in the beautiful Guanzhong Plain; standing at an impressive height of 1302 meters above sea level the mountain offers one a refreshing insight to Xian city, China. Finding the right accommodation in Xian is important for enjoying the sights, scenes and culinary delights of the Shaanxi Province. A well located hotel close to both businesses and ancient attractions of Xian is the Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an apartment hotel.

Located in the hi-tech development district of the city the hotel is within easy reach to shops, business centres and attractions such as the antique city of Tang Dynasty. Ideal for business, family or couple stays the well-appointed 248 modern apartments in this complex range from studio apartments to two bedroomed units. Enjoy all modern comforts here including a fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom and separate living and dining areas. The full serviced apartments are also available with washing machine and office enclaves for maximum ease.

The Chinese name for Mount Li – ‘Black Steed Mountain’ is derived from the fact that it resembles a horse. Another delightful story is that the Goddess Nuwa repaired the wall of heaven from where the mountain lies.
Home to a number of ancient artefacts the mountain is a treat to explore, check out Laojun Palace and relics from the grand Huaquing Palace Court while nothing beats the magnificent sights of sunrise and sunset from beautiful Mount Li. Most hotels organise tours to the mountain, if not travellers will easily find buses running up to the cable car points.

Remember to admire and help preserve the ancient trees and buildings on this impressive mountain as you enjoy a slice of Chinese history.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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