Xi'an, China: Ancient History & Diverse Culture

This post is mostly photos because I’m saving the rambling storytelling for Xi’an Part 2, our adventures on Mount Hua (to be posted Saturday!). In short, though, Xi’an is a really unique city that has preserved its ancient history in the core of the city. Modernity rises up around its (literal) 14^th century walls, but inside well-preserved buildings from eras past remain intact without the distraction of skyscrapers. Its unique history can also be seen in its Muslim culture, which is the long-standing result of 7^th century Persian and Afghani merchants marrying Chinese women. And of course, Xi’an is home to the famous terra cotta warriors! We had an amazing time exploring this vibrant city and learning more about its distinct culture and history. Explore with us through our photos!

Muslim Quarter – Street Food & Great Mosque

Xian China Muslim Quarter Food Our Quarter Life Adventure — Fresh pomegranate juice

Xian China Muslim Quarter Kebabs Our Quarter Life Adventure — Kebabs

Xian China Great Mosque Prayer Hall Our Quarter Life Adventure — The Great Mosque was originally built in 742! It was an interesting mix of Asian and Islamic architectural elements. The courtyards were beautiful and peaceful. Shown here: Prayer Hall.

Great Mosque Xian China Our Quarter Life Adventure

Xian China Great Mosque Prayer Hall Interior Our Quarter Life Adventure

14th Century Architecture – City Walls, Drum & Bell Towers

Xi'an Bell Drum Tower Night The Great Mosque was originally built in 742! It was an interesting mix of Asian and Islamic architectural elements. — Directly behind me is the Bell Tower, which connects the North, East, South, and West roads. Further back to the right is the Drum Tower, which was originally used to indicate time and signal emergencies.

Xian China Ancient City Wall Our Quarter Life Adventure — View from the South Gate of the city wall.

Terra Cotta Warriors

The Terra Cotta Warriors were the funerary project for Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The site’s construction began in 246 BC and stopped in 208 BC, but was not discovered until 1974! The artisans and construction workers were killed to keep the emperor’s secret. It consists of 3 pits with life-size warriors and a separate burial mound for the emperor. The pits are open to the public, but the mausoleum has not been excavated, in part due to respect for the dead but also for fear of potential large amounts of mercury. Over 8,000 warriors have been unearthed so far. The excavation and restoration process continues today, and is expected to continue for at least another 40 years.

Terra Cotta Warriors Xian China Pit 2 — Pit 2

Terra Cotta Warriors Xian China Pit 3 — Pit 3

Terra Cotta Warriors Xian China Pit 1 — Pit 1 Restoration Zone

If you can believe it, those photos are only from Day 1 and 2 of our trip! I know, crazy. We’ll have lots more soon – up next is the “world’s most dangerous hike” at Mount Hua!

P.S. Xi’an was originally where we were supposed to teach! We actually didn’t find out that the school we were supposed to teach at had suffered budget cuts until our weeklong training period in Yangshuo was over… While we really enjoyed visiting the vibrant metropolis, the absolutely insane pollution did make us more grateful for our small-town living in Sinan. There was literally a thick grey smoke covering everything, and we found out later that schools in the area were closed because the air levels were dangerous. Yikes!