Xian and a fallen army

Sorting through my pictures from Xian has left me wanting to return to this place, the cultural capital of interior China. Compared to Beijing, Xian was more what I had envisioned China to be; A more authentically oriental feel with crowded streets, wild markets, and historical monuments.

Xian is China’s de facto historical capital. It’s one of the oldest capitals of human civilization, dating back to the Zhou dynasty from 1046 BC. There were 13 Chinese dynasties centered in Xian, whereas Beijing has held just 5. The 3 millennia of history take form in the ancient city wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Bell and Drum towers in central Xian.

Like the rest of China though, Xian isn’t standing still. Industrialization has come, bringing factories, freeways, and fake apple stores. Today with over 8 million people, the centre of Xian has still managed to capture both modern and ancient Chinese culture and history.  It’s colorful, it’s different, and it’s most definately China. Xian, so glad I met you. Link.