Location: Located in the central part of Shaanxi
Province, Xianyang is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest
of Xian with the Weihe River
flowing along its south edge.
History: Xianyang is an ancient capital. The first
feudal dynasty in Chinese history, Qin Dynasty, put it as the capital
city and opened the brilliant history of the city. Historically,
it once served as the capital city or capital environs of thirteen
dynasties, leaving it twenty-seven tombs of emperors and hundreds
of graves of imperial households.
Physical Features: The north part of Xianyang
belongs to the Loess Plateau, while the south is a part of the Weihe
Plain. On the whole, the terrain gradually inclines downward from
the north to the south.
Climatic Features: Xianyang has a warm temperate
continental monsoon climate that featuring chilly winter and torrid
summer. Its annual average temperature is between 9-14
C
(48-57
F).
Overcast and rainy days may frequently appear in summer and autumn.
Extreme heat may attack the city in summer causing high temperature
in excess of 40
C
(104
F).
When to Go: Actually, visitors can choose any
time to Xianyang if they feel free. However, avoiding hot summer
and chilly winter is suggested.
Special Local Products: Xifeng Liquor, Huanggui
Thick Wine (Huang Gui Chou Jiu), Amber Candy (Hu Po Tang), embroider
craftwork
Scenic Spots:
Qian Mausoleum:
The mausoleum is reposed by the Emperor Gao Zong of Tang Dynasty
(618-907) and his empress Wu
Zetian, the only female monarch in Chinese history. The mausoleum
is built backed by the Liangshan Hill, and the design of the tomb
replicates the ancient Chang'an city.
Great Buddha Temple (Da Fo Si): 10 kilometers
west of Binxian County, this Buddhist site has stood there for
over 1,300 years. The total 130 grottoes on the 400-meter-long
rock surface store thousands of Buddha statues of all size. Within
the temple, the 20-meter-tall Buddha is the most spectacular one.
Other Scenic Spots: Maoling
Mausoleum, Zhaoling Mausoleum,
Xianyang Museum
Tourist Tips:
1. Xian Xianyang International
Airport is 13 kilometers northeast of Xianyang downtown, operating
flights to over sixty cities at home and abroad. There are six airport
bus lines departing daily from the pick-up points in Xian and Xianyang.
2. Due to the short way between Xianyang and Xian, visitors can
take Bus No.59 shuttling between the two cities. In addition, the
Xianyang Bus Station is in the Xilan Road, Qindu District, where
provides buses to cities and counties inside the province. The West
Bus Station in Xian has buses running to Xianyang departing as soon
as the buses are full.