Xi'an – more than just clay soldiers

Qinqiang Opera is a special attraction in Xi'an.[Photo/China Daily]

Xi'an is a must-see city on any China travel itinerary and here are five of its top tourist sites.

1. Museum of the Terracotta Army

The unearthed Terracotta Warriors and Horses are one of the most significant archeological discoveries of the 20th century and the 2,200-year-old tomb for China's first emperor is the city's jaw-dropping feature attraction. More than 8,000 life-like clay warriors and horses, and 10,000 bronze weapons have been found in the pits and the museum is like a treasure trove of the Qin Dynasty's military affairs, science and technology, art and culture. But experts say they only represent a fraction of what lies beneath. UNESCO listed the burial ground as a World Heritage Site in 1979 and Chinese archeologists continue to search for more of the emperor's soldiers.

2. Big Wild Goose Pagoda

This masterpiece of ancient Buddhist architecture is located in southern Xi'an and is the oldest and highest wooden structure in China. It was built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty and is regarded by some as the best pagoda of its kind in the world. The cone-shaped structure was built without the use of nails, but instead with special interlocking layers. This attraction can be divided into three parts: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci'en Temple, and the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

3. Bell Tower

The 36-meter-high Bell Tower is the symbol of Xi'an and marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. It is a classical wooden building with carved beams, painted rafters and is the largest and best preserved of its kind in China. The engravings on the doors of the Tower reflect the decorative fashion of Ming and Qing dynasties, recounting popular historical stories. In ancient times, the bell sounded in the morning while a drum sounded at dusk.