Xi'an

Study in Xi'an  http://www.sicas.cn/Theme/study_in_Xian/index.shtml

Xi’an, known as Chang’an in ancient times, is the capital city of Shaanxi province and is one of the four famous historic cities in the world. With a 6,000-year history, the city was chosen as capital in several dynasties and has re-emerged as a crucial cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region. Today, Xi’an is the center of national defense industry, aircraft manufacturing and scientific researching in China.

Geography and climate

Xi’an lies on the Guanzhong Plain in central China where eight branches of Yellow River’s flow around the city. The city has an average elevation of 400 meters above sea level with the highest point of 3767.2 meters on Taibai Mountain and lowest point of 345 meters on Wei River.

Located at the foot of the Qinglin Mountains to the south, Xi’an has a temperate climate with moderate precipitation of 1100 millimeters and seasonal features. The annual average temperature is about 13.6 centi-degrees; the hottest month is in July while the coldest is in January. The most pleasant season for visiting Xi’an is autumn while the number of travelers is often greater during summer.

Tourism and Food

Used to be the capital city of Han and Qing dynasty, two of the most flourishing ages in ancient China, Xi’an was left with numerous historical monuments and a plethora of ancient ruins. The most reputed site is the Grave of Qin Shi Huang and his Terracotta Worriers. Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor in ancient China and he was an addict of authority. He built his tomb and the Terracotta Amy long before he could notice his death. The Terracotta Worriers known as a kind of funerary object are soldiers and horses figures made of clay. It lies on the foot of Pian Mountain in County Lintong 30 km away to Xi’an.

Besides the Grave of Qin Shi Huang, there are also several burial tombs of the Zhou Dynasty kings as well as some 800 royal mausoleums from the Han Dynasty. Hundreds of sculpted clay soldiers and other figures were yielded from these royal tombs. The city also has numerous pagodas of the Tang dynasty and is famed for its history museum and stele forest. The city’s history museum and Dayan pagodas are both splendid sites for visitors coming to Xi’an. With various people inhabit in Xi’an, there are some unique features in its food. The famous Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup is somehow an epitome of Xi’an cuisine. Inhabitants are particular fond of pasta and acid flavor.

Education

As the center of education and scientific research, Xi’an has many famous universities. Xi’an Jiaotong University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, and Northwest A&F University are all reputed educational institutes which are among the national 211 and 985 series. There are many famous military academies in Xi’an too.