This ancient capital of China has more than a few lesser-known gems
Any history buff worth their salt would know that Xi’an more than rivals Beijing and Shanghai as the core of ancient Chinese civilisation. The imperial capital of thirteen dynasties, Xi’an is most famous for being home to the iconic Terracotta Warriors that guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. Add a walk along the City Walls and a visit to the Dayan Pagoda, and you’ll see why this city wowed Mark Zuckerberg in 2015.
But the basic one-day itinerary does not do justice to the treasures of China’s rich cultural heritage that Xi’an holds. And if you get restless looking at towering, centuries-old structures after another, get ready to be surprised by the colourful diversity of natural and urban life not too far away. From modern politics to scenic views to a foodie’s paradise, these five awe-inspiring places will get you delving deeper into this fascinating city.
3. White Deer Plain / Bailuyuan (白鹿原)
This village gained popularity because of the award-winning 1993 novel named after it, depicting the folk life. With an acclaimed movie and TV series based on the novel, White Deer Plain has become a full-fledged tourist destination, boasting a resort and a large film studio. Everything is built around the natural landscape and traditional customs, offering travellers a relaxing break from city life.
The Bailuyuan studios is an exciting place to be. Check out the props and sets from the “Mao Zedong” TV series, the “White Deer Plain” movie itself, and more. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon an actual filming somewhere in the studios! There are street performances lined up regularly too. Don’t worry if you end up spending all day there, as there are tons of vendors selling tantalising street food.
Ever wanted to try skiing? White Deer Plain also has a ski resort that opens in the winter. If you’re visiting in the summer, there’s no shortage of fun activities to do. Head over to the cherry orchard, open in May, to pick some beautifully ripe cherries. You only need to pay for the cherries you pick.
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