China: Xi’an, City Walls & Performances (Arts & Travel)

Xi’an, China – beyond the Terra Cotta Warriors

The uncontested Claim to Fame for Xi’an is the Terra Cotta Warriors – and a worthy claim it is!

But – as we discovered – the city has so much more to offer!

We flew from Beijing to Xian where we spent two nights and two days. We then flew from Xian to Shanghai where we boarded our Viking ship.

With a history that stretches back more than 3,100 years, Xi’an reached its peak during the glorious Tang Dynasty. It was once the capital city of 12 imperial dynasties and one of the world’s largest and richest cities. We enjoyed some of this glorious culture during two spectacular performances: the Tang Dynasty Dinner & Performance and the Chang’an Impression performance. Highlights are shared below.

As a geographic terminus of the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an presided over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods. Its influence was wide-spread throughout Asia and beyond into Europe and Africa. To ancient emperors, there was a lot at stake in protecting the city.

The Xi’an City Wall – by Day

The city walls of Xi’an were critical in protecting the city. More than 9 miles long, Xi’an’s wall is the most complete and intact in China. This vast wall defended both its cultural and material wealth and ensured its place as China’s powerful center. Today the top of this wall is a popular place to walk, bike or just hang-out.

At the Hanguang Gate we experienced first-hand one of the most impressive sections. It is located in the western section of the southern city wall. We enjoyed a morning walk on top of it. We viewed a spectacular show within its walls one evening.

The height of the wall can be seen in this photo as cars pass underneath, through one of the gate’s arches.

We viewed the moats that still surround the perimeter, as seen in the center of the picture.

The model of the Hanguang Gate in the informative museum, inside the wall, was helpful to visualize its intricate craftsmanship.

The Xi’an Wall – by Night

The buildings and the outline of the wall were lit up at night, making it a very magical experience.

The city walls come alive at night in this very walk-able area.

Xi’an’s Chang’an Impression Performance

Adding to the mystique of the city, we experienced two quality cultural experiences in our short time in Xi’an, one outdoors and one indoors.

The first night in Xi’an, we attended a spectacular Tang Dynasty ceremony which greeted guests at the Yongning Gate Square. Literally under the foot of the Xi’an City Wall, the Chang’an Impression performance – “A Dream Back to Chang’an” – demonstrated the vitality of its city life during that glorious historic time.

In this 70 minute show, the elegance and splendor of life during the Tang Dynasty are brought to life with dramatic lighting, music and ancient ceremonial re-enactments.

There are four main acts/chapters to the performance: Eternal City, Tang Dynasty Elegance, Prosperous Capital and Chang’an Under Heaven.

The first welcoming ceremonies take place just outside the wall and then the audience (and actors) are swept into an outdoor theater. The stage is completely set between the city walls.

This comprehensive, breathtaking cultural experience beautifully weaves together traditional Chinese culture, Xi’an’s unique heritage, the history of the city wall, and colorful, ancient welcoming ceremonies.

This unforgettable spectacle was created as modern technology seamlessly merged with ancient traditions through state-of-the-art lighting, sound effects, and intricate costumes.

We were immersed in grandeur, rich culture and the bustling life of the Tang Dynasty.

The stunning visual effects created an atmosphere for us/visitors to feel as if we had stepped back in time.

Tang Dynasty Dinner & Performance

The second opportunity we had to experience the arts through celebratory music and dance of dynasties past was a “dinner-theater” performance at the Tang Dynasty Palace Restaurant.

Xi’an’s position at the end of the Silk Road produced a cultural tapestry in which the art and ideas of various ethnic groups were incorporated into traditional music and dance. The peace and prosperity enjoyed by Xi’an during the Tang Dynasty was accompanied by a flowering of the arts.

Talented performers and musicians recreated the music and dance of the Tang Dynasty. Performers showcased the culture and traditions of this important era of Chinese History dressed in flowing fabrics and brightly colored costumes.

Immersed in the enchanting decor of this famous restaurant, we enjoyed a multi-course, delicious meal, served in countless (I tried, but lost count!) sets of gorgeous china tableware. Our meal was accompanied by traditional Tang Dynasty music and dance. Dancers in flowing costumes paraded past our dining tables so closely that we could touch them.

The food was tasty and abundant, served in multiple courses. Many of the items included in the meal provided great conversation-starters as we moved out of our culinary comfort zones and often asked “what is it?”

Visit

At a distance of nearly 700 miles outside of Beijing and 900 miles from Shanghai, the fastest routes to Xi’an are either by air or fast train. Driving time is estimated at over 10 hours (Beijing) and 14 hours (Shanghai). Utilizing a tour package out of either city is the most efficient, safest and economical way to maximize your visit to this intriguing city, along with the Terra Cotta Warriors.

Visiting the Xi’an City Wall is offered for a variety of interests. The rectangular, 9 mile long wall encircles the city. It can be reasonably traveled by foot or on bicycles, which are available to rent. Websites abound as to how to access these and other options. Ask about the options when you book a tour to Xi’an.

Sources

• Viking local tour guides in Xi’an
• Information available in print, on-line and in the lectures on the ship designed by Viking to prepare us for our visit.
• Information provided on-site at the sites visited
• DK Eyewitness Travel: China (ed. 2012) p 162.

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