| Home > About China > Maps > Shaanxi Province |
 |
|
Shaanxi Province
|
 |
Introduction
Shaanxi is an inland province that links the west with the east and the north to the south. It is one of the provinces that the Eurasia Continental Bridge traverses. The bridge begins in Lianyungang and ends in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It serves as an international link to strengthen the economy of many countries.
Most of the Yellow River’s middle stretch is in Shaanxi. The provinces on its borders include Ningxia, Shanxi, Hubei, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Gansu, and Sichuan. Three distinct geographic regions comprise the province--the Guanzhong (Central Shaanxi) Plain, the northern upland plateau, and the mountainous region in the south. Its border with Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region stretches the desert fraction of the province.
Shaanxi holds the distinction of being the "cradle of Chinese Civilization. It occupies a significant place in China’s history as the ancient seat of imperial power. There were 13 dynasties that established their capitals here. The Qin, the Zhou, the Tang, and the Han dynasty are just among these powerful dynasties which were based in Shaanxi.
The province covers an area of 205,600 sq km. The city of Xi’an is the capital and the seat of the provincial government.
The northern part of Shaanxi Province possesses a dry winter and spring. Northern winters are extremely cold while summers can get very hot. However, summer and autumn have abundant rain. A temperate humid climate and abundance of rain is enjoyed by the southern part. Sixty-percent of the province’s rain falls during summer. Its annual average temperature ranges between 8C and 16C. The best time to visit the place is during spring and fall.
Historic sites and relics of a rich culture abound in the province. Their presence has earned Shaanxi the moniker “authentic history museum in China”. Historical ruins which are remnants of the past have been carefully preserved. Its rich heritage combined with the scenic geographical wonders make for a flourishing tourist industry.
Shaanxi is home to more than 70 mausoleums of emperors. These ancient tombs are just among the scenic spots of which the province is famous for.
Some of the top tourist attractions in Shaanxi include:
1. Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses -- often considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. It is also recognized by UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritages. Discovered in 1974, it is one of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century. Visitors to the site will be able to see armies of life-sized Qin soldiers reputed to be 2,000 years old. With the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, these historical sites are China’s top tourist attractions.
2. Qin Shihuang Mausoleum -- holds the distinction of being included in the list of World Heritages in 1987.
3. Dayan (Wild Goose) Pagoda – located in the Daci’en Si Complex (Temple of Great Maternal Grace). The Tang Emperor Gaozong built this pyramid in 652 A.D. Over the centuries, the structure was subject to renovations. Today, it is a seven-storey, 64 -meter tall building. The purpose of constructing the pagoda
4. Forest of Stone Stele’s Museum (Xi'an Forest of Stone Tablets) – houses China’s largest collection of stone tablets, 114 of which contain “classic texts” which have been engraved. This forest of stele is traced back to the Song Dynasty (1090). Six large exhibitions with a stele pavilion comprise the place.
5. Banpo Primitive Society ruins or Banpo Neolithic Village -- a 6,000-year-old village of the Neolithic Age
6. City Wall – a well-preserved ancient wall considered to be the largest in China.
More than 90% of the population in Shaanxi belongs to the Han ethnic group. Only a small fraction of its population is made up of Hui, Man, Mongol, Zhuang, Tibetan and other ethnic minorities.
In 2008, the total population of Shaanxi was 37.62 million with a growth rate of 4.08%. (http://www.chinagate.cn/features/Western_Development/2009-12/23/content_19117797_3.htm)
Shaanxi Cuisine is also popularly known as Qin Cuisine. Locals take advantage of the abundance of locally available ingredients to prepare delicious dishes such as fat sheep, camel's hump and hoof, carps, and black rice. These local materials are whipped up into mouth-watering dishes with strong savory flavors of garlic, salt, onion, and vinegar. The place is known for its sour and spicy dishes.
Some of the dishes that the province is famous for include:
1. Guozi Fish in Milky Soup – a traditional nutritious dish made up of tender meat of fish in milk-like soup. It evolved from an imperial dish which was very popular during the Tang dynasty.
2. Scorpion and Fish on Bamboo Plate – the tender meat of fish entwines with the strong tang of scorpions and the delicate smell of bamboo.
3. Chrysanthemum Pot – a traditional dish infused with the fragrance of Chrysanthemum flowers in a mixture of wine, vegetables and meat.
4. Han Cinnamon Chicken Slices Saute – a famous Hanzhong dish featuring tender chicken slices with a delectable aroma of cinnamon.
In 2009, the gross domestic product of Shaanxi ranked 17th in the whole country. The international financial crisis that beleaguered most economies of the world, did not keep the economy of Shaanxi from growing.
(http://english.shaanxi.gov.cn/articleNews/news/governmentnews/201003/26733_1.html)
|
|
| You may also be interested in: |
|
|
|
| Top
|
|
|
|
|
