Xi'an is often(usually, constantly, regularly, frequently, consistently, always)

called(regarded, considered, praised, tagged, viewed as) the birthplace(cradle, origin,

fountainhead) of Chinese civilization. Capital of Shaanxi Province and eastern end to
the Silk Road, the history and cultural significance(importance) of Xi'an stretches
through China's ancient past and into its bright(promising) future.

Xi'an was the capital city of 13 imperial dynasties, the most for any city, and many
ancient(antique, vintage) structures(buildings, constructions, landmarks) are
preserved(remained, maintained). "The First Emperor" united China from his base in
the Xi'an area, and he has left a mighty(extraordinary, glorious, phenomenal,
everlasting) legacy.

Xi'an is one of China's most popular tourist

destinations.

Located(situated) in north central China, Xi'an is a popular(prestigious, well-known,

prestigious) tourist destination with foreigners and locals alike. Here are eight facts
travelers should know before visiting Xi'an to help you plan your trip.

Listed(considered, celebrated, praised, cataloged, viewed) as one of the "Must Visit"

cities of China, Xi'an can often(usually, commonly, constantly, consistently, always) be
found included on pre-planned tours of China.

Xi'an is most famous for its Terracotta Warriors, which have become an international
symbol(icon, embodiment) of China's history. A visit to this museum is viewed as
something that simply cannot be missed if you're planning a trip to China.

Nearly(almost, relatively) every type(kind, variety, group) of traveler will find something
to marvel at in Xi'an. The main attractions are ancient wonders, museums, gallery,
shows, and a famous mountain and waterfall nearby.

Xi'an cuisine cannot be missed.

Being near the central part of China, Xi'an is a crossroads(gathering place) for many
of(a variety of, plenty of, numerous a wide range of) the great(fabulous, amazing,
delectable, flavorful) Chinese cuisines. Therefore, restaurants in Xi'an range from
Cantonese to spicy Sichuan styles.

Sour and hot soup dumplings, Chinese hamburgers, steamed bread with mutton soup,
and kabobs all contribute to the list of best dishes in Xi'an.

Xi'an is home to unique items and local products.

Perhaps the most popular souvenirs(memento, keepsake, remembrance) to buy in Xi'an

are the reproductions(replicas, imitation, duplication) of Terracotta Army Figurines.
These can be found throughout the city at very reasonable(modest, inexpensive) prices.

Shopping in Xi'an ranges from luxury malls to small craft markets, which means it's easy
to find a souvenir no matter your budget. Other options include: antiques, cultural
artworks, peasant paintings, and traditional paper cuttings.

The History of Xi'an tells the Story of China.

Xi'an, the capital city of 13 different Chinese dynasties, has a long (storied, glorious,
splendid, magnificent, marvellous, brilliant, superb) history. Many dynasties from
about 3,000 to 1,000 years ago had their capital city here, which is how it came to be
called the fountainhead of civilization for China.

The city influenced the west via the Silk Road as it was the end of the historical route in
China. The Ming Dynasty revitalized(rejuvenated, revivified, restored) the city in the
14th century. The restoration included covering the city wall, which was first built in
Tang Dynasty, with large bricks. This period also saw the city renamed Xi’an, or
“Western Peace.”

The Best Time to Visit

The climate in Xi'an is temperate and semi-arid. The temperatures range throughout
the four seasons at fairly moderate levels. However, due to the global warming and the
greenhouse effect, the weather in Xi'an has become increasingly volatile in recent years.

The best(ideal, finest, excellent) time to visit is the spring and autumn during the cool,
but not too cold, seasons.
Xi'an is also known for dust storms in the spring and early summer. The rainy season
occurs from July to September, though there isn't much rain.

Xi'an is Home to an Advanced Transportation System.

The Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is the largest airport in Northwest China. The
airport serves(act, perform, appear) as a terminus for many other places(locations,
areas, regions, cities) in China and Asia.

The Xi’an metro system consists of nine lines, and the network has been expanding
rapidly in recent years. This developed metro system has made convenient urban
transportation available to not only locals but also visitors.

Two main concentric ring roads encircle the city, as is the fashion in most major Chinese
urban areas.

Xi'an also boasts 6 train stations, making it easy to find a connection to your next
destination. The Xi'an Railway Station is among the top 8 in the country.

Experience the City Walls by Bike

Xi'an is known for its ancient and well-preserved city walls. Many tourists enjoy walking
sections of the walls during their visit, but another option is to bike on the city wall
since it's over 13 km. That makes it too long to walk.

The walls were once built to protect(defend) the city and have stood the test of time and
witnessed the ups and downs(twist and turns, peaks and valleys) of this city. Right now,
it offers(provides, presents, delivers) excellent views of the surrounding area to those
with a mind for adventure.

Visit Xi'an for 72-hours Visa Free

In 2014, Xi'an became yet another popular tourist city within China to adopt a visa free
policy. Xi'an was the first city in what is considered northwest China to adopt this policy
and the ninth city in all of China.

1. famous for(以…著称，闻名)
 ≈ known for, acknowledged for, recognized as
2. view as(把…看作…)
≈ regard as, consider to be, believe to be, reckon as,
3. to marvel at sth.(惊讶于...)
≈ look up to, admire, appreciate, worship, pay homage to, applaud
4. range from(从…到…范围)
5. contribute to(有助于；捐献)
6. the list of(……的列表)
7. is home to(为……的所在地)
8. no matter(不论怎样；不要紧)
≈ regardless
9. the fountainhead of sth.(...的源泉)
≈ the source of, the origin of, the spring of, the cradle of
10. At ... levels(在…水平)
11. due to(由于；应归于)
≈ because of, as a consequence of, as a result of, on the basis of
12. become increasingly...(变得越来越...)
13. in recent years(最近几年中)
≈ in/over the last few years, recently, lately
14. consists of(包含；由……组成；充斥着)
≈ comprises of, contains, includes
15. make available(使有用；使可用到)
≈ provide, supply, offer
16. make easy to(使容易)
17. stand the test of time(经得起时间考验)
18. yet another(另一种)
19. to adopt(采用；通过；收养)
≈ to utilize, embrace, implement