Shaanxi
Name : Shaanxi
Chinese name : 陕西
Status : Province
Capital : Xi'an
Population : 37,640,000 (2013)
Area : 205,800 km²
Located in the heart of Chine, the Shaanxi province is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and national culture. Shaanxi served as the political, economic, and cultural center of several dynasties throughout the country's history, granting it a rich historical and cultural heritage. The region will enchant history enthusiasts with fascinating visits, particularly the legendary Terracotta Army of Xi'an. For those who prefer nature, Shaanxi also attracts hikers with its mountainous terrain and natural parks that offer refreshing escapes from the hustle and pollution of urban areas. The most adventurous visitors can test themselves on the most challenging trails of Mount Huashan.
History
Shaanxi is the homeland of the Zhou, a Bronze Age people who conquered the territory of the Shang and imposed their rule over much of northern Chine. It subsequently witnessed the rise of the Qin who, from their capital Xianyang (near present-day Xi'an), became the first dynasty to unify the country. The Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties established their power in the prestigious Changan (Xi'an), which they abandoned for Luoyang (in Henan), the eastern capital, whenever invaders threatened.
Shaanxi remained the political heart of Chine for more than a millennium, until the 10th century. When the imperial court moved further east, its wealth declined and rebellions tore the region apart: between 1340 and 1368, then from 1620 to 1644, and finally in the mid-19th century, when the great Islamic rebellion resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Muslims.
Poverty fostered the rallying and fervent support of peasant populations to communism, as they were regularly victims of famine.
The region was once the center of Chinese civilization, the Wei River Valley (tributary of the Yellow River) occupying a favorable position as a crossroads of great trade routes and the main axis connecting Chine to the outside world. The fertile soil also allowed for the sustenance of a large population, and the threat of nomadic invaders was close enough to necessitate the development of a powerful army.
While sovereigns worked on the expansion of the Empire, another facet of Chinese civilization was germinating in the south within the Qinling Mountains, where numerous sages had isolated themselves, weary of the inadequacies and corruption of the regime. Among them was Lao-tzu (Laozi), who, according to legend, was brought to Languatai by the border guard Yin Xi to impart his philosophical teachings. From this experience emerged the mysterious and laconic Tao Te King, the Book of the Way and Virtue.
Shaanxi Today
It is Shaanxi's archaeological treasures that place the region among the must-see destinations of Chine. One should not overlook traces of a more recent past when the Chinese Communist Party took refuge in the loess caves of Yan'an and served as the center of revolutionary thought dissemination in the country for ten years. Its glorious past also bequeathed authentic agricultural villages and mountains, once the home of sages, waiting for you to explore them.
The Shaanxi province can be divided into three regions: Shanbei (northern Shaanxi), Guanzhong (central Shaanxi), and Shannan (southern Shaanxi) due to their distinctly different geographical, historical, cultural, and climatic characteristics.
The north is primarily composed of the Loess Plateau and the Maowusu Desert. A celebrated revolutionary territory, many precious revolutionary relics are found in Yan'an. Numerous ethnic minorities once established their homes there, so today Shanbei enjoys an interesting blend of cultural influences.
Guanzhong in the center is located south of the Beishan Mountains and north of the Qinling Mountains. Most of its terrain consists of plains and terraces. Guanzhong is a place of national culture rich in historical vestiges, particularly the city of Xi'an, which could itself be regarded as a museum of history. Indeed, the capital of Shaanxi displays various cultural relics such as the celebrated Terracotta warriors and horses of the Qin Dynasty, the city walls still beautifully preserved, the tomb of Emperor Jingdi, and the Great Goose Pagoda. Guanzhong also benefits from picturesque natural landscapes such as Mount Huashan and Mount Lishan, which themselves enjoy a rich past and strong appeal to tourists.
Shannan (southern Shaanxi), located south of the Qin Mountains, is the primary region for rice and rapeseed production. Hanzhong, a city in Shannan, is an important birthplace of the Han nationality. Covered by mountains, valleys, and plains, this region has beautiful natural landscapes such as Nangong Mountain National Forest Park, the Zhashui Caves, and Yinghu Lake. Controlled by the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), the central and western parts of the region were strongly influenced by Shu culture, thus offering relics related to Shu, such as the Wuhou Temple.
Climate
Shaanxi has a continental monsoon climate. With the 800km that separates the north from the south of the region, Shaanxi experiences significant temperature differences between south and north.
The average annual temperature for the north (Shanbei) is 9°C while in the south (Shannan) it is 15°C. It is generally cold in winter and hot in summer with heavy rainfall.
The coldest month is January with temperatures reaching -7°C in Shanbei, -1°C in Guanzhong, and 2°C in Shannan.
July is the warmest month with average temperatures ranging from 23°C in Shanbei, 25°C in Guanzhong, and 26°C in Shannan. July and August are the months with the most rainfall.
The best time to visit Shaanxi is spring between March and May as well as autumn from September to November.
How to Get to Shaanxi
Xi'an has one of the best-served airports in the country. Xianyang Airport offers flights from or to the main major cities of Chine as well as international flights.
Buses and trains depart from or arrive at Xi'an's railway stations.
How to Get Around Shaanxi
While the road and rail network is adequate to the west and east of Xi'an, the same cannot be said for transport to the north and south. It will nonetheless be relatively simple to find buses from Xi'an to reach the main tourist sites or major cities in the province.
Language
The inhabitants of Shaanxi like to joke that the Xi'an dialect, an ancient capital of Chine, is the "true" Mandarin. For their part, linguists classify the Shaanxi dialect in the Zhongyuan Mandarin group ("Central Plain"). The Jin language is also spoken in parts of the province.
What to Do in Shaanxi?
- Dive into the history of the Qin Dynasty with the discovery of the Terracotta Army at Xi'an.
- Stroll along the restored city walls of the capital Xi'an.
- Climb the peaks of Huashan to the teahouse and witness the sunrise over the Qinling Mountains.
- Travel back in time through the beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty village of Dangjiacun.
- Take a leap into the past and understand the entire history of Chinese civilization at the grand Shaanxi History Museum.
