What makes Xi’an a great place to study Mandarin?
Monday, 4th January 2010
Xi’an was founded over three thousand years ago and is therefore one of the China’s oldest cities.
It was the economic, political and cultural centre of China during most of the great Chinese dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han and Sui. Xi’an is also at the eastern end of the Silk Road, a collection of historic trade routes that connected Asia, Europe and North Africa, and home to the Terracotta Army.
Today Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province, and home to over eight million people. Since the 1990s it has become a major centre for culture, industry and education in central China, and is also home to many artists, musicians and architects, so there is no shortage of cultural events ranging from China opera to rock concerts, as well as a lively night life.
Due to the city’s long history and its position on the Silk Road there is a great diversity of architectural styles and influences to be seen, including styles of architecture from different Chinese dynasties, as well as Islamic styles, and combinations of these. In the Muslim quarter, for example, the Great Mosque, one of the oldest in China, is Chinese in its construction and architectural style, but has Islamic decoration.
There are many other interesting places to visit and things to see in and around Xi’an, the most famous of which is the Terracotta Army, which guards the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Another popular sight is the city wall which you can walk around and which dates back to the 2nd century AD. There are also numerous temples, pagodas, museums and other historic sites, including Banpo, the remains of a Neolithic settlement dating back to about 4500 BC.
Mandarin courses ranging in length from a week to a year and suitable for students of all levels are offered in local universities and language schools. In addition to teaching you the language, these institutions offer lessons in Chinese calligraphy, songs, painting and taichi, and arrange sporting and social activities and guided tours to local attractions.
Given Xi’an’s central location, it’s a good base to visit other parts of China. There are regular connections by plane and train to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and other parts of China. There are also regular flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpar and other destinations in East Asia.
Test your Chinese language skills now with our free online Chinese test
Tags: xian, mandarin, chinese, history, language, course, location, china, culture, guide
Posted by Simon Ager 2010-01 under Experience Cultures, Types of Courses,
Permalink
