Xi'an, Shaanxi and the Terracotta Army (Odyssey Xian & Shaanxi) (Odyssey Guides) - Softcover

Mooney, Paul

9789622178007: Xi'an, Shaanxi and the Terracotta Army (Odyssey Xian & Shaanxi) (Odyssey Guides)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9622178006 ISBN 13: 9789622178007

Publisher: Odyssey Publications,Hong Kong, 2009

Situated in north central China, Xi'an is among the great historic centres of the world - it is China's Luxor. Here the early tapestry of Chinese civilization was woven - the rise of the Zhou kingdom which introduced the 'Mandate of Heaven', the Warring State of Qin which defeated and unified the country into the first empire from which 'Qin' gave the West the concept of 'China'. Then, turning westward, through the golden ages of the Han and the Tang, Xi'an sparkled as the largest and most cosmopolitan city on earth. The gateway to the fabled Silk Road of yore, traders and travellers from the Levant, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond made their way to the bustling markets of this most open of ancient cities. This comprehensive guidebook, highlighting the city and its environs, leads the reader on a journey through China's glorious ancient history, from the origin of the distinctive landscape of northern China and the early stirrings of Neolithic culture at sites like Banpo, through its rise to Imperial capital in the Qin, Han and Tang (among other periods), to its relative decline and vital modern role as an administrative centre and investment portal to China's vast northwest frontier. This title highlights major archaeological and historical sites of the Xi'an area, including the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses excavation, Xi'an, Shaanxi: Gateway to the fabled Silk Road, Capital of 11 different dynastic periods. It introduces the Banpo Neolithic Village that dates back to around 5000 BCE. It explores the colourful world of ancient Chang'an and the elegant Tang dynasty women. It describes the geological background to the distinctive loess scenery of the Yellow River Basin and the North China Plain. It guides you to Mao's Red Army wartime headquarters located in the caves of Yan'an and along the stunning peaks of Huashan, one of China's sacred Mountains.

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About the Author:

Paul Mooney, an American freelance journalist, has 30 years' experience studying and working in Asia. He moved to Beijing in 1994, beginning a decade of reporting from around the country for leading publications such as Newsweek, Asiaweek, the Far Eastern Economic Review and the South China Morning Post. He lives in Beijing. Catherine Maudsley, who was educated in Canada, the USA, Beijing, Hong Kong and Kyoto, holds MA and MPhil degrees in Chinese fine arts and religion. She was a Connaught Research Scholar at the University of Toronto, a Canada - China Exchange Scholar at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing and a Commonwealth Scholar at the University of Hong Kong. As a fine art consultant and specialist in Chinese painting, she works with private and corporate collectors worldwide and also represents artists. Catherine is frequently a guest lecturer at international forums and also conducts Insights into Asian Art courses in Hong Kong, where she has lived for more than 25 years. Gerald Hatherly originally hails from Canada, where he studied Chinese geography; following post-graduate studies in Chinese language and literature in Taiwan, he worked as a translator and writer on Chinese cultural subjects. Since 1986 he has served as the in-house China specialist for the international travel company Abercrombie & Kent. He continues to travel to China every month from

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