Teaching Materials 【搬运】/Amazing Things t

Xi'an.

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Ancient Xi'an was for almost 2,000 years the capital of 13 different imperial dynasties  

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of ancient China. The first emperor unified China from his base in this area, thanks to  

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which is also called the cradle of the Chinese civilization. It was this place, where there was  

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the beginning of the ancient Silk Road and where the influence of the West and the East were mixed. 

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Among the attractions not to be missed is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Each of  

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the thousands of statues, of soldiers and horses, often in slightly larger-than-life size, is unique  

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and all were meant to serve in the afterlife of China's first emperor. The collection dates to the  

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3rd century BC. The area is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world and one  

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of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. The old city is surrounded by massive city walls,  

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built in the 14th century. They are approximately 14 kilometers long. It is one of the oldest,  

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largest, and best-preserved Chinese city fortifications in general.  

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This place is great not only for history lovers but also for sports fans. You can walk along the  

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walls, take part in the city marathon, which is organized in spring, and even go cycling. 

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In the old centre is the Bell Tower, the symbol of the city. Built-in 1384 AD, it is 36 meters  

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high and is the largest and best preserved of its kind from the time of ancient China.  

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Like the Chinese clock tower, in ancient times it was used for reporting the time  

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and publishing news. It is open to the public and its beauty can be admired both during the day and  

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the night. Another symbol of the city, the Drum Tower, built in the 14th century, is a short walk  

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away. It is 34 meters high and is also open to the public. Unlike the Bell Tower, where the bell was  

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struck at dawn, the drums of the Drum Tower were struck at sunset to signal the end of the day. 

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About 4 kilometers from the city centre, you can admire one of the most famous Buddhist  

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pagodas in China, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was built in the 7th century  

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and later became a part of a large complex known as the Temple of Kindness and Grace.  

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The complex once had 13 separate courtyards and contained 1,879 grand-looking rooms. Although  

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the massive complex has not withstood the weather, wars, and earthquakes of old,  

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the pagoda still stands on the site. Near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda,  

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in the North Square, you can discover the largest music fountain in Asia. It covers  

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an area of approximately 110,000 square meters. The fountain and music show has many benches,  

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the longest light strip, and the largest acoustic complex in the world. The most  

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amazing thing is how the sound, light, water, and colors of the fountain blend harmoniously.  

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This stunning show can be enjoyed especially in warm months several times a day, but it is the  

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most beautiful at night. Don't forget to arrive 20 minutes early to find a good place to watch.

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