Newly Reconstructed West Market Of Xian Reclaims Tang Dynasty Glory
The West Market of Xian, one of the oldest markets in China, has been rebuilt. It is located in the capital of the Northwest Shaanxi Province, Xian. 1300 years ago, the market was a thriving shopping facility on an area as big as 2 city wards. The market was split into 9 parts, and it was always bustling with vendors offering all kinds of wares.
These included taverns, wine shops, pastries, gruel, cereals, and a Persian bazaar. The government offices were also housed in the complex, as was a safety deposit company. One of the main reasons for rebuilding this historical site is to give visitors some insight into the Tang Dynasty which ruled from 618 to 907 AD.
This was one of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history because of brisk trade with foreign countries through the famous Silk Road. After the Tang years, this link with Xian was cut off, thereby disabling any contact with traders. However, with the rebuilding of the market, connection has been re-established.
Xian was known as Chang’an at that time. It was one of the biggest cities in the world with more than 1 million residents. Prior to the Tang Dynasty coming into power, there were 2 markets, namely the east market and the west market. The east served the locals, while the west catered for visitors from abroad. Both of these markets exist today in some form or other
Many overseas students came to study in Chang’an as part of cultural exchange programs. Friendly relations began with Arabic countries and China acquired items like pepper, other food stuffs, and gem stones from Islam. The magnificent sculptures and murals in the Mogao Caves were done during the Tang Dynasty.
The West Market now comprises a large area. Rebuilding costs totaled $460 million (3.5 billion Yuan). Development took place in two phases. The first phase houses souvenir and antique shops, restaurants, a museum, a supermarket and reception facilities for tourists. Work on this phase was completed in 2008. The total area of this section is 660,000 square meters.
Phase 2 has just about been completed. This section highlights the heritage and culture of the old Silk Road. Here you can get a fascinating insight into Chinese history and learn just how progressive this nation was. It was the Chinese who made ground-breaking advances in astronomy, science, medicine and printing. This area of 620,000 square meters also features offices and residential apartments.
Economic development in Xian has been rapid, and the city is still one of the most important in north western China. The new West Market provides splendid shopping facilities. For those interested in cultural items, there is plenty on offer. Tang pottery replicas, calligraphy rubbings, folk paintings and green porcelain are just a few to speak of.
Until now, tourism statistics reveal that a visitor spends only 3 days in Xian, and spends $180. These figures are bound to increase now that the West Market of Xian has re-opened.
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