The West Market Xian

Rebuilding of the Xian West Market has just been completed (well almost, but it is open and looks great). This ancient market is situated in Xian, the capital city of China's Northwest Shaanxi Province. It was established 1300 years ago on an enormous piece of land that stretches across 2 city wards. It was divided into 9 areas, all of which provided shoppers with a host of products. It was here where Xian travel started and where people would flock

The market featured wine shops, taverns and a Persian bazaar. An abundance of food was also offered, from pastries and cereals to gruel. The market premises were also home to a safety deposit company and the government offices. One of the main objectives of rebuilding the site was to provide visitors with a glimpse of the powerful Tang Dynasty that ruled in the period 618 to 907 AD.

These years were a prosperous time in Chinese history, chiefly due to vigorous foreign trade on the Silk Road. This famous link was cut off when the Tang reign ended, putting an end to trading. However, part of the rebuilding plan included the re-establishment of the Silk Road link.

In those days, Xian was called Chang'an. With a population of more than a million, it was one of the largest cities in the world. Before the Tang Dynasty came to power, the market comprised of two sections - the east market which supplied locals, and the west market which catered for visitors.

At the time, Chang'an initiated cultural exchange programs and many students from overseas came to study in the city. China also established relations with Islam and this resulted in the acquisition of many food items and gem stones. The famous murals and sculptures that grace the Mogao Caves were made in the Tang Dynasty.

The West Market now comprises 33 hectares. 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 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.

Xian has enjoyed a fast-growing economy, and it is still one of the most significant cities in north western China. The rebuilt West Market offers great shopping facilities and, for those who are into Chinese culture, there are hundreds of items on offer. From calligraphy rubbings and Tang pottery, to green porcelain and folk paintings, it's all here.

Visitors will also be able to visit the Tang Dream Theme Park in Xian. This has been built to show off the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty when Silk Road trading was flourishing. Statistics show that, in the past, tourists stayed in Xian for an average of 3 days, spending $180 each. It is hoped that these figures will burgeon with the re-opening of the spectacular new West Market of Xian. If you are planning to head off to China in the near future, include a visit to this famous market.