The West Market of Xian Opens 1300 Years Later

The West Market Of Xian Has Been Reborn

An ancient market, the West Market of Xian, has re-opened in Xian, the capital of the Northwest Shaanxi Province of China, a mere 10 minutes cab ride from Xian Apartments. Some 1300 years ago this huge area was a vibrant shopping area with a surface area that spans 2 city wards. Divided into 9 sections, the market was always abuzz with vendors selling all types 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.

These were very prosperous years in China's history, mainly due to flourishing trade on the Silk Road with foreign countries. At the end of the Tang reign, Silk Road was cut off and trade ceased. However, part of the re-birth of the market includes the reconnection of Silk Road.

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.

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 sprawls with a total cost of rebuilding was 3.5 billion Yuan which equals $460 million. The development was split into two phases. Phase 1 features a museum, a supermarket, restaurants, a reception facility for visitors, antique shops, and souvenir shops. This phase, which comprises 660,000 square meters, was completed during 2008.

The final phase is now nearing completion. Residential apartments and offices have also been constructed on part of this area which spans a total of 629,000 square meters. This section is more focused on the heritage, culture and traditions of the old Silk Road. Visitors are given the chance to peek into this period of Chinese history which includes major developments in medicine, astronomy and science.

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.

The Museum

The Museum is now open although they are still applying the final touches. It is spread over 4 stories and is said to consist of more than 20,000 items on display, though personally I did not see anywhere near that many. It is quite an impressive building. As you enter the space you actually walk over the remains of the original market on a glass floor, before heading up to a permanent West Market exhibition, temporary exhibition areas with a thematic display and a special exhibition area which when I visited was largely devoted to bronze items and coins from the Tang Dynasty period

Museum entrance = 60rmb