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Xian Highlights-Big Goose Pagoda
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 The first contacts between adherents of Buddhism and the Chinese people took place along the Silk and Fur roads during the Eastern Han dynasty (8-220AD). Over subsequent centuries these central caravan routes, with Chang'an (near Xi'an) at their eastern terminus continued to serve as the principle avenue by which Buddhism entered China. So significant did this Indian religion become to Chang'an's development that by the eight century the city boasted sixty-four monasteries and twenty-seven nunneries, and had become a Buddhist centre of study for the East Asia region. As Buddhism was synthesized into Chinese thought, various new sects developed. One variant in particular, with Daoist influences, grew to prominence. This was Chan Buddhism. So influential did it become that Japanese monks transported it to their country where it became known as Zen Buddhism.
The spectacular rise in popularity and wealth of the Buddhist institutions in China eventually incurred the Emperor's wrath. In 841 AD the insane, Daoist Emperor Tang Wuzong ordered a crackdown. During the next four years, nearly all Buddhist monasteries were decimated and its practitioners persecuted. Although many temples were refounded a few years later, Buddhism was never able to recover its former predominance in China's spiritual life. |
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We recommend in Xian and Surrounds
◎ Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.
◎ Visit the Bell Tower, Great Mosque and the nearby Muslim Quarter where much of the original characters still remained.
◎ Visit the Big Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall and Shaanxi History Museum.
◎ Taste the special Jiaozi (Chinese dumpling) Dinner and enjoy some Tang Dynasty Show
Transfer
Xian Airport is located 40km/50 minutes from the city center.
We provide private car transfer with English-peaking guide at US$50 per car (one way)
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