Painting and Calligraphy Street, Xian (must see)
Shuyuanmen Street, nestled in Xi'an's cultural quarter, stands out for its historic and cultural significance. This area is celebrated for its classic architecture and a plethora of stores offering items like calligraphy, paintings, antiques, and assorted cultural memorabilia.
This street offers a diverse selection of cultural mementos, ideal for personal keepsakes or as gifts. Here, visitors can discover various calligraphy pieces and paintings, some of which are replicas of renowned Tang dynasty artworks, along with distinctive antiques and crafts. A notable item among these is the seal, a traditional Chinese stamp utilized in calligraphy and art, customizable with a personal name or message.
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty and thriving in the Ming Dynasty around 1692, the street's origin traces to the retirement of Wu Congwu, a high-ranking official, to Xi'an after a setback in conflicts with eunuchs. Historically, it was a gathering place for scholars and intellectuals attending the nearby Guanzhong Academy. Presently, the street maintains much of its historical allure, attracting both tourists and locals.
The architecture of Shuyuanmen Street, characterized by sloping roofs, red lanterns, and detailed wooden façades, epitomizes traditional Chinese design. The blend of brick and stone with decorative elements offers a timeless aesthetic. This architecture also includes elements from various cultures, like Islamic and Central Asian, reflecting the city's past as a significant cultural and trade hub.
Visitors can explore numerous shops and galleries along the street and visit nearby attractions like the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The area also hosts traditional teahouses and restaurants, offering a taste of local cuisine.
Shuyuanmen Street continues to be a prime cultural hotspot in Xi'an, hosting events such as book fairs, art exhibits, and calligraphy contests, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Xi'an's rich cultural legacy.
This street offers a diverse selection of cultural mementos, ideal for personal keepsakes or as gifts. Here, visitors can discover various calligraphy pieces and paintings, some of which are replicas of renowned Tang dynasty artworks, along with distinctive antiques and crafts. A notable item among these is the seal, a traditional Chinese stamp utilized in calligraphy and art, customizable with a personal name or message.
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty and thriving in the Ming Dynasty around 1692, the street's origin traces to the retirement of Wu Congwu, a high-ranking official, to Xi'an after a setback in conflicts with eunuchs. Historically, it was a gathering place for scholars and intellectuals attending the nearby Guanzhong Academy. Presently, the street maintains much of its historical allure, attracting both tourists and locals.
The architecture of Shuyuanmen Street, characterized by sloping roofs, red lanterns, and detailed wooden façades, epitomizes traditional Chinese design. The blend of brick and stone with decorative elements offers a timeless aesthetic. This architecture also includes elements from various cultures, like Islamic and Central Asian, reflecting the city's past as a significant cultural and trade hub.
Visitors can explore numerous shops and galleries along the street and visit nearby attractions like the Shaanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The area also hosts traditional teahouses and restaurants, offering a taste of local cuisine.
Shuyuanmen Street continues to be a prime cultural hotspot in Xi'an, hosting events such as book fairs, art exhibits, and calligraphy contests, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Xi'an's rich cultural legacy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Xian. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Painting and Calligraphy Street on Map
Sight Name: Painting and Calligraphy Street
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Xian, China (See walking tours in Xian)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Xian, China
Create Your Own Walk in Xian
Creating your own self-guided walk in Xian is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Religious Sites
A melting pot of different cultures and faiths, Xian, once the start of the historical Silk Road, for centuries had seen traders from far and wide come to do business. Many a foreigner eventually settled in Xian, bringing along their cuisine, customs, and religious practices. Hence the number of pagodas, Buddhist and Taoist temples, as well as mosques found in the city, some of which trace back... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Shopping Streets Tour
Back in the day, Xian was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Foreign traders used to come here to procure local merchandise such as tea, silk, and porcelain that were in high demand internationally throughout centuries.
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
In recent years, although the commercial center in China has shifted to the coastline area, Xian remains a major destination for quality shopping, especially when it... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Xian Introduction Walking Tour
Xian became a cultural and political center of China in the 11th century BC and was the capital city of eleven imperial Chinese dynasties.
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
For a western comparison, Xian closely resembles Rome. At the beginning of the first millennium, there were two major powers sitting at the ends of the civilized world, the Roman Empire in the west and the Han Dynasty in the east, each commanding roughly the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles