Xi’an Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the Western Han capital located in the area of present-day Xi’an?

• Chang’an
• Fenghao
• Daxing
• Xianyang

Correct Answer: Chang’an

Correct Answer Explanation: Chang’an, meaning “Perpetual Peace,” was the capital of the Western Han dynasty, located in the central area of present-day Xi’an.

What was the name of the first emperor of China who ordered the construction of the Terracotta Army near Xi’an?

• Qin Shi Huang
• Liu Bang
• King Ping of Zhou
• Dong Zhuo

Correct Answer: Qin Shi Huang

Correct Answer Explanation: Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, commissioned the construction of the Terracotta Army and his mausoleum to the east of Xi’an shortly after ascending the throne.

Which dynasty was responsible for building the city walls of Xi’an that remain intact today?

• Han
• Sui
• Tang
• Ming

Correct Answer: Ming

Correct Answer Explanation: The city walls of Xi’an, which are still standing today, were constructed during the Ming dynasty in 1370. These walls, measuring 11.9 kilometers in circumference, replaced the earlier city walls.

Which of these well-known dishes is NOT a specialty of Xi’an cuisine?

• Roujiamo
• Biangbiang mian
• Mapo Tofu
• Liang pi

Correct Answer: Mapo Tofu

Correct Answer Explanation: While Roujiamo (meat buns), Biangbiang mian (thick hand-pulled noodles), and Liang pi (cold rice noodles) are all popular Xi’an dishes, Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan dish.

The Xi’an Incident, which helped unite the KMT and CCP, took place in what year?

• 1911
• 1936
• 1949
• 1975

Correct Answer: 1936

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an Incident occurred in 1936 during the Chinese Civil War. This event, where Chiang Kai-shek was detained by Zhang Xueliang, led to the formation of the Second United Front between the KMT and CCP to focus on fighting against the Japanese invasion.

What is the name of the oldest and most extensive of the four major types of Chinese opera, originating in Xi’an?

• Qinqiang
• Peking Opera
• Kunqu
• Yue Opera

Correct Answer: Qinqiang

Correct Answer Explanation: Qinqiang, known as the “Voice of Qin,” is the oldest and most extensive of the four major types of Chinese opera, originating in the region of Xi’an.

What is the name of the major airport serving Xi’an?

• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
• Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
• Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

Correct Answer: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Correct Answer Explanation: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is the primary airport serving the city and is located 25 miles northwest of the city center.

Which of the following is NOT a major industry in Xi’an?

• Software development
• Aerospace
• Automotive manufacturing
• Agriculture

Correct Answer: Agriculture

Correct Answer Explanation: While Xi’an has a thriving software industry, aerospace manufacturing, and automotive production, agriculture is not a major industry for the city.

What is the name of the ancient Neolithic village discovered on the outskirts of Xi’an, providing valuable insights into early Chinese civilization?

• Banpo
• Fenghao
• Lantian
• Daming Palace

Correct Answer: Banpo

Correct Answer Explanation: The Banpo Neolithic village, discovered in 1953, is located on the eastern outskirts of Xi’an and dates back to 5,600-6,700 years ago. The site is now home to the Xi’an Banpo Museum.

Which of these universities is NOT located in Xi’an?

• Northwestern Polytechnical University
• Fudan University
• Xi’an Jiaotong University
• Xidian University

Correct Answer: Fudan University

Correct Answer Explanation: Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Xidian University are all located in Xi’an. Fudan University is a prestigious university located in Shanghai.

Which of these famous attractions is NOT located in Xi’an or its surrounding areas?

• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Terracotta Army
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Shaanxi History Museum

Correct Answer: The Temple of Heaven

Correct Answer Explanation: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Terracotta Army, and the Shaanxi History Museum are all significant landmarks located in or near Xi’an. The Temple of Heaven is a renowned complex in Beijing.

What is the name of the major industrial zone in Xi’an, known for its economic and technological development?

• Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone
• Guanzhong Plain
• Xi’an Software Park
• Xi’an Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone

Correct Answer: Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone is a key industrial area in the city, driving economic growth and technological advancements.

Which of these statements is TRUE about the population of Xi’an?

• The population of Xi’an is predominantly female.
• Xi’an has a population of over 20 million.
• Xi’an is the most populous city in Northwest China.
• Xi’an’s population has been steadily decreasing in recent years.

Correct Answer: Xi’an is the most populous city in Northwest China.

Correct Answer Explanation: Xi’an is the most populous city in Northwest China, with a total population exceeding 12 million as per the 2020 census.

In what year was the Xi’an Metro system first opened to the public?

• 2005
• 2011
• 2013
• 2016

Correct Answer: 2011

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an Metro system first opened to the public on September 16, 2011, with the launch of Line 2.

What is the name of the ancient Chinese settlement, located southwest of present-day Xi’an, that served as the capital of the Zhou dynasty?

• Fenghao
• Lantian
• Chang’an
• Daming Palace

Correct Answer: Fenghao

Correct Answer Explanation: Fenghao, comprised of the twin settlements of Fengjing and Haojing, was the capital of the Zhou dynasty, located southwest of present-day Xi’an.

What is the Chinese name for Xi’an that was adopted in 1369 during the Ming dynasty?

• Chang’an
• Xianyang
• Fenghao
• 西安

Correct Answer: 西安

Correct Answer Explanation: Xi’an’s Chinese name, 西安, meaning “Western Peace,” was adopted in 1369 during the early Ming dynasty. The pinyin romanization of this name is “Xi’an.”

Which of the following is NOT one of the major rivers or streams surrounding the Guanzhong Plain, where Xi’an is located?

• The Wei River
• The Yellow River
• The Fen River
• The Luo River

Correct Answer: The Yellow River

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wei River, the Fen River, and the Luo River all contribute to the formation of the Guanzhong Plain. The Yellow River flows through a different region in China.

Which of the following is a well-known historical event that took place in Xi’an during the Second Sino-Japanese War?

• The Battle of Xi’an
• The Xi’an Incident
• The Siege of Xi’an
• The Nanjing Massacre

Correct Answer: The Battle of Xi’an

Correct Answer Explanation: The Battle of Xi’an refers to a series of aerial battles that took place over the city in 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Xi’an city wall?

• It was built during the Tang dynasty.
• It was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.
• It is the largest city wall in China.
• It is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world.

Correct Answer: It is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an city wall, built during the Ming dynasty, is remarkably well-preserved and stands as one of the most intact ancient city walls in the world.

What is the name of the famous Buddhist pagoda in Xi’an, built to house the translations of Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang?

• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Daqin Pagoda
• The Famen Temple

Correct Answer: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Correct Answer Explanation: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, standing tall in Xi’an, was built in 652 to store the Buddhist scriptures translated by Xuanzang after his pilgrimage to India.

What is the name of the famous ancient Chinese opera, also known as “The Empress of the Great Tang,” that is based on the life of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty?

• Qinqiang
• Peking Opera
• Kunqu
• Empress Wu Zetian

Correct Answer: Empress Wu Zetian

Correct Answer Explanation: The ancient Chinese opera, “The Empress of the Great Tang,” or simply “Empress Wu Zetian,” tells the story of the renowned Empress Wu Zetian from the Tang dynasty.

What is the name of the major high-speed rail line that connects Xi’an to Zhengzhou?

• The Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway
• The Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway
• The Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway
• The Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway

Correct Answer: The Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway

Correct Answer Explanation: The Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway is a key high-speed rail line connecting the cities of Zhengzhou and Xi’an.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the history of Xi’an’s Muslim community?

• The Muslim community in Xi’an was established by Arab traders during the Tang dynasty.
• The Muslim community in Xi’an has always been a peaceful and integrated part of society.
• The Muslim community in Xi’an was heavily persecuted during the Cultural Revolution.
• The Muslim community in Xi’an played a significant role in the Xinhai Revolution.

Correct Answer: The Muslim community in Xi’an played a significant role in the Xinhai Revolution.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Muslim community in Xi’an, particularly the Hui Muslims, played an active role in the Xinhai Revolution. While there have been periods of conflict and tension, the Muslim community has been a part of Xi’an’s diverse society for centuries.

Which of these statements is TRUE about the 2022 COVID-19 outbreak in Xi’an?

• The outbreak was caused by the Omicron variant.
• The city was put under lockdown for over a month.
• The outbreak resulted in a significant number of deaths.
• The outbreak was successfully contained within a few weeks.

Correct Answer: The city was put under lockdown for over a month.

Correct Answer Explanation: Xi’an experienced a major COVID-19 outbreak in late 2021 and early 2022, leading to a strict lockdown for over a month starting on December 23, 2021.

What is the name of the historic stone forest in Xi’an, known for its numerous inscriptions and stoneworks?

• The Stele Forest
• The Forest of Steles
• The Stone Forest
• The Xi’an Stone Garden

Correct Answer: The Stele Forest

Correct Answer Explanation: The Stele Forest in Xi’an is a famous historical site, housing a large collection of ancient inscriptions and stoneworks.

Which of the following is NOT one of the universities ranked in the top 147 National Key Universities in Xi’an?

• Xi’an Jiaotong University
• Northwestern Polytechnical University
• Xidian University
• Tsinghua University

Correct Answer: Tsinghua University

Correct Answer Explanation: Tsinghua University is a prestigious university located in Beijing, not Xi’an.

What is the name of the famous Taoist temple in Xi’an, known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere?

• Wolong Temple
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Famen Temple
• The White Cloud Temple

Correct Answer: Wolong Temple

Correct Answer Explanation: Wolong Temple, located in Xi’an’s Kaitong Lane, is a renowned Taoist temple known for its architectural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

What is the name of the famous hot springs resort in Xi’an, renowned for its healing waters and historical significance?

• Huaqing Hot Springs
• Mount Li National Forest Park
• Datang Everbright City
• The Shaanxi History Museum

Correct Answer: Huaqing Hot Springs

Correct Answer Explanation: Huaqing Hot Springs, located at the foot of Mount Li, is a famous hot springs resort with a history spanning thousands of years. It is also known for its adjacent Huaqing Palace, a historical landmark.

What is the name of the ancient city located to the north of the Wei River, which served as the capital of the Qin dynasty?

• Chang’an
• Fenghao
• Xianyang
• Daxing

Correct Answer: Xianyang

Correct Answer Explanation: Xianyang, located north of the Wei River, was the capital of the Qin dynasty.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Tang dynasty in Xi’an?

• The Tang dynasty was known for its cultural and economic decline.
• The Tang dynasty was a period of great political stability and prosperity.
• The Tang dynasty saw the rise of Confucianism as the dominant ideology.
• The Tang dynasty was characterized by a strict social hierarchy and limited social mobility.

Correct Answer: The Tang dynasty was a period of great political stability and prosperity.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tang dynasty was a golden age for China, known for its political stability, economic prosperity, cultural flourishing, and expansion.

Which of the following is NOT a major road or transportation route that passes through Xi’an?

• The Silk Road
• The Grand Canal
• The Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway
• The Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway

Correct Answer: The Grand Canal

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Silk Road, the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway, and the Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway all pass through Xi’an, the Grand Canal is located in eastern China.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Banpo Neolithic village?

• It was discovered in the 19th century.
• It dates back to approximately 10,000 years ago.
• It provides evidence of early agricultural practices.
• It is located near the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang.

Correct Answer: It provides evidence of early agricultural practices.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Banpo Neolithic village provides valuable insights into early agricultural practices, with evidence of farming and pottery found at the site.

What is the name of the Chinese opera, originating from Xi’an, that is known for its high-pitched vocal style and elaborate costumes?

• Peking Opera
• Qinqiang
• Kunqu
• Yue Opera

Correct Answer: Qinqiang

Correct Answer Explanation: Qinqiang, known as the “Voice of Qin,” is a type of Chinese opera characterized by its high-pitched vocal style and vibrant costumes.

What is the name of the historical stele in Xi’an that documents the early presence of Christianity in China?

• The Nestorian Stele
• The Confucian Stele
• The Buddhist Stele
• The Daqin Pagoda

Correct Answer: The Nestorian Stele

Correct Answer Explanation: The Nestorian Stele, located in Xi’an’s Beilin Museum, is a significant historical artifact that records the arrival and spread of early Christianity in China, dating back to the Tang dynasty.

What is the name of the major mosque in Xi’an, known for its unique blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles?

• The Great Mosque
• The White Mosque
• The Blue Mosque
• The Red Mosque

Correct Answer: The Great Mosque

Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Mosque of Xi’an, located in the city center, is one of the oldest and most prominent mosques in China. It reflects a unique combination of Islamic and Chinese architectural elements.

What is the name of the famous mountain located near Xi’an, one of the Five Great Mountains in Taoism?

• Mount Hua
• Mount Tai
• Mount Huangshan
• Mount Emei

Correct Answer: Mount Hua

Correct Answer Explanation: Mount Hua, located 100 kilometers east of Xi’an, is one of the Five Great Mountains in Taoism, known for its scenic beauty and spiritual significance.

What is the name of the ancient palace in Xi’an that was once the royal residence of the Tang dynasty emperors?

• Daming Palace
• Weiyang Palace
• Changle Palace
• The Forbidden City

Correct Answer: Daming Palace

Correct Answer Explanation: Daming Palace, now a national heritage park, was the grand imperial palace of the Tang dynasty emperors in Xi’an.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Xi’an Software Park?

• It is the largest software park in China.
• It is located in the Xi’an Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone.
• It was established in the 1980s.
• It is primarily focused on developing software for the agricultural industry.

Correct Answer: It is located in the Xi’an Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an Software Park is located within the Xi’an Hi-Tech Industries Development Zone, a major hub for technological advancement and software development in the city.

What is the name of the major high-speed railway line that connects Xi’an to Chongqing?

• The Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway
• The Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway
• The Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway
• The Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway

Correct Answer: The Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway is a significant high-speed rail line connecting the cities of Xi’an and Chongqing.

What is the name of the historical museum in Xi’an that houses a vast collection of artifacts from various dynasties?

• The Shaanxi History Museum
• The Xi’an Museum
• The National Museum of China
• The Forbidden City

Correct Answer: The Shaanxi History Museum

Correct Answer Explanation: The Shaanxi History Museum in Xi’an is a prominent museum showcasing a rich collection of historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.

What is the name of the ancient city located to the southwest of present-day Xi’an, which served as the capital of the Western Zhou dynasty?

• Fenghao
• Chang’an
• Xianyang
• Daxing

Correct Answer: Fenghao

Correct Answer Explanation: Fenghao, a complex of two ancient cities, was the capital of the Western Zhou dynasty, located southwest of Xi’an.

What is the name of the ancient Chinese settlement that was established by King Ping of Zhou as the new capital of the Zhou dynasty after the unrest in Fenghao?

• Chang’an
• Luoyang
• Xianyang
• Daxing

Correct Answer: Luoyang

Correct Answer Explanation: King Ping of Zhou moved the capital of the Zhou dynasty from Fenghao to Luoyang in 738 BC due to political instability.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the city walls of Xi’an?

• They were built entirely of brick.
• They are the only remaining city walls in China.
• They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• They were originally built during the Tang dynasty.

Correct Answer: They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Correct Answer Explanation: The city walls of Xi’an are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their historical and cultural significance.

What is the name of the ancient palace in Xi’an that was built by the first emperor of the Han dynasty, Liu Bang?

• Weiyang Palace
• Changle Palace
• Daming Palace
• The Forbidden City

Correct Answer: Changle Palace

Correct Answer Explanation: Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han dynasty, constructed Changle Palace (“Perpetual Happiness”) in Xi’an after establishing his capital there.

What is the name of the ancient Chinese settlement, located to the east of present-day Xi’an, where the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Terracotta Army are located?

• Fenghao
• Xianyang
• Lintong
• Lantian

Correct Answer: Lintong

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang and the Terracotta Army are located in the Lintong district, east of Xi’an.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Xi’an Muslim community?

• It is primarily composed of Uyghurs.
• It has its roots in the Silk Road trade.
• It was established during the Yuan dynasty.
• It is the largest Muslim community in China.

Correct Answer: It has its roots in the Silk Road trade.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an Muslim community, particularly the Hui Muslims, has its roots in the Silk Road trade, with Muslim merchants and travelers bringing their culture and religion to the city over centuries.

What is the name of the famous Tang dynasty pagoda in Xi’an, built to house the translations of Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Yijing?

• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Daqin Pagoda
• The Famen Temple

Correct Answer: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Correct Answer Explanation: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed in Xi’an in 707 to store the Buddhist scriptures translated by the monk Yijing after his pilgrimage to India.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Xi’an city wall?

• It was built entirely of brick.
• It is the largest city wall in China.
• It was originally built during the Tang dynasty.
• It was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Correct Answer: It was built entirely of brick.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Xi’an city wall was constructed entirely of brick, making it a formidable defensive structure.

What is the name of the historical site in Xi’an, located near the city center, where both the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are situated?

• The Muslim Quarter
• The City Wall
• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
• The Stele Forest

Correct Answer: The City Wall

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bell Tower and the Drum Tower are located within the city center of Xi’an, near the city wall.

What is the name of the famous mountain located near Xi’an, known for its scenic beauty and its association with the legend of the White Snake?

• Mount Hua
• Mount Tai
• Mount Huangshan
• Mount Emei

Correct Answer: Mount Hua

Correct Answer Explanation: Mount Hua is known for its scenic beauty, its association with the legend of the White Snake, and its role as one of the Five Great Mountains in Taoism.

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