Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning) Gate
Situated on the eastern side of the South Gate, Shuyuan Gate is a cultural street factually restored in the style of the ancient architectures of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. It is 570 meters (about 623 yards) long and 10 meters (about 11 yards) wide. Shuyuan Gate won its name because the Guanzhong Shuyuan (central Shaanxi academy, established in the Ming Dynasty), which was one of the leading academies in ancient China and the highest institution of Shaanxi Province in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty, was located here. Xian Normal School and its attached primary school are now established on the site of Guanzhong Shuyuan. Rambling down the street, you may taste the true life of people in Xian and find the remains of an ever-refulgent dynasty.

After visiting the Bell Tower, walk along the South Avenue until you see a traditional archway on the east side of the road. That is Shuyuan Gate. Through the archway on which 'Shuyuan Gate' is carved, a green flagstone street extends, and you can see the 2-storey stores in ancient style along both sides and smell the aroma of Chinese ink. Most storekeepers, sitting leisurely in their stores, holding a little teapot or two small jade balls in their hands, never hustle. These stores deal mostly in the four treasures of study; curios, jade articles, gold and silver ornaments, calligraphies and paintings of celebrities, copybooks and handcrafted keepsakes. There are authentic works by some celebrated artists, but you can always try bargaining for the one you want. You can find here paintings by Liu Wenxi, a Xian artist who drew the images on the RMB 100 note. Shadow play figures, paper-cuts and face painting in the ancient style are typical folk handcrafts of Shaanxi Province that are colorful and appealing to tourists. Shadow play figures are made of animal skin, and were used for shadow play shows in ancient times. The technique of making it is so difficult that now fewer and fewer figures of shadow-play are for sale. The facial makeup painted by Zhang Xuanwu, a folk artist of Shaanxi Province, are favored among tourists. Zhang Xuanwu stated that he could paint more than 350 different faces, handed down from his ancestors.

Stalls outside the 2-storey stores are equally attractive. Along the street, Xun (an ancient egg-shaped wind instrument with eight holes) and jade articles are commonly seen. Walking in the area of Shuyuan Gate, you may hear the sounds of the Xun and the bamboo flute played by storekeepers now and again to drum up trade, which is not quite a melody but more the symbol of Xian. Jade articles here are mostly from Lantian County of Xian, which is famous for the quality of jade from ancient China. If you are lucky enough, you will see the old folk artist giving a traditional Chinese painting or calligraphy presentation in front of the site of Guanzhong Shuyuan. Such fascinating work, perhaps you cannot help but buy one. At the east of the end of Shuyuan Gate is the famous Forest of Stone Steles Museum .

Nowadays, Shuyuan Gate has become a site with a strong cultural flavor.

Opening Hours: A whole day (stores in Shuyuan Gate usually opened from 9:00 to 21:00) 
Bus Route: Bus No. 600, 603, 608, 46, 229, 800, 609, 239, 29, 6 to South Gate Stop