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Explore the Botai site, known for its historical significance as one of the earliest centers of horse domestication. Visitors can walk through the ancient ruins and archaeological findings that give insights into early human civilization and its relationship with animals, especially horses.
Botai is located on the southeast side of East Peak in the Huashan Scenic Area, on the southern section of Yuquan Road in Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. The platform is flat and surrounded by ravines on three sides. It is connected to the famous dangerous road "Yaozi Fanshen" on East Peak.
In ancient times, when standing on the East Peak and looking at the Bo Terrace, one could see a square stone with uneven surfaces resembling a chessboard, hence the name Chess Stone. After the Song Dynasty, due to the pavilion built on the terrace, it was also called Chess Pavilion.
Legend has it that before Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, achieved great success, played chess with the ancestor Chen Tuan on the platform, betting Mount Hua on the platform. When he lost, he surrendered the mountain to Chen Tuan. The double-eaved stone pavilion on the platform, built in 1987, houses a stone chessboard. It is said to be the endgame of the game Zhao Kuangyin lost to Chen Tuan.
Huayin has a pleasant climate with four distinct seasons and an average annual temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, making it a great place to travel in any season.
The double-eaved stone pavilion on the stage was built in 1987. Inside it is a stone chessboard. It is said that this is the endgame of the game in which Zhao Kuangyin lost to Chen Tuan.
It is recommended to play for about 1 to 2 hours.
Included in the Huashan Scenic Area Pass.
Xishan Gate: open 24 hours a day;
Dongshanmen Cableway: 7:00-19:00 in peak season, 8:30-17:00 in off-season;
North Peak Cableway: Peak season: 7:00-19:00, off-season 9:00-17:00.
Botai is an archaeological site in Shaanxi, believed to be one of the earliest places where horses were domesticated for riding. The discovery of Botai culture is crucial for understanding the development of early human societies and their connection to animals in the Neolithic period.
Botai is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. The site can be reached by taxi or private car from nearby cities like Xi'an. Public transport options may be limited, so it's recommended to plan in advance.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor exploration.
The entrance fee for Botai is typically low, and tickets can be purchased at the site. It is recommended to check for any updates on ticketing policies online before visiting.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically required, as the site is not usually overcrowded. However, for peak tourist seasons, booking a day or two in advance may be a good idea.
It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Botai archaeological site, including visiting the museum and walking through the excavated areas.
The main highlight of the site is the horse domestication areas, where early signs of horse handling can be observed. The ruins and artifacts related to Botai culture are also significant for understanding the Neolithic period.
Guided tours are available at the site, with services in both Chinese and English. It’s a good idea to request a guide upon arrival to get more in-depth historical context.
The best photography spots are around the ancient horse domestication areas and the surrounding landscape, offering a picturesque view of the archaeological site and the natural surroundings.
Start by visiting the main excavation site where the horse domestication remains are found. Then, proceed to the museum or exhibition area to learn more about the Botai culture and its significance in early human history.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Botai. The site is best visited during the daytime for better visibility of the archaeological remains and landscape.
Botai is generally not very crowded, but it can get more visitors during weekends and public holidays. Weekday mornings are the least crowded times to visit.
The site offers basic facilities including public toilets, drinking water stations, and some rest areas. There are no major food shops or restaurants within the site, so visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments.
The site has some accessible paths, but parts of the terrain may be uneven. Elderly visitors and those with mobility issues should take care while exploring. It’s recommended to check the site’s accessibility in advance if you have specific needs.
Cash is typically accepted, but mobile payments are commonly used in China, so it’s a good idea to have a payment app like WeChat Pay or Alipay ready for convenience.
There are a few local restaurants and small eateries in Huayin town, offering traditional Shaanxi cuisine like roujiamo (Chinese burger) and liangpi (cold noodles). More dining options can be found in Xi'an, about an hour away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, but halal food may be less common in the immediate area. Xi'an, however, offers a broader variety of halal food options.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Huayin, ranging from budget to mid-range. For more luxury options, you can stay in Xi'an and take a short trip to the site.
Other nearby attractions include the Huashan Mountain, a famous Taoist mountain, and the ancient city of Xi'an with its Terracotta Warriors and City Wall. These sites are easily combined for a cultural day trip.
Souvenir shops in Huayin offer local handicrafts, such as pottery, traditional textiles, and Shaanxi-style snacks. Xi'an also offers a wide range of souvenirs, including Terracotta Warrior replicas and local specialties.
After visiting Botai, taxis or buses can be used to return to Huayin or continue to nearby attractions like Huashan Mountain. For longer trips, consider taking a high-speed train or bus to Xi'an.
