A holiday in Xi’an will reward with intriguing statuary and a spiritual atmosphere as old as religion itself. In ancient times Xi'an was a key post on the trading routes from China to central Asia, and the beginning point of the famed Silk Road; in recent years this 3,100 year old city has come back into its own as one of China's major tourist destinations.
Modern Xi'an is a rather grotty industrial city, perpetually shrouded in smog. But the hordes of visitors come to be awed by its ancient glory at the vaults on the outskirts of the city housing an army of terracotta warriors, one of the greatest archaeological treasures in the world only discovered in 1974. No words can describe the emotions experienced when first seeing this remarkable site; a mere hour’s drive from the city centre.
East of Xi'an city, on the bank of the Chanhe River, are the remains of the ancient settlement of Banpo, dating from about 5,000BC. The remains are the most complete example of an agricultural Neolithic settlement in the world, and while lacking the marketing clout of the terracotta warriors, Banpo gives powerful insights into modern man’s earliest days.
Pride of China's Islamic community is the Great Mosque near the Drum Tower in the Muslim quarter inside Xi’an’s impressive city wall. This is the best-preserved ancient mosque in China, built in 742AD during the Tang Dynasty and is a magnet for Muslim pilgrims all over the world. Other impressive sights are the Wild Goose Pagodas, the perfectly maintained city wall and the drum and bell towers inside the old city.
A centre of learning, Xi’an hosts many universities; bringing with them a youthful hedonistic lifestyle and a hectic nightlife. The Old City positively pumps at night, but keep an eye out for pickpockets. Add in a regional cuisine that blends flavours from the east to the Mediterranean and you have a unique opportunity to experience a different and multi-cultural side of China.
Xi’an fun facts
it is possible to walk or cycle the whole way around on the top of the 14km city wall
You can ‘big note’ yourself by striking one of the bells in the bell tower - for a fee
Fans of the hit TV series ‘Monkey’ will recognise the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – it often featured in the background
KUALA LUMPUR ~ MALAYSIA
Saturday 9th January 2010
Travel Counsellor: Heidi Winkley
What a lovely, neat city.
*I found it very easy to get around the city.
*The food is great quality.
*The locals are very helpful and friendly.
*Some great pieces of architecture (including the KL Twin Towers), which we had a lovely view of from our motel room, spectacular.
*I spent some time with the elephants on a day tour of the Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, I opted out of swimming with them however, as I didn't want to get wet. This was approximately one and a half hours drive out of Kuala Lumpur and was a wonderful up close experience with many elephants.
*I had an absolutely wonderful seafood buffet dinner at the Revolving KL Tower Restaurant. The food was absolutely amazing and the views were magnificent!
*I did some shopping in the air conditioned markets.
*I only had 1 full day in Kuala Lumpur and definitely could have spent more time here.
I had a very pleasant experience and would recommend Kuala Lumpur for at least a night or two stopover on the way to either the... view full story
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