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
Family Holiday to Bali
Saturday 17th October 2009
Travel Counsellor: Natalie Freeman
This was my fourth time to Bali and each time I go back there I have a completely different experience. This time it was seeing it through a child's eyes. My daughter was 16 months old when we travelled - this being her first overseas trip. I needn't of worried though, the Balinese loved her. They were always talking to her and giving her high fives. She was a big hit with everyone there.
When we arrived in Bali we were met with our pre arranged driver Sanny. This is something that I definately recommend whilst you are there. He was fantastic as he had already installed a child car seat so that was one thing that we didn't need to worry about. He also had an esky of cold drinks ready to go - something that was very welcoming as you walk out of the airport and into the Bali sunshine.
Soon enough we were adjusting and settling ourselves into 'Bali Time'. There is no hurry to get anywhere really. The traffic can get bad but no one really seems to care. The toots of the car and bike... view full story
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