Chapter 6 : XI'An, in the heart of ancient China
XI' year is one of the few cities in China to retain its walls. They were restored and it is possible to make the circle complete (access 40Y), and even rent a bike for this purpose (for example in the South door, 20THERE + bail 200Y for 1 h 40).
The main station is northeast of the heart of the city. To move, the metro is still embryonic, but the bus 603 (1THERE), which is taken from the inner side of the ramparts, slightly on your right out of the station, passes through the seat of Government, the Bell Tower, the southern door including. Otherwise, taxis are inexpensive.
Hotel : Han Tang Inn, 5 min walk from the drum tower (to p.d. 35Y in low season). Good atmosphere with many animations, large and comfortable common areas, and the rooms are clean and spacious and feature of large bathrooms.
I found another Chinese friend, also a former comrade, and her parents take us to the dinner show Tang Dynasty (South of the city). Dinner is a little "sweetened" for tourists, but the show is beautiful !
If you go through Xi' year, You'll definitely want to visit theTerra cotta army (Bingmayong). Once again, unnecessary to go through guided tours that will move in shops "to tourists.. Leaving the station, go to the parking lot to bus on your left and mount in the 306 (7Is one-way). It also involves other tourist sites like the baths Huaqing.
Do not miss the Muslim Quarter, Northwest of the drum tower, where you can taste many specialties : spicy kebabs, noodle soups, rice noodles, kebabs... The great mosque (25THERE), amazing blend of traditional Chinese and Muslim styles, beside the inevitable market memories.
To the West of the city, the Temple of Eight Immortals (BA Xian year, 3THERE), is a remarkable temple Taoist still in activity. Just in front, a flea market is held on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Other tourist attractions :
- Forest of steles Museum : many steles presents, as its name suggests, but also a room of sculptures. Admission is expensive (80THERE).
- The Gao family home (20THERE) : beautiful traditional house near the Muslim Quarter.
- Big wild goose pagoda : admission is expensive (50Y for the Park + 40Y for the ascent). Next were the venue of water jets. The pagoda is located in a large commercial area with buildings in traditional style.
- Small wild goose pagoda (50THERE) : the ascent is... sports ! The Summit leaves see the contrast between traditional and real neighborhoods brand new. The Park is pleasant and houses it Museum of Xi'An (free entry). In this park, two models posed for a group of Chinese photographers ; saw me, one of them comes up to me and the group begins to strafe us ! Star from one day to Xi' year...
The last day, I was invited to lunch with the parents of my girlfriend. The dishes were delicious, and in addition to being very warmly welcomed, his mother offered me countless gifts : kites, paper cut, Lint, "puppets" of Shaanxi... The Chinese know receive !
