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CITYLIFE / Travel
24 hours in Xi'an
By Nishita Mehta-Jasani
Updated: 2007-08-06 10:00
The seat of imperial China for more than 2,000 years, Xi'an once rivaled
the ancient cities of Rome and Constantinople in its power and grandeur.
The easternmost center of trade on the Silk Route, it was a melting pot
for merchants from Persia, Arabia and Hindustan selling silks, furs and
spices. Though Xi'an has embraced modernization, it still remains an
archaeological marvel and one of China's premier tourist destinations.
8am: Stock up on breakfast and head for the site of the Terracotta Army,
an hour's drive away. Unearthed in 1974 by a peasant farmer (whom you can
meet in the souvenir shop), the clay battalion is Xi'an's Pole Star. View
the three excavated catacomb mud vaults who protect a grand menagerie of
life-like soldiers-each unique in its features, expressions and military
status, all of which were destined to be Emperor Qin's afterlife army.
11am: Head back to the city, stopping at the Mayfirst Hotel's self-serve
canteen on Dong Da Jie for a quick, economical meal of steamed buns and
noodles, with ice lollies for dessert.
1pm: Visit the south gate of the City Wall. The 14km-long fortification
encloses Old Xi'an and is best appreciated on a bicycle (available for
rental at RMB 20/hour). Take a leisurely two-hour circumambulation of one
of China's best preserved city walls-its watch towers hinting of past
splendor, and looming construction sites foreshadowing the city's future
fa莽ade.
3:30pm: Pay quick homage to the triple-eaved Bell Tower on Nan Da Jie,
the city's focal point, then head toward the Great Mosque, via the Drum
Tower.
4pm: The Great Mosque at Hua Jue Xi'ang provides a tranquil escape from
the twisting alleys and commotion leading up to it. Enjoy a meditative
moment amid the Sino-Islamic pavilions. Save the bazaar shopping for
later when it livens up.
5:30pm: Stop at the Big Goose Pagoda on Yanta Lu. It's an arduous
62-meter climb to the top, but worthwhile for the panoramic city views.
The pagoda is a memorial tomb for Emperor Gaozong鈥檚 mother and a
library of ancient Buddhi-st scriptures.
7pm: Continue to an atypical tourist destination, Tang Paradise/Tang
Dynasty Lotus Park. This 165-acre park is part of a government campaign
to recreate the Tang gardens. Don't be surprised if your olfactory senses
are tickled; this USD 157 million park is the world's largest outdoor
fragrance project. Look out for the majestic water screen and attend the
splendid sound, light and fireworks show (from 8:30-9pm) by the Purple
Cloud building.
9pm: Return to the Muslim Quarter (which should be bustling by now) for a
late street food dinner. Sample freshly marinated lamb kebabs and beef
soup with brick-oven flat bread prepared by Muslim Hui minority chefs.
10pm: Spend the rest of the evening in the effervescent night bazaar
dusting off layers of soot from silver ornaments and miniature warriors
in search of a prized souvenir of your day in Xi'an.銆€
TRAVEL PACK
Mayfirst Hotel (Wu Yi Fandian)
Location: 351 Dong Da Jie
Tel: 029 768 1098
Tang Paradise (Da Tang Fu Rong Yuan)
Location: Qujiang Resort
Tel: 029 8551 1888
Bell Tower Hotel (Zhong Lou Fandian)
Location: 110 Nan Da Jie
Tel: 029 8760 0000
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