Welcome to Xian of Shaanxi Province China
Look at any half-serious planned tour of China and the city of Xi’an will be on the list of destinations, and for good reason. It’s a city that has a depth of historical attractions rivaling that of Beijing, and many believe the jewell in Xi’an’s list of attractions is still yet to be revealed.
When I arrived I stepped straight of the airport shuttle bus and more or less straight in the door of the Melody Hotel, when I got up to the room and took a look out the window I realised I was in a special place. Straight ahead out my window was a massive public square, and a massive Drum Tower, looking to the right I could see a large Bell Tower. Not many cities offer that in the first five minutes of arrival!
the Drum Tower
The list of attractions in the city goes on and on, including the Drum Tower, The Bell Tower, the Grand Mosque, ancient City Walls, temples pagodas and this is just within minutes of the city centre. Just outside the city theres the Huaqing Hot Springs and then there’s the reason why most come here, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Terracotta Warriors.
One section of Terracotta Army
For me the most impressive feature of this city is that there is just so many things to see, and it’s all so easy to see. Xi’an isn’t a big bustling metropolis like Beijing, so it’s quite easy to get around if your staying within the city center.
the Grand Mosque
