Xian, The Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Written: Feb 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: One of the Great Sights in China
Cons: None,
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| TheSmartTraveler's Full Review: Xi'an |
After leaving the "Old Passengers Waitting Lounge" in Shanghai, and passing a box "For Accusation Letters", we boarded our flight to Xian. On the plane, some of the passengers got cardboard boxes with food, others got empty cardboard boxes, others were lucky to get beautiful fans instead of the cardboard boxes. When the plane landed, all of the passengers got up, and a phenomenon occurred; all of the seats collapsed in unison in the forward position. Welcome to Xian!
Our home for the next three nights was the New Wing of the Sheraton Xian Hotel. This is a very nice hotel with friendly people and excellent service.
One of the most wonderful things to see in China is the 2000 year-old Army of Terracotta Warriors. Each year more terracotta figures are unearthed at this sight. Gaze in amazement at how well preserved this Army has withstood the ages. As General McArthur once said, "Old soldiers don't die, they just fade away." In Xian they stand guard forever over an ancient imperial necropolis. Wander around the site at your own pace; however, only take pictures in designated areas. We saw tourists who tried to take pictures in areas that were clearly marked no photos. I said tried to take pictures, because their film was taken out of their camera and confiscated. In the same area was a museum of the pottery warriors and horses of Qin Shi Huangs mausoleum. There was a nice gift shop here. Upon leaving the Terracotta Warriors where the buses are awaiting, check out the Farmer's Paintings from the vendors. These paintings are great, and in my opinion are the best buy in Xian. The two I have hanging on my bedroom wall get rave reviews from all who see them. There are also many people trying to sell you small clay soldiers in this area. The prices are great, but unfortunately they don't travel well. Most of the soldiers I bought made it home safely and are still gathering dust on my bookshelf.
The market in Xian was a fun place to buy silk robes. As part of the bargaining game when you made an offer for something, the vendors in a gutteral voice screamed another price to you. You were then expected to scream a lower price to them. I guess I played this game well because all of the vendors in the market were coming over to observe and laugh at this game. Many people on our tour including Jenny and Carlos, Dr. Jack, Doris, Sonya, Gracie and others all had new silk robes due to my bargaining skill and screaming. I recommend you partake in this game, and enjoy your silk robe.
Other sights to see in Xian are the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian City Wall and Gate, Imperial Tombs, and the Temple of Confucius with an exhibit called the Forest of Steles, the oldest and heaviest library in the world. The teachers on our tour enjoyed this library, and said they would tell their students about the importance of reading and taking their light-weight books home every night. Walk around and enjoy the company of the locals at the Hua Qing Hot Springs. Check out the workers and buy some exquisite things in a Cloisonne Factory. The food in the night market looked very good, but the food in the hotel was safer to eat for your stomach!
There is so much more to see and do in Xian. I recommend everyone come and enjoy Xian. You will be glad you did.
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Member: John Isaacs
Location: Miami, Florida
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I get the shakes if I don't take at least 5 good trips a year.
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