24 hours in Xi'an
1/6 of foreign tourists coming to China come to Xi’an, the second “must see” place after Beijing, although package tours mostly likely only includes a couple of days stay in their itineraries. If you want to come as individual traveler and want to find bargain rate for lounging in the central city, this is the place.
It is not only the courtyard, warm smiles; bargain price and central location but also a sense of community that makes a traveler feels at home here.
On a chilly winter night, what can make one feel more warm and cozy than a dumpling dinner party with some newly met friends?


The dinning table is also always the best place to exchange travel tips and sharing experiences.
It is from here you might learn the saying: “To learn the last 100 years’ China, visit Shanghai; to learn the last 500 years of Chinese history, visit Beijing, to learn 2000 years history prior to that, visit Xi’an!” yes, the first emperor, the terracotta soldiers, the Han culture, the Chinaware
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 Xian’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: Leave the pit return to the city, stopping at the snack food street for a self-serve canteen on Huimin Street ( or Muslem Street ) for a quick, economical meal of steamed buns and noodles, with some other choices of local flavors.
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 façade.
3:30pm: Pay quick homage to the triple-eaved Bell Tower on Nan Da Jie ( South Avenue), the city's focal point, and then head toward the Great Mosque, via the Drum Tower.
4pm: The Great Mosque at Hua Jue Alley Street 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 Wild 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 an Emperor’s mother in Tang Dynasty and a library of ancient Buddhist scriptures.
7pm: Go to a typical tourist must-see spot:
Tang Paradise (Tang Dynasty Lotus Park). This 165-acre park is part of a government invested project in order to recreate the prosperous atmosphere of Tang Dynasty. Don't be surprised for the huge size of the park as this USD 157 million investment is the world's largest outdoor fragrance project. You can also have a look at the panorama film on a majestic water screen and or go to attend the splendid show composed of fantastic sound, light and fireworks (from 8:30-9pm) just at the main building (the Purple Cloud Mansion).
10 pm: Return to the Muslim Quarter (which should be still crowded with eaters with a bustling scene by now) for some local night snacks. Such as some local flavored bone soup with baked bread prepared by Moslem Hui minority chefs.
11 pm. Now you can return to your hotel and get packed for your next day’s program or destination.

For detailed information, please drop in an email and you will get a tailor-made itinerary exclusively for your tour calendar and interest.
john@chinahuangshan.com congzhang35@hotmail.com