Xi'an, China is the impressive and cosmopolitan capital of the Shaanzi Province. This bustling city incorporates ancient history with a modern city, but unfortunately is typically a quick stop-over from Beijing to Shanghai to visit the Terracotta Warriors.
Biking the City Walls
Many of China’s ancient cities have become modernized, but Xi’an has managed to retain a major piece of its history intact. Forming an enormous rectangle around the old imperial heart of the city, the Xi’an city walls date back to the Tang Dynasty, although several sections have been recently restored. You can either enjoy a peaceful stroll or leisurely ride on a bicycle (or a ride bicycle built for two!) with access provided at the major gates.
There are four main gates, although the South Gate is probably the most common starting point. The four gates form a twelve-meter high rectangle with a perimeter of twelve kilometers in length. Two-hour bikes typically run about 40 Yuan, and can provide a favorable morning; especially when a juice and pastry is enjoyed after an appetite is worked up.
The Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter, comprised of a number of narrow and bustling streets in the vicinity of the Drum Tower, is home to Xi’an Hui population, one of China’s ethnic minorities. Xi’an is the start of the Silk Road which was the major trade route between Europe and Asia bringing wealth, power and Muslims in addition to goods.
The sweet smells of the food market and colorful displays of the artwork can overwhelm the five senses: sizzling kebabs, spicy curry, brilliant shades of ink, and enough tea to make the Irish jealous. While the day market is thrilling, the night market makes for a pleasurable stroll under the stars, or at one of the many packed restaurants in the area.
Nestled in the back alleys of the Muslim Quarter is the Great Mosque of Xi’an and dates back to 742 AD in the Tang Dynasty. The unique architecture is a blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic influences and is the largest and best preserved of the early mosques in China. The mosque has the layout of a Chinese temple with successive courtyards and pagodas adapted to suit Islamic religion. However, the great axis is aligned from east to west, facing Mecca. The narrow side alleys that surround the Great Mosque are packed with vendors selling souvenirs, but inside spiritual heart is only calmness and tranquility.
The Dumpling Banquet
One of the culinary experiences to be had in Xi’an is a Dumpling Feast. The cooking methods for these succulent delicacies include steaming; boiling, pan-frying and deep-frying with a myriad of flavors from salty to sweet, and the presentation of this regional delight should be considered an art form. The dumplings come in the shapes of frogs, chickens and exotic flowers just to name a few. The Chinese dumpling has a long history and is an essential part of celebratory meals, and this ancient city is regarded as the birthplace of the dumpling tradition.
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