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Published: September 3rd 2012
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So, we arrived on a bus from Pingyao to a very wet X'ian. We dont know where we were dropped off so we vetted for a taxi to take us to the hostel which is a few minutes away from the BIG Goose Pagoda. After sorting ourselves out we went to get some dinner. Behind our hostel has the most amazing, cheap Chinese food so we opted for noodle soup which hit the spot exactly after our day of travelling and the rainy weather.
We decided to go to the Warriors the following day. I have always been told that the Warriors were a disappointment and just some "clay in pits"... but it is something that you have to do as you are in X'ian. I think as I expected the worst I actually found them quite interesting and after learning the history behind them, really started to appreciate how amazing they actually are. Despite, the whole area being a bit of a tourist trap really.
The next day we went into the centre of X'ian and had a look around the Bell Tower and the Drum tower. They were both quite similar but really nice to wonder round
and they have shows hourly so we watched a Drum show. I thought the Bell tower was nicer but the Drum tower had a better set up inside and you could see the millions of types of drums that actually exist. We then went to the West gate and wondered around the walls of X'ian to the East gate. The walls were nice, but you dont actually see much as X'ian has so many high buildings around the wall. After this we went to some of the markets and saw all the Calligraphy and painting sales and then went up to the Muslim Quarter.
The Muslim quarter has the nicest Mosque that I have ever visited and the most amazing food market.
The next day I went to the most spectacular place I have ever been. About 80km out of X'ian is the Hua Shan Mountain. You have to pay to get into the scenic area and then you have the option of walking up steep steps for 1h45, taking a 3 hour walk or opting for the Cable cart. I arrived on the 8am tourist bus from X'ian and was aiming to get it back when it
leaves at 5pm, so I decided for the cheap hard route, the whole thing was worthwhile though as it was so beautiful (and it was satisfying that I walked up instead of getting the Cable cart!) The problem was that once you get up to the North peak there is still a lot of walking to do up there. I didnt have time to go to the South peak but made it to the Central one.
When I arrived home we went for some hotpot behind the hostel for tuppence and it was lovely. So tomorrow we are doing the other bits outside the walls of X'ian- the small Goose pagoda, the museum and the Big Goose Pagoda before our night train to Shanghai at 5pm.
All in all X'ian is a really nice city, but more expensive than I thought it would be. Oh well its all been worth it.
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antonia mackenzie
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homeward bound
sounds incredible ,all the things you have seen and done. Bet you don't want to come back. tons love mum xx