If you visit China make sure you don't miss Xi'an

Xi'an is a beautiful city on the move. There is history galore but also modern conveniences should you require them. The mix of old and new is surprisingly well done for China. The food is some of the best I have ever eaten. Exploring the city wall is a great way to while away an afternoon. Bingmayong AKA The Terracotta Warriors is more than worth the trip and the fountain show at Dayanta (The Big Wild Goose Pagoda) is a perfect way to finish your evening. Visiting the markets in Xiaozhai or Kangfulu is an excellent way of seeing how the locals live. Local jade products, such as lantian jade, can be bought form Shuyuanmen, a street East of South Gate. Be prepared to bargain hard..... I have lived here for three years and have never been pickpocketed. The pickpockets here are no better or worse than in London. Just take usual precautions like keeping everything in an inside pocket and any bags to the front of you. Don't let one incident cloud your judgement of a place.

Great for: History/Culture, Nightlife, Budget Travel

3 April 2007 | A Yahoo! User

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Been 3 times, planing the fourth time to be permanent

Xi'an is the nicest city I have yet visited in China, and there have been a several. My first visit was initially planed for 3 days, I ended up staying for 8 in November 2004, a further 12 days were spent there in March 2005 and 9 days in September 2005. Transportation is very good, the cheapest way to get about (if you are brave enough that is) is by bus at J5 Y1 per trip. Failing that, the taxi drivers are for the most part very helpful, but it is better to hail one from the street rather than your hotel where they may well quote you an extortionate price. Always insist on the meter fare! Renovation of the City Wall is now complete, you can walk or cycle its entire 14Km length for a small fee providing great views of the city. The Muslim quarter is a great place to find good, cheep snacks and meals. I am loathed to say this, but..... The only things to be aware of are pick pocketing on the buses, and even the Chinese fall victim to that, and the area around the Drum Tower where beggars can pounce en-mass upon the unwary tourist, especially at night. That can get quite overwhelming if you are on your own, never put your hand in your pocket, it will just make the situation worse! There is no difference there to being in any other metropolis.

Great for: History/Culture, Nightlife, Budget Travel

Last Visit: september 2005

27 November 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Xi'an: The Fort and Terracotta warriors

The fort surround the city is a definite feature that is hard to miss. The Southgate holds quite a bit of interest: restaurants and bar on one side and a bohemian / artsy type of community on the other side. The Terracotta warriors (Ping Ma Yong) and Flower Mountain (Hua San) are a definte must do's. DylanKhoolim@yahoo.com

6 June 2005 | dylankhoolim

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loved it

u can c a lot of antient chinese features. nice ppl there, and beautiful girls!!

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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Don't go here!

Everything there was awful! a little old ladie was hit by a bus and I was pickpoceted! How safe is that? IU mean come on!!! Everyone their acted like they were dead! Never visit is my advise.

6 June 2005 | A Yahoo! User

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