What are the first things that come to mind when someone mentions holidays in China? Panda Bears, The Great Wall of China and Terra Cotta Soldiers.
I had the great pleasure of visiting China for the first time over the Christmas Holiday. My brother had taken a job last year, flying airplanes for a Chinese Airline.
I flew non-stop from Chicago to Shanghai. I then made a connection and endured another 2 hour flight, to the City of Xi'an. I spent the first few days trying to blend in as a local, as best I could. The Chinese are very friendly, It was great to experience their culture.
Emperor Qin is buried just outside of the city, and his burial grounds are home to the Anchient Terra Cotta Soldiers. The soldiers were designed after every member of his army. They were made to protect him in the after life, which gave him immortality. Many hotels and hostels in Xi' An can arrange a day tour to see the warriors. Those who travel on a budget and are more independent, can take a bus from the Xi'An Train Station to the Warriors for around 1 USD each way. Entrance fee's vary by season and are between 9 and 14 USD. We paid an additional 12 USD for a private english speaking guide, which was definitely worth it. She was full of knowledge and could answer every question we had. We ended our Warrior visit by getting to meet the Farmer who first found the warriors in his field. he is now 77 years old. Taking a picture with him and getting his autograph truly will be the memory of a life time.
The one dream I have ever had of Visiting China was that I wanted to see Panda Bears. I think I drove my brother crazy. Xi' An has a wild animal park, however, NO PANDAS! I had to do some research, I knew that the third largest city had to have a place close by to see Pandas. I did find a place. It is the Qingling Panda and Wildlife Preserve. Seeing Pandas in the true wild is almost impossible. The numbers are dwindling down to nothing. We arrived at the preserve, which is 45 minutes out of the city, at the base of Qinqling Mountain. The admission was only about 5 USD and to our amazement, we were the only ones there. It was great to see the Red Panda, Asiatic Bears, Asian Deer, and Pandas, Pandas, PANDAS! They had Panda's from infancy to over 70 years old. Each Panda had a story, most of them injured by trappers and farmers. Yes, they even had one nicknamed Kung Fu Panda. This was truly the most exciting part of my trip. A day trip to this reserve can be set up at any Hostel or Hotel.
Xi'an is a very historic city. It was the capitol of the very first empires in China. It is the only city in China to have a complete wall that still surrounds the city center. Within the walls of the city, one could find the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter Market, The Great Mosque and many famous restaurants. The Muslim Quarter is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs and trinkets. Remember to haggle with the shop owners for the best prices. One will come into a shop a stranger, and leave the shop as the owner's new friend. Taxi's are a great way to get around and are reasonable in price. Make sure you carry a business card from the hotel, as taxi drivers do not speak english. Most Hostel or Hotels will have tourist cards available with the names of all attractions written in Chinese. All you have to do is point and show the driver where you want to go.
Accomodations range from Luxurious 5 star hotels such as the Shangri La, to simple modest Hostels. Although I stayed with Family, I did do a few sight inspections. I can say that the South Hostel's rooms were very beautiful. For 15 USD, one could have a private room.
Xi' an has a large Western population, comprised of Americans, Canadians, British and Irish. Some great local places to hangout are Terra Cotta Bar at South Hostel, Starbucks or any of the Italian Restaurants around town. Pick up one of the China Grooves magazines in your hotel for all the happenings in the city.
Xi'an is a must when visiting China!