The Islamic Quarter
by Paul2001
Xian has one of the larger and more concentracted Islamic populations in Central China. The local minority Hui population numbers more than 30,000. Their quarter is located just north of the Drum tower. It is a maze of streets that are filled with atmosphereic food stalls and peddlers. There are also some good restaurants here where beef and mutton dishes are quite popular. The most famous attraction in the Islamic Quarter is the Great Mosque. This is one of the most important mosques in China and it well worth a visit. One word of warning about the Islamic Quarter is that it one of the best places in Xian to have your pocket picked so be on guard. Wandering the streets of this quarter made the Islamic Quarter my favourite neighborhood in Xian.
Muslim Quarter
by darthmilmo about Muslim Quarter
Just walk around the streets. There is so much to be learned, so much to take in at this area of town. On one corner you can spot a chinese wearing traditional muslim clothes, while on the other you will see modern chinese playing checkers. It's amazing!
Walls are made to explore
by SPW
The steep climb up the wall was justified by the view from the top. In less polluted weather it would make a good walk to explore the city from this vantage point, though as they extend some 14km, you would need to be fit to go right around.
I was surprised at how wide they were at the top, but apparently horses and carriages used to do the circuit. I'm not sure how they got up, but there were possibly ramps in another part.
Near the South Gate, there was a large bell which was used to warn citizens of a threat to the city, including air raids during the Second World War.
Ancient Cultural Street: Academy Gate area
by SPW
This area, visible as a restored part of the city from the walls, was rebuilt in the Ming and Qing styles by local residents in the early 1990s.
It features the old Academy, one of the Confucian centres of learning, the Forest of Steles museum, Hua Pagoda which has had many moves and incarnations since its first construction in about 830AD, and lots of shops and stalls featuring arts and crafts, calligraphy tools, chops and jewellery.
City Wall at night
by al2401
The old city of Xi'an is beautifully lit at night with lights in the trees along the broad streets. Especially spectacular is the lighting of the wall. Each building is brilliantly lit and the battlements picked out with light.
The park at the inner entrance of the South Gate is a virtual fairyland.
Sign in with Facebook
Nice views
George and I at the Terracotta Army
Anne on her bike.
Xi'an - China
