Take out of my breath-Jia Wutai Mountain
by jasmine_ding
Jia Wutai Mountain is also one of the Zhongnan Mountain. Southeast of Xi'an, 30 kms, one hour driving. Because there is a ten-kilometer bumpy road. It is ignored by most of travellers, but I enjoyed the scenery, the quiet path surrounded with wild flowers, birds' singing and sometimes a squirrel passing through the path.
Of course, I was impressed by its steep path, can it be called the path? Jia Wutai Mountain has another name-Junior Huashan Mountain. The altitude is 1870 meters. I spent 6 hours to climb it.
Please see the pics in my travelogues.
Here's my XIAN Ma-Hua, so...
by l_joo
Here's my XIAN Ma-Hua, so delicious, just pay RMB1.5 for each, this Ma-Hua can get everywhere in Xian's shops. Try the Pao-Mo-Yang-Rou (Lamb-Bubbles' noodle) for RMB6, big and tasty. My fondest memory while eating the noodle was the other tables of two customers trying to pay what they have just eaten with a ring instead of cash money, later they argue so loud and finally that two customers won and walk away and three waitresses keep shouting we don't want your ring.
Horse stakes and Pagodas
by DSwede
In my opinion, the Big Wild Goose pagoda was a good visit, but the Xiaoyan (Small Wild Goose) Pagoda was much better. Less people and better scenery in my opinion. Since everyone else commented on the history of the pagodas, I won't bother boring you with more.
One thing I did not see any comments on were the small horse stakes at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Set of on the side yard is a large variety of these ancient stakes taken from the provicial area.
Historically made with a native animal on the top, each one has a folk tale to go along with them. Functionally used to tie horses, many communities let them stand for many generations after for decorations.
(for a better sampling of these stakes, visit the Forest of Stones museum)
Qianling Tomb
by jasmine_ding
Qianling Tomb is about 80 kilometers west of Xi'an. It is the joint tomb of the the Tang dynasty Emperor Gaozong and his queen Wu Zetian who was the only empress of China.
The tomb is unique because two emperors (male and female) was buried in a tomb, the only mausoleum escaping the attention of tomb robbers. Like Qinshihuang Tomb beside Terracotta Army, it is not excavated. It was said that numerous treasures accompaned with the couple under the ground.
Stand at the southern end of entrance, you can imagine flourish of over 1300 years ago. A flat avenue lined by sculptures leads to the hill where the tomb is located.
On the hill, there is a Blank Tablet, which has been triggering a spirited debate. It is unusual for a royal tomb. The empress left a endless space for people to imagine.
There are also other tombs around here, such as Princess Yong Tais tomb, Prince Zhang Huai tomb, Prince Yi De tomb, . Though they had suffered from looting, you can still enjoy many exquisite frescos and three colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty.
Visit the Drum Tower
by K.Knight
The Drum Tower is situated in the heart of the walled city that is Xian. Located on a busy street intersection, there is a pedestrian tunnel that will take you under the street. The ticket office is also located in this tunnel.
You can purchase a single entry into both the drum tower and the bell tower for approx. 50 Yuan each or you can purchase a double entry pass for 70 Yuan.
The wooden Drum Tower is a traditional Chinese building that houses spectacular drums of all sizes and colors.
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Xi'an - China (Banu's pic)
The Drum Tower
pic taken from overpass/bridge
The appearance of the restaurant
