Related Xi'an Favorites Tips

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Favorite thing: One of the worst aspects of many escorted tours is shopping. We are always taken to selected (pricey) places where the guides expect to collect their commissions.

In many cases the time devoted to commission collecting equals the time to all the other planned visits.

Travelchinaguide was good.

They respected the obligation of taking us to see the artisans at work (and that is also important in tourism), but they didn’t exaggerate. The visited places were selected, we covered everything that should be seen, but never felt dragged into shops. This factory in Xi’an was a good example. Several techniques demonstrated, sympathy in all the explanations, but no one was pushed to buy whatsoever.

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Favorite thing: I know that this will not mean anything to you, but... I'm Portuguese.

While watching the perfect show of "The Tang Dynasty" we are invited for an included drink. The list mentioned "Port wine" which seemed too strange for me, due to the difficulty to find wine in most of the Chinese restaurants.

I decided to risk and... I was presented with a good glass of a REAL Portuguese Port wine.

That, with the splendours of the show in background!
My friend MarioPortugal would feel jealous!

Favorite thing: In addition to the Terra Cotta Army, the Muslim Quarter is a must see. We were fortunate to have an outstanding English speaking guide. His name is Allen and his web site is www.xianprivatetours.com. His mobile phone is 8613572901624. His e-mail is allenguo1986@163.com.
He is a wonderful person and superb tour guide. I strongly suggest utilizing his services.

Fondest memory: The Terra Cotta Army site and the workshop nearby.

Favorite thing: Once you have got settled, take a walk from your hotel and find the nearest hole in the wall local type shop.

You will be able to buy beer, water, general necessities far cheaper here than anywhere else.

Certainly while the mini bar prices for beer are reasonable according to overseas prices, getting your beer here and taking it back to your hotel room will save you a heap.

Favorite thing: After visiting the amazing archaelogical site of Shi Huang Ti (First Emperor of China), you may be thinking of wanting your own personal terra cotta army.

It is possible with a few US dollars for you will find being sold are the miniature size soldiers and horses as souvenir. There are different sizes, quality and price.

While where there it seems corny to buy such touristy cheap imitation, when back home, they will transform into priceless memories of a by-gone era of China early history. So do miss out in buying some or more.

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Favorite thing: 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.

Fondest memory: Wandering the streets of this quarter made the Islamic Quarter my favourite neighborhood in Xian.

Favorite thing: Ingredients :

1. Hot thick syrup
2. Ice cream stick
3. Marble slab (cooled by the winter weather)

Method :

1. Observe one talented Chinese man scoop syrup onto a cool marble slab.

2. Watch while he uses a few practiced wrist flicks, twirls and....

Fondest memory: ...and voila! thin hard candy in all kinds of shapes!
(of course the chinese zodiac animals are the ever popular feature here). this is really fascinating to see...i could've stayed there for hours just watching this simple street hawker get creative with just some thick syrup, a slab of cold marble and an ice cream stick :)