Xian

Yes, for 1 reason only - the Terracotta Warriors. Despite what you may read on the internet, I do not think the other tourist sites in Xian are worth the trip, but see them while you are there. A couple of days should suffice.

I visited Xian a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed it. The Terracotta Warriors and other tombs are of course the star attraction, but I enjoyed the other sights in the old part of the city as well - the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the old mosque and Muslim area of the city, and the city wall (wish I had had time to rent a bike and cycle around it). I also took a day trip out of town to Mount Huashan, which was quite spectacular if you like mountain scenery and hiking.

loved it too - make sure to go for a walk to the old mosque hkkm mentioned - beatiful - 2 days should do it - def go!!

Agree with hkkm, the other sights in Xi'an are also worth the time. 2 days is probably ok for most people.

Is there a travel office in Bell Tower or around the hotel we could book in advance one-day tour of Xian/other scenic spots in English.

Writing this from the Xian Airport...


Recommendations: the Bell Tower Hotel was a decent 4 - star hotel - internet was included in the room free :). My preference would have been the Shangri-la or Hyatt but both were sold out but since I arrive late last night and just needed a place to put my head down for the night Bell Tower's fine.


I booked a driver and guide through the travel agent at the hotel. If you stay at a higher priced hotel I recommend you contact the Bell Tower because the rate is cheaper for an 8 hr tour than a 5 hour tour if you book through a 5 star.


We headed out at 9am first stop the Banpo Museum which houses the ruins of a a 6000 year old village. Very cool.


Next we headed to the Terracotta Warriors museum - obviously the highlight of the trip.


On the way back from the Warriors we dropped in at a govt silk retail factory outlet - great place to pick up some nice gifts (not much of a shopper but it was the sort of stuff you'd find in Shanghai Tang - good quality - nice prices)


Finally we did the East Gate of the city and got some shots of the Bell Tower.


I am sure there is more to see in the city however I think i covered the most interesting ones. Most impressive site? Warriors are cool but the city wall is simply massive - built over 1000 years ago it is in very good shape and its imposing.



Off to Shanghai in 80 minutes...

I was in Xian last weenkend but i only went out at night cuz i need to work at day time :( Anyway i like Xi an ,like it's city wall ,i walked aroud it from east gate to north gate....silent and calm life here so different from the city center....this feeling is very good...that made me feel .... magical...

hehe i like musilm street also .....it's the same ...street which r so many restaurants

near by the silent lane and mosque....it's cool.

i took many pics here....:)

it's nice place to visit...

Noted the above recommendations, thanks guys.