China Travel Forum

[nigi]

Hi,I would be in Xian for 2 nights (1 1/2 days as I'll arrive in the afternoon on day 1, have a full day the next day and fly out again early moning the day after).Can anyone suggest how the time can be best spent in the city? In particular I like to know how long it takes to see the attractions. What would a good itinary be (times, places to visit, how to does each place require).Can I see the main attractions in 1 1/2 days? Whilst I'm there, it would be good to see things other than the terrocotta army and I was wondering if this is enough time.The places that I can see that are worth visiting are: Neolithic village of Banpo Museum,Terracotta Warriors,Hot Spring,Little goose, Pagoda Big goose pagoda.The Mosque,Provincial museum,Bell Tower,Drum Tower.Are there any other places I should consider or leave out?Would it be OK to book an excursiononce we arrive there (there are actually 3 of us so would it be likely we get 3 places in October?) or is it safer to pre-book? Where is the best place to book if its better to book when we arrive?Thanks

[aynor]

Little goose Pagoda, Big goose pagoda, The Mosque, Provincial museum, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, they are all located in the city, can be done in 1/2 day.Terracotta of Warriors / hot spring / Banpo, also not far from town (less than 1 hour drive).You can book the tour upon arrival.Dinner with Tang Dynasty Dance is also a must.

[tomson]

I belive that you can do at least most of this during your visit as none of these places require large amounts of time. I really like Banpo, but it is only worthwhile if you have an interest in neolithic archaeological sites. I don't think that the hot spring is interesting at all. It is a big deal to the Chinese because of a big historical event during the civil war involving Zhang Xueliang. Don't go unless it is part of a tour you are on. You can rent bikes and ride around the city wall. I really enjoy the market around the mosque. While in Xi'an you should eat the specialty soup paomo (unless you do not like mutton) and dumpling. The street food is fantastic, but it is probably not a good idea to eat it.

[ktuk]

Take a walk through the Muslem area, its not too far from Drum and Bell area. Wish I could tell you the name of the restaurant but we had a Dumpling Dinner somewhere around the Drum and Bell area (Definitely try the Walnut one) Tang Dynasty Show was excellent, I think you can see it without the dinner, although the dinner was great. Definitely Terra Cotta Army, overwhelming. If you get a tour guide, have them take you to where the people still live in Caves. It was on the way to the airport, a definite "not on the tourist trip" place, but worth seeing.jonbarb709@juno.com

[kamal]

for your short staying in Xian,I think you can visit the most famous sightseeing.Little goose PagodaBig goose pagodaThe MosqueProvincial museumBell TowerDrum Towerabove these places in the city,also not too far each other,you can make them a line to visit.sure,you will taste the food in Xian,itis big stream in China.you know,Xian is the central city of Tang Dinersity,until now the city also show the atomosthere,so if you want to feel the history,you can try it.beside,the Tang Dinersity clothes is very florid and luxurious.enjoy it!