|
|
|
City Wall
Xian's current city wall primarily dates from the Ming dynasty. Well-preserved and intact, the wall itself is quite wide and can easily accomodate both cyclists and pedestrians.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The guidebooks recommended visiting the wall from the south gate. It was well-lit up already just after sunset.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40 yuan later, enter the gate and head up the staircase to the top of the city wall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bell Tower is not so far away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shuyuanmen
A renovated street lined with historic architecture, the pedestrian street specializes in cultural works, including Chinese calligraphy brushes and paintings. While there is a food stall every now and then, the atmosphere is still very cultural.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These are musical instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capture the revolutionary spirit with these thin metal cups. Pay 10 yuan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For those who love traditional Chinese paintbrush paintings, this is a paradise. There were plenty of these art books for sale with great bargains everywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Built during the Tang dynasty in the 8th century, the pagoda originally had 15 stories but a subsequent earthquake in the 16th century destroyed the top.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It is possible to climb to the top for a panoramic view of Xian.
|
|
|
|
Looking north, I could not spot the city wall. There are too many tall buildings nowadays.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking west, the scale of highrise development becomes more visible.
|
|
|
|
Looking south, there seem to be more historic buildings next to the pagoda in a very green setting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking east, a line of skyscrapers marks the main boulevard that leads to the south gate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A bit tired from the climb, the visit continues through the temple complex.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Across town, this pagoda also dates from the Tang dynasty. While the pagoda and temple are enclosed inside the wall, more modern amenities surrounded it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|