Page 11 - Xi-an China Terracotta Warriors

Normally thought of as an ancient city, Xi’an has be-
come a modern metropolis, and its nightlife is proof
of this. The most famous bar street in Xi’an is the Defu
Lane. This street has bars to cater to everyone’s taste.
Every evening, businessmen, students, and visitors
congregate here to enjoy live music, performances,
and drinks. It is a great way to unwind after a busy
day of touring.

Anther great place to go during the night is the Bell
and Drum Towers in the centre of Xi’an. At night the
towers are lit and look spectacular. The market behind
the Drum Tower is fantastic and offers wonderful arts
and crafts, tea, shadow puppets and art supplies. Also
at night many visitors like to go to the musical foun- chang’an impression
tain near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The spectacular
fountain is lit and computer controlled to dance to the
music. It is especially popular with children who mar- performance
vel at the dancing water.
at the city Wall of

The muslim Quarter is probably the most Eating a paomo is a uniquely relaxing exercise and xian
vibrant and interesting neighbourhood in all of here’s the right way to do it. To start with, you’ll be
Xi’an. Hidden in the shadow of the looming Drum served two pieces of unleavened flatbread -- or “mo”
Tower, the area is a rabbit warren of twisty streets in Chinese -- in a bowl. It’s now your job to tear the
and shops. It comes alive in the evenings with bread into pieces as small as soybeans. The process Be part of a breathtaking ancient from
people in the streets, sellers hawking their wares can be laborious but locals believe mo tastes much
and the aromas of strange foods drifting through better when hand-pulled. More importantly, it’s the the celebration Tang Dynasty:
the air. time for locals to sit together and trade gossip. Then, the Grand Welcoming Celebration
you should return the bowl and your mo crumbles
The hidden centrepiece of ths area is the Great will be cooked in mutton soup with rice vermicelli
Mosque of Xi’an. The actual structure is enormous. until the bits are fully soaked in soup and flavor. • Enjoy a performance that combines the history of the Tang
An aging beauty at 1360 years old, the mosque is dynasty and cultural customs
built in the Chinese style, absent of any minarets or The stew will be topped with slices of lamb or • Feel the atmosphere of Xi’an as the ancient capital of China
domes, It’s still very much in use today. beef of your choice and -- like what every lo- and the eternal city of the east
cal would do -- pickled sweet garlic is added to • Take part in a ceremony that was previously only accessible to
complete the dish. high-ranking visiting dignitaries!
The food of Xi’an - The Terracotta Army
may be the most famous landmark in the central Xi’an is crazy for noodles -- from narrow to wide, Chang’an Impression is a live performance which takes place on the
Chinese city of Xi’an, but the Shaanxi capital’s array from cold to hot, from egg noodles to spinach City Wall of Xian. On September 17th, 1,000 lucky Canadian tourists
of noodles, breads and dumplings are the tastiest noodles -- as long as they’re hand-stretched. Here visiting Xi’an will be invited to experience a state-level Chang’an Im-
way to be transported back to ancient China. pression Tang Dynasty Welcoming Ceremony, courtesy of the China
on the Guanzhong Plain where rain isn’t abun- National Tourism Administration and in continued celebration of the
dant throughout the year, wheat is the main crop China-Canada Year of Tourism.
Once the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’anese in the region instead of rice. Of the most popular
cuisine doesn’t just have one of the world’s longest noodles, Biangbiang noodles are famous mostly Held at the Xi’an City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this one-
culinary histories but one of the richest, too. The because of their unique name. of-a-kind performance is usually reserved for distinguished visitors to
city was home to various religions during the Tang the city. Former President of the United States Bill Clinton and Indian
Dynasty, and a range of cultures have helped shape Prime Minister Narendra Modi were all received with this ceremony
Xi’an cuisine, with Islamic influence being particu- getting There: Xi’an is well connected by upon their visit to the historically rich city. To be greeted with such a
grand performance is a display of the city, and by extension the country,
larly strong. The city’s Muslim Quarter has become rail, bus and air to the rest of China. Many visitors welcoming their esteemed guests with open arms.
food heaven for locals and tourists alike. will add Xi’an as a quick stop to their itinerary that
includes Beijing. It is just a one hour flight from Guests will be introduced to yesteryear officials, guards, maids and
If one dish could represent Xi’an, locals would tell Beijing so is an easy addition. officials throughout as the ancient city comes to life once again. The
you it’d be without doubt yangrou paomo -- an aro- highlight of the show is the finale where rolls of delicate silk are drawn
from the top of the wall to the stage below. This show symbolizes the
matic, tasty and spicy bowl of shredded flatbread It has often been said that, “if you have not modern Silk Road, where people come together from around the world
soaked in mutton broth. been to Xi’an, you have not been to China!” in peace and harmony.
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