Transfer in Shenzhen, China

During my Transfer in Shenzhen to Taipei, I tried 3D, VR devices and massage machines. There are many restaurants but I finished the pancakes bought yesterday. I enjoyed fish noodles as breakfast from the first flight out of Xian, and afternoon snack of curry beef rice burger plus yougart during the flight into Taiwan.

Last Day in Xian, China

I visited 3 public parks ( lotus lake park, Revolution park,  Xingqing Park), and then arrived at the Xi'an Museum 西安博物馆 before it rained. The museum is located in the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area, And displays the history, economy, social life and culture of Xi'an — the one-time capital of 13 dynasties.

The lotus lake park (莲湖公园) was built as a royal garden by the second son of Zhuyuanzhang (the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty 1368-1644), covering an area of 18 hectares. It is the oldest park in Xi'an.

The revolution park contains Taihu Stones that are relics from the Tang Dynasty. There is a manmade lake with traditional Chinese style bridges, pavilions and pathways.

Xingqing Park is the largest free entry recreational park in Xian. It has the layout of a traditional Chinese park with a lake, bridges, trees and traditional Chinese structures. It is laid amongst the ruins of the old Xingqing Palace of the Tang Dynasty. At the time the Emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang Dynasty lived in the palace. The Emperor was forced to abdicate after the An Shi rebellion and continued to live here for the rest of his life. As 10/1 is China's National Day, there were signing and dancing performances in the park.

Hike Mount Hua, near Xian China

Mount Hua (华山) is famous for its lofty peaks and steep paths. I and three hostel mates reached the north peak in three hours (approximately 6 km with 1100 m vertical of stairs), and then took the cable car down from the north peak. Only one of us continued to explore the middle peak and the east peak.

 

We got good views of other four peaks from the north peak.  Three sides of North Peak are steep cliffs which are not possible for climbing. And only the fourth side is the entrance path to other peaks which is named “Ear Rubbing Cliff” which I skipped for the steepness (see last photo).

The Mountain is also home to several influential Taoist temples, where many emperors of past dynasties took part in Taoist activities. 

There are food options all over the mountain – prices are high, but good to know that they are there.  Bathrooms also exist at every major peak and sometimes in between, so it is pretty convenient.

Xian city highlights

I and three hostel mates walked along 1/4 of the world largest City Walls, while a lot of people rent a bike to finish the 14 km long Xian city walls 西安城墙. There are marathon and cycling race on the walls each year. 

We then uber to Shaanxi Historic Museum (陕西历史博物馆) and got free tickets in about 15 minutes. The museum houses houses a collection of local artefacts that span the entirety of the province's history from the Neolithic through the Qing dynasty. In particular it contains well preserved pottery from nearby Banpo neolithic village (also worth a visit) and many Shang Dynasty bronzes. I think it is the best museum in China. 

We took a lunch break at a restaurant inside a big department store to taste Xian food. 

My last stop of the day was Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) that was Built by Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi（高宗李治) in 652AD. Emblem of the city of Xi'an. In front of the pagoda there is a very nice water fountains, and there are various pleasant gardens around the sites.