We spent five days in this former capital, located on the dividing line between north and south China. One can see many remnants of its past in the city itself and in the surrounding area. Xian is best known for its “terracotta army” found about 40 km. out of the city, but we found that the “Muslim Quarter” in the central city was just as interesting.
This photo shows men on their way to the main mosque, the oldest one in China. The mosque is quite hidden in a warren of narrow streets and alleys.
Entrance to the inner part of the mosque
The mosque is a fantastic mix of Chinese and Islamic architecture. This is a classic Chinese “moon gate.”
The main street in the Muslim Quarter is particularly interesting at night. Some of the restaurants cook food outside their front doors.
This photo, looking toward the “bell tower”, was taken from one of the four gates leading to the central part of Xian. A 13 km wall surrounds the old city.
Part of the terracotta army
While Xian is known for its history, it is a living city of six million people. Taken from the top of the ancient city wall, and showing a telecommunications billboard in front of a construction site, we think that this image may capture how today’s Chinese leaders envision modern China.