Day 4
Thursday, April 18
FLY TO XIAN,
CHINA This
morning you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province.
Once the largest city in the world, Xian was
the capital of 11 dynasties (from the 11th century BCE to the 10th century CE)
and was the easternmost city along the Silk Road. Perhaps no other Chinese city
is so deeply entwined in the country's history. It hasn't been stage center in
China for a thousand years, but Xian tends to think of Beijing as something of
an upstart.
This afternoon you begin your explorations at the South Gate where you climb atop the old
city walls to enjoy sweeping views across modern day Xian. You’ll also visit
the Drum Towers before continuing on to the Great Mosque and its surrounding
Muslim neighborhood where you find a way of life that derives as much from the
ancient cultures of Central Asia along the Silk Road as it does from China. For
over 1300 years, the Hui minority, who are practicing Muslims,
have been an integral part of the colorful daily life of Xian. Wandering
through the alleyways here, you’ll
see Hui men with their white caps,
and Hui women with headscarves and veils,
selling interesting curios, serving
Muslim influenced cuisine, and
answering the call to prayer at the nearby Xian Great Mosque.
Xian has a rich culinary tradition and this evening you are treated to a traditional dumpling feast.
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