Xi’An

The following morning we set off for the bullet train journey to Xi’An, the former capital of China, from Beijing West railway station.

The 1,134km or 705 mile journey took took only 4hours and 20 minutes!

The excitement was just too much for Gary.

Our hotel for the next 3 nights was in the heart of the old town within the ancient city walls.

Being quite thirsty after the long journey we asked the receptionist if the hotel bar was open but unfortunately it was closed. Our faces lit up however when she drew us a map to “Beer Street” only a 5minute walk away, so off we sped.

A short while later we were sat outside the imitation English pub for a few bottles of Tsing Tao, the local brew which was very good. As luck would have it there was a special offer on beer which we took advantage of.

The following morning we set out for a look around the town.

The many food stalls were busy getting ready for the day ahead.

Diane soon found a jewellery store where Gary bought her a lovely pair of Jade earrings for an anniversary present.

As in everywhere we went in China it was all very clean, always workers sweeping the streets or washing the roads and pavements.

The Drum Tower of Xi’an, along with the Bell Tower is a symbol of the city and was built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, it stands towering above the city center and offers a great view of Xi’an.

In the distance you can see the Bell Tower.

The Drum Tower got its name from the huge drum located within the building. In contrast to the Bell Tower, where the bell was struck at dawn, the drum was beaten at sunset to indicate the end of the day.

The impressive arrays of drums are only on show and visitors are not allowed to touch any of them.

But of course some people cannot help themselves and Diane got her first, (and not last!) telling off from the security guards for banging the ancient drum.

Leaving the Drum Tower we set off for the ancient city walls, one of the 4 main entrance gates you can just see in the background.

The city walls buil;t in the 14th century are very impressive, stretching for 8 miles and marking the end, (or start?) of the silk road, the ancient trading route from China to Europe.

The Chinese took great interest in the security of their trade products, and extended the Great Wall of China to ensure the protection of the trade route.

By the first century AD, Chinese silk was widely sought after in Rome, Egypt, and Greece. Other lucrative commodities from the East included tea, dyes, perfumes, porcelain, gunpowder and paper; among Western exports coming East into China were horses, camels, honey, wine, and gold.

In the underpass on the way to the walls we came across some pretty ladies in traditional dress.

And an advert for a daily show which takes place at the entrance each evening.

Later that evening we strolled along to the Bell Tower which was stunning all illuminated and busy with girls having their photoshoots or doing live stream on TikTok.