Walk in Xi'an City

27 Nov

Yesterday was long day, trekking over 8 hours to 4 peaks on Huasan.

                                  

Today, the weather was chilly and cloudy.

Short notes downloaded from China Travel Guide

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower, is a stately traditional building, that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.

 

 

 

 

Drum Tower

The Drum Tower is located northwest of the Bell Tower of Xi'an, across the Bell and Drum Tower Square. Both of them are called the 'sister buildings' or 'morning bell and dark drum'. In ancient China, especially from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the drums were used to signal the running of time and on occasion were used as an alarm in emergency situations.

Grand Mosque of Xi'an

The Great Mosque in Xi'an is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China.

According to historical records engraved on a stone tablet inside, the Great Mosque was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). This was a result of Islam being introduced into Northwest China by Arab merchants and travelers from Persia and Afghanistan during the mid-7th century when some of them settled down in China and married women of Han Nationality.

Their descendants became Muslims today. The Muslims played an important role in the unifications of China during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Hence, other mosques were also built to honor them.

Gao Family Mansion

Gao's Grand Courtyard, or Gao Family Mansion, is the former residence of Gao Yuesong, an official of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). With a history of 400 years, it is one of the best-persevered traditional residences in Xi'an City. With an inconspicuous gate at No.144 Beiyuanmen Street, the busy Muslim Quarter in central Xi'an, the Gao's Grand Courtyard offers a quiet seclusion for visitors to enjoy the traditional Chinese culture. Here one can appreciate the old houses and antique furniture, watch the shadow puppetry, and learn Chinese crafts like painting and paper-cutting.