Frankfurt - Shanghai - Xi`an

Xi`an, Sunday March 20^th, 2016

Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province, located in the northwest of China, in the center of the Guanzhong Plain. One of the oldest cities in China, was known as Chang`an before the Ming dynasty. Xi`an is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held the position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Xi`an is the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Since the 1990s, as part of the economic revival of interior China especially for the central and northwest regions, the city of Xi`an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational centre of the central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national security and China's space exploration programme. Xi`an currently holds sub-provincial status, administering nine districts and four counties. As of 2014 Xi`an has a population of 8,627,500 and the Xi`an – Xian Yang metropolitan area has a population of 13,569,700. It is the most populous city in Northwest China, as well as one of the three most populous cities in Western China. According to a July 2012 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, it was recently named as one of the 13 emerging megacities, or megalopolises, in China. The report pinpoints and highlights the demographic and income trends that are shaping these cities' development.

After our arrival in Xi`an we took the bus to our amazing hotel which was located close to the city center. To prevent us from jetlag we decided to take a walk on the city wall and take the chance to visit the old town of Xi`an.

Another sight, which we did not want to miss was Hui min Jie, the Muslim quarter, in the old town of Xi`an. Numerous shops and restaurants can be found, selling Muslim Chinese delicacies in this bustling and vibrant quarter.

It was a very crowded place but the food was really amazing and full of different flavours. We tried the famous Biang noodles, served in a bowl with fresh green vegetable in a chicken broth as well as seafood and beef skewers, prepared by chanting and entertaining cooks.

The 14 km long wall was built to protect the city center in the 14^th century. It is one of the oldest and largest ancient military defense systems in the world, surrounding Xi`an`s old town.

At the end of our first day, we fell asleep excited about what will await us the next day.

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