After arriving to Xi’an, our third Chinese city, we checked-in at one business hotel. No-one remembered its name or how it looks like. Of course, we realized that when we were heading back in the evening. (More details coming in the third paragraph). Not wasting time, we took quick shower and head off to the terrain – to see the famous armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Are you interested in meeting the terracotta army in Xi’an with me? Continue reading 🙂

After passing through the thorough check-ups and mass crowds at the entrance, we reached the area with several halls. We started with watching a movie (on screens in 360°) explaining the historic background of the terracotta army. Afterwards, we were ready to visit the original excavation sites. So far, 8,000 soldiers have been uncovered, with only a single soldier in one piece, the archer. Archaeological processes are stopped for now. They will continue when they discover a way to preserve soldiers in their original colors.

After our evening program – tour around the Chinese-Muslim mosque, little walk around the Muslim neighborhood, souvenirs shopping and a dinner, we hit our “road of life.” Or a fight for life? 😀 Together with my friend, we dared to ask Chinese-speaking-only rickshaw driver for a ride. We presented him the hotel business card (as its name was in Chinese), agreed the price and got on board. After our rickshaw driver reassured himself that his colleague had also no clue where the hotel is located, he pushed the engine hard and zig-zagged among the pedestrians. We didn’t know yet it was a safe situation for us. We realized that only when the driver rushed to a four-lane road (check the blurry photo below). Rickshaw had no rear view mirrors and turn signals, and a furious bus began chasing us. After a ride like in a western movie, and countless stops to ask the right direction, we spotted our hotel. Well, this was one of the most exciting experiences so far!

We started the next day in Xi’an in an adventurous manner. We decided to change a boring walk around the city walls for something more adventurous! Why walking on foot, driving golf car, or ride an ordinary bicycle, when we can try “tandem,”a bicycle for two? Why conquering only half the walls when we can enjoy the full length of 13.6 km? Well, for two reasons. Firstly, to try as many new things as possible. Secondly, to get really tired and enjoy a peaceful sleep on our night train transfer to another Chinese city! 😉

If you wish to read about more adventures from my Chinese road trip, you can visit The Best of Beijing: 6 Attractions You Want to Visit

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below.