I recently had the amazing chance to visit the Great Mosque in Xi'an, China. It was genuinely a memorable cultural experience. Situated in the lively Muslim Quarter of Xi'an's downtown, this mosque ranks among the oldest and largest in the country.
**Architectural Marvel**
The architectural style of the Great Mosque was awe-inspiring. It seamlessly combines traditional Chinese design with Islamic features, resulting in a distinctive appearance. The pagoda-style minaret was especially impressive, standing in contrast to the minarets I have seen in the Middle East. The entire complex is made up of several courtyards that provide a peaceful atmosphere, serving as a refuge from the city's hustle and bustle.
**Cultural Experience**
As I walked through the mosque, I became deeply engaged with the beauty of Chinese Islamic culture. Even though I couldn't enter the prayer hall (which is reserved for Muslims), I was captivated by the stunning Arabic calligraphy and traditional Chinese carvings. The stone tablets in the courtyards, inscribed with both Arabic and Chinese script, demonstrated the blending of cultures.
**Practical Tips**
- **Dress Code:** Although there is no formal dress code for non-Muslim visitors, it is courteous to dress modestly and avoid revealing attire.
- **Best Time to Visit:** I suggest going between 9 AM and 11 AM, when there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience of the mosque.
- **Admission Fee:** Tickets for adults are 25 RMB, while student tickets are 15 RMB. Be sure to carry cash, as credit cards may not be accepted.
- **Guided Tours:** Consider hiring an English-speaking guide for a deeper understanding of the mosque's history and cultural importance.
- **Photography:** Most areas allow photography, but it's important to be considerate of worshippers and refrain from taking pictures during prayer times.
- **Explore the Surroundings:** After your visit, be sure to check out the food street in the Muslim Quarter. The local lamb soup (yangrou paomo) and various kebabs are authentic and delicious.
Overall, the Great Mosque of Xi'an offers an excellent glimpse into Chinese Islamic culture. It highlights not only religious diversity but also the embracing nature of Chinese culture. For anyone visiting Xi'an, this is a must-visit site that offers a unique combination of spiritual and cultural experiences.
If China can provide rapid and efficient rail service throughout its extensive territory, there's no reason the US can't do the same! Oh, I forgot! US automobile and gas companies hire lobbyists to influence our congress and politicians to persuade the public that it's not feasible or cost-effective.
I was initially planning to stay in Nanjing and gain some weight, but I figured I should take advantage of my five days off. Since no one would help me transport my belongings to my new school until after the holiday, I decided to book a train to Chongqing. Then, in a stroke of brilliance, I thought I should probably arrange my return train to Nanjing. The management wants to send my things on February 5, but can you believe every train is fully booked for that day? So, I ended up booking a train for February 7, arriving in Nanjing on February 8. If they have an issue with it, they can just deal with it, I suppose. This meant I had to hurry and pack everything since I had no idea what the cleaning crew would do on February 5. I informed my boss that the bags were packed in my room, except for some laundry I did on the day I left (another mistake). I still haven't heard back from her about that.
I was very let down by my location once more this semester. It took me 2.5 hours to reach the train station on the teacher bus and then 3 hours to return from the train station on the light rail. Not to mention the 1 km walk back to my apartment from the train station. It's just as bad as it was last semester, if not worse, because there are no longer any trees or stray cats. It's simply a vast dusty campus on flat ground, with a lot of wind and currently, the sun is quite uncomfortably hot.
Zhangjiajie, situated in Hunan Province, China, is a breathtaking location recognized for its extraordinary scenery, featuring towering sandstone spires and verdant woodlands. This UNESCO World Heritage site gained fame for inspiring the floating mountains depicted in the film Avatar. In this article, we will explore the main attractions in Zhangjiajie, offer practical travel advice, and discuss how to maximize your visit.
One thing that surprised me about Chengdu was how similar it felt to Beijing and other major Chinese cities we had explored. While we experienced some interesting nightlife spots, the city overall seemed quite generic. I initially thought this might be due to my limited Western viewpoint, but Mei Ling concurred that Chengdu didn't truly embody Sichuanese culture. We resolved to venture beyond the city borders during our remaining days in Chengdu.
It was excessively warm.
I recently had the amazing chance to visit the Great Mosque in Xi'an, China. It was genuinely an unforgettable cultural experience. Situated in the vibrant Muslim Quarter of Xi'an's downtown area, this mosque is among the oldest and largest in the country.