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.
A few weeks back, I visited Hangzhou for a job fair. Although I didn't secure a job, I met a Chinese guy named Min Jie. We spent some time together in the West Lake area, which was enjoyable, but I doubt we'll be traveling together again anytime soon.
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.
We spent two weeks in Changde. It rained nearly every day, which limited our exploration more than we had hoped. We enjoyed playing at arcades, engaged in Township (a game on our phones and tablets), and went go-karting three times. The go-karts were fully electric and located inside a mall. Logan and Lizzy have been playing Township for over three years and taught Jenny how to play during a two-day stretch of continuous rain. She enjoys the game because it allows her to garden digitally while we travel. They also introduced Lutao to the game, so now the entire family plays Township together.
-Glynns-travel-blog.jpg)
A highly soggy mountain and an extremely busy panda sanctuary.
This month, I've been extremely lazy due to my knee not feeling completely right and the inconvenient location I reside in. Traveling to the south end of the city requires me to take two light rail trains, which takes at least 1.5 hours. I live in Gaochun, south of the airport, so I first take the local rail to the airport, then switch to the airport train to finally reach the south end of the city. My tourist card now only has destinations on the north end of the city left, and I lack the motivation to visit more than one each weekend. Without further delay, here are the photos I took during the weekends in December.
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.
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.