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Xi’an Orientation
Xi’an Orientation
Xi’an’s ancient city walls encircle the old city which makes it easy to navigate. Many of the main sights are within the city walls and this central zone is bisected by four major roads. They run along the points of the compass to their respective gates in the wall and are named Bei, Dong, Nan and Xi Dajie (North, East, South and West Avenues). These roads meet just south of the center at the Bell Tower. To cross this busy intersection you need to use the subterranean tunnel, which has access points from each of the four roads. A little west of the Bell Tower, across a large public plaza, you’ll see the Drum Tower, marking the entrance to the atmospheric Muslim quarter. With its tangle of alleys, this is one of the only parts of the city you’re likely to get lost in, but it’s great fun. Sooner or later you’ll emerge somewhere you recognize, or where you can flag a cab.
Within the Muslim quarter, the Great Mosque is the main sight, and it’s easy to find – there are signs, but you can just follow the souvenir stalls. In the southeast of the old city there is an artist’s quarter, which is definitely worth a stroll. You’ll also find the Beilin Stone Tablet Museum here. Outside the city walls the sights are a little more spread out. Not too far south of the South Gate you’ll find the LittleWild Goose Pagoda and, farther south still, the Shaanxi History Museum and, to the east, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Although there are a few hotels out this way, you’re much better off staying within the city walls, which has options for most budgets. Likewise, the best eating and drinking are within the old city, particularly the lively Muslim markets and Defuxiang Bar Street.
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