Gay Travel China: Undiscovered Xian

There is more to Xian than the terra cotta warriors. You and your private guide can explore undiscovered Xian, treasures that most tourists do not bother to see.

PHOTOS ENLARGE WHEN CLICKED

Purple Dragon, Asia's gay travel pioneers, offer this "Unexpected Xian" half-day optional sightseeing tours to those using our all-inclusive Xian package and is not available separately.

Aside from Xian's ancient world wonders, city life presents fascinating glimpses into modern China and surviving traditions that most tourists skip completely. Don't miss a chance to encounter daily life, worship, and leisure on our intriguing Xian City Walk.

Expect the unexpected Xian in a half-day walking tour tour that can easily fit into most Xian visits. Since you have a private guide, the itinerary is free-plan and you can customize it as you like. We suggest that you visit at least a few of the following places according to your special interests.

The Shaanxi History Museum, with a vast collection of bronzes and fine ceramics, is one of the best and most modern museums in all of China. Exhibitions range from pre-historic and early-dynastic periods, fabulous cast bronzes, funereal objects, weapons, ceramics, and artifacts from the Sui, Tang, Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals is difficult to locate, and almost completely overlooked by tourist guidebooks and maps, nevertheless we recommend it highly for both its bustling flea market and its rich and fascinating temple compound. Inside, Taoist priests in traditional costume perform all sorts of mysterious rituals. Devotees burn incense and "hell money" to appease ancestors and try their hand at attracting good luck by getting coins to stick to a stone calligraphic wall. Beautiful bronzes and architecture are lovingly tended.

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are imposing structures that now sit in the midst of city traffic. You will probably admire them as you drive around Xian, and that is probably about as much time as you should spend on them unless you have a particular interest in traditional architecture.

The Big Goose Pagoda was built to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by China's Marco Polo, the wandering monk Xuan Zang. The Little Goose Pagoda is from the same Tang dynasty period. These two temples are somewhat unprepossessing, but if you have a special interest in Buddhism, they will probably interest you.

Xian has a number of beautiful city parks, some on the grounds of former royal pleasure gardens and still sporting splendid traditional palace structures, pagodas, and follies. Why not take a stroll and see how city residents spend their leisure time? Xian is home to a large number of universities and trade schools, and students are always curious to meet and chat with foreigners.