Our first day in Xi’an, China (the de facto east terminal of the Silk Road), brought us to the Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel, whose view from the entrance features its namesake:
One of the focal points of Xi’an, the Bell Tower was used to keep track of time during the day.
Similarly, the Drum Tower was used to keep track of time at night:
A stroll through the nearby Muslim Quarter shows a diverse mix of people and cultures (and food)!
No Muslim Quarter tour would be complete without a visit to the Great Mosque, open for visitors except for the prayer hall. Its architecture is a mix of Chinese and Muslim influences.
Lastly, we climb up to the Xi’an city wall, the largest restored city wall in the world and enclosure for all of the above.
At night, we return to the first view outside our hotel, the Bell Tower:
The Bell Tower hotel is so enchanting at night all lit up. The design is so intricate inside the Bell Tower. Don’t ring that bell next to Harold. Are those red drums sticking out? The hustle and bustle of the area like in Manhattan. Interesting to see the mixture of Muslim and Chinese never knew that existed. Can see the influence of both at the Mosque. Hey are you jumping for joy Jennifer? Enjoy love ya both God bless
As opposed to other countries you visited I feel like the people in China are like sad like carrying a weight but it a beautiful hotel anyway.