Rhonda says that for me, Xi’an is a home away from home. She is right!
I feel comfortable in Xi’an.
I know my way around the city.
I have visited a growing number of local landmarks,
I can easily navigate the city by subway.
I know a few bus routes. In the worst case, take a (dreaded) taxi.
I like the food, and even have some wonderful friends here.

This year when I arrived, the city was finishing up preparations to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. There were flags everywhere, and a general buzz of excitement. Well, the fact that China’s National Day also includes a week long vacation (for most people) helps!

The old center of Xi’an is surrounded by a (very picturesque) protective wall. The main gateways through the wall correspond with the cardinal compass points. I headed for the North Gate so that I could reach a (huge) historical site.

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Don’t be mislead by the presence of “Ming” in the name. This is not a “Ming Dynasty” site. Rather, it is the sprawling imperial palace site from the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 CE).

Except for the huge Daming Gate that was reconstructed at the location of the original, almost no rebuilding or reconstruction has been done.
It is an archaeological site. Like a number of Roman sites in Europe, only foundations are visible. At Daming park, these foundation-platforms have been tidied up, but they are bare.

Researchers have a good idea of what the most important buildings looked like. Using a variety of sources, including textual descriptions from the era, scale models are on display in glass cases adjacent to the associated foundation platform.

Scattered throughout the site, creative artwork has been placed to help provide an image of the former imperial city.

I found this to be a very creative way to present the obliterated palace.

A comprehensive outdoor model of the entire site helps visitors visualize the complex as it had been in its heyday.

The modern grounds also include several museums.
I visited one, positioned partially underground, that included various artifacts that have been excavated from the site.

Ruined sites from previous eras of a civilization tend to be reused. Over the centuries various building get constructed for a variety of uses. This site was no exception.

By the time the decision was made to create the heritage park, the area has become home to thousands, many of whom lived in ramshackle houses.
All of that had to be removed. (this same treatment occurs everywhere in the world)

In most places the cleared out housing is quickly forgotten. However, in the museum I visited, a section was dedicated to respectful acknowledgement of what was removed.
Those houses too are a part of the area’s heritage!

Xi’an Friends

I had a great time while I was in Xi’an catching up with friends!

This meal was at a restaurant just inside the old walled part of the city. Fantastic food!! Afterwards we “walked off” the food with a stroll along the “moat” outside the old walls.

Qinglongsi

After adelicious meal with Shirley, we took the metro to Qinglongsi. There, She guided me on a tour of this wonderful, tranquil temple area.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda

I saw the “Large Wild Goose Pagoda” on my first visit to Xi’an, in 2015.
So this year I finally visited its smaller brother.
Unlike the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, you cannot ascend this one.

However, for a few yuan, you can sound the bell! 🙂

Xingqinggong Park

On the site of the (no longer present) Tang Dynasty “Xingqing Palace”, this park is a nice place for families, and the general public to relax, or exercise, or enjoy various rides such as a good sized Ferris Wheel.

Farewell Xi’an! I will be back!