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CHINA
CITIES - XI'AN
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Today Xi'an is a manufacturing
city, capital of Shaaxi Province, with a population of 5 million. It is a very
wealthy city, as visits to the up-scale stores will reveal, but in a relatively
poor agricultural region of the Wei River valley and 100 miles from the Huang
He River.
It was the imperial capital (or actually they were at now ruined sites in the
close proximity) for 11 - 13 dynasties (sources vary), between 1000 BC and 1000
AD. Now it is most famous as a tourist center due to the discovery ofthe
underground Terra Cotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (210
BC) - Bing Mayong - 20 miles east of town. Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's actual
capital was at Xianyang, about 30 miles northwest of Xi'an. But there are many
other interesting places in and around Xi'an. Among these are hot springs
(Huaqing Chi) in use for 3000 years; the Banpo Neolithic village; Qian Ling,
the tomb of a Tang dynasty emperor; and Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. And there are
several excellent museums in the city.
Xi'an reached the pinacle of its glory days (then named Chang'an) as the
capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it was reputed to be the largest
city in the world. It owed its importance because it was the Chinese starting
place of the famous "Silk Road" across Asia to Europe.
But the massive city wall that is the best preserved such fortification in
China today dates from the Ming Dyansty - it was built on the foundation of
ancient Tang walls.
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A separate section on the Terra Cotta Warrior
Museum at Xi'an
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Departing Chinese airline at Xi'an airport
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Aircraft at the Xi'an airport
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The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the
airports we passed through in China are modern.
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The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the
airports we passed through in China are modern.
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The very modern airport at Xi'an - all the
airports we passed through in China are modern.
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A busy downtown street in Xi'an, China
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The upper floors of the Bell tower (Zhanglou)
at the crossing of two main streets (west-east, Xidajie-Dong dajie - and
north-south, Beidajie-Nandajie south of the center of Xi'an.
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View inside the defensive courtyard of the
Xi'an southern gate (Nan men)- The fortification is elaborate, with two gates,
off set with a courtyard between. The massive walls date from the Ming Dynasty
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Stairway and one gate in the defensive
courtyard of the Xi'an southern gate. These walls are massive.
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Stairway and one gate in the defensive
courtyard of the Xi'an southern gate. These walls are massive.
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Upper stories of the Xi'an southern city
gate.
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Upper stories of the Xi'an southern city
gate.
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Standing on the top of the Xi'an City
fortress wall - clearly wide enough for two chariots.
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The outer side of the Xi'an city fortress
wall - view toward the next tower. Visible at bottom of photo is a modern
archway put through the wall for street.
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The outer side of the Xi'an city fortress
wall - view toward the next tower. Visible at bottom of photo is a modern
archway put through the wall for street.
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View along the top of the Xi''an city wall on
southern side of city
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View along the top of the Xi''an city wall
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View across the parapet of the Xi'an city
wall toward very modern tall buildings south of the city center. While there
are strikingly modern buildings inside the fortress walls. they are restricted
to lower heights
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View across the parapet of the Xi'an city
wall toward very modern tall buildings. While there are strikingly modern
buildings inside the fortress walls. they are restricted to lower heights
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A medieval design made into a trash
receptical on the Xi'an city wall
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View from the top of the Xi'an city wall gate
directly into the city center - the tower is at the crossroad of the central
east-west and north-south streets.
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A remarkable architecture - building next to
the city gate.
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View in opposite direction along the top of
the huge Xi'an city wall
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A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for
tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.
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A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for
tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.
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Four re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor
for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.
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Four re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor
for tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.
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A re-enactor dresed in Tang Dynasty armor for
tourists on the Xi'an citly wall.
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The outer side of the Xi'an city wall next to
one gate - with modern gate for roadway.
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The upper floors of the Xian City wall gate
tower.
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View of the Xi'an city wall and the outer
section tower - then modern buildings in the distance.
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View of the Xi'an city wall looking down from
an upper level in the gate tower.
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The Bell tower (Zhanglou) in the square at
central crossroads of the north-south and east-west main city streets. It is 36
meters high, was originally located west in 1384 but moved to its current spot
in 1582 and restored in 1739. Note Colonel Saunders' smiling face on the
building on left. KFC is a major chain in China - part of the YUM Brand.
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View up the main street from the Xi'an gate
tower - note that vehicle traffic has been routed around the gate on both sides
through new passages put through the wall
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View along the city wall in opposite
direction from upper floor of the city gate. Note that most of the modern
high-rise buildings are outside the old town.
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Interior of one room inside the Xi'an city
gate - these are now stores with sales for tourists.
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Display of goods for sale in shop inside the
Xi'an City gate.
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Interior side of wall inside the city gate
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Interior side of wall inside the city gate
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Interior staircase inside the city gate
complex
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Interior of the Xi'an city gate
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Interior of the Xi'an city gate
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A cannon placed on the Xi'an city wall
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A cannon placed on the Xi'an city wall
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View from the city wall into the adjacent
houses inside the city.
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The ANA Grand Castle Hotel - located just
outside the southern gate of Xi'an. This is a very fine hotel.
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Central atrium in the Grand Castle hotel in
Xi'an - It is located directly across the road from the southern city gate.
This is a terrific hotel that Vantage Tours uses.
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The central atrium in the ANA Grand Castle
Hotel. It faces the South Gate in the old city wall. The hotel architecture is
modeled after the ancient Big Goose Pagoda.
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Ground floor in the atrium of the ANA Grand
Castle Hotel
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View from window of the ANA Grand Castle
Hotel across the park and major city streets to the southern gate of Xi'an. In
this view one can see the design of the gate. The multistory tower is over the
entrance gate in the city wall itself. Outside this is a square 'barbican that
has its own entrances. One is directly on the southern side, but there is
another around on the eastern side of this fortification. The city wall is
surrounded by a deep moat.
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Two very modern buildings adjacent to the ANA
Grand Castle hotel. The city wall is reflected in the buildings.
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View of the hotel atrium from an upper floor.
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The tower of the outer gate in the Xi'an city
southern gate complex. Note the verticals of the bridge over the moat.
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The tower of the outer gate in the Xi'an city
southern gate complex. Note the verticals of the bridge over the moat.
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The moat in front of the outer fortification
of the Xi'an city southern gate complex.
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Section of the moat outside the southern
wall, looking west
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ANA Grand Castle Hotel at Xi'an.
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The Bell tower (Zhanaglou) in the center of
Xi'an
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The Bell tower in the center of Xi'an.
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The southern gate tower at Xi'an
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Parkson hotel in downtown Xi'an
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Entranceway to side street in downtown Xi'an
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The upper part of the western gate tower
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Part of the city moat at the southwest corner
of Xi'an.
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The western gate tower ((Ximen) of Xi'an.
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Inside of the western city wall of Xi'an - my
taxi and driver who showed me the city.
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Inside of the western city wall of Xi'an.
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A restaurant built into the southwest corner
of the Xi'an city wall.
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Inside of the southern city wall.
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Inside of the western city wall. Note the
modern houses across the street. The western gate is in the distance.
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One of the modern passageways put through the
Ming Dynasty wall to accomodate traffic. - this is the southern city wall.
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Entrance to the ANA Grand Castle Hotel.
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Xi'an was the Chinese gateway to the 'Silk
Road' across Asia for many centuries - here in the Grand Castle Hotel the
memory of those caravans is depicted.
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Xi'an was the Chinese gateway to the 'Silk
Road' across Asia for many centuries - here in the Grand Castle Hotel the
memory of those caravans is depicted.
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Ruth with camel in the hotel to commemorate
the starting point of the Silk Road.
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View of part of the Xi'an southern city wall
from upper floor of the Grand Castle Hotel.
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A doorman at the entrance to the Tang dynasty
Theater Restaurant on 75 Changan Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China. This is a super
fine restaurant with excellent food, plus a fascinating after dinner program.
The restaurant web site -
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The crowd gathering and entering the dinner
theater from the lobby. Our first night in Xi'an featured attendance at a
dinner theater featuring a Tang Dynasty banquet followed by a remarkable show.
The entire performance is available on DVD - a fine reminder of the visit to
China.
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The musical entertainment during dinner is
provided by this musical group playing ancient Chinese instruments.
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The musical entertainment during dinner is
provided by this musical group playing ancient Chinese instruments.
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The audience is enjoying a six course Chinese
banquet.
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Restaurant is decorated in Tang Dynasty motif
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More musical entertainment before and during
the banquet - the Vantage Tour secured tables for us directly against the
stage, making it simply to set the camera right on the stage.
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More musical entertainment before and during
the banquet -
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More musical entertainment before and during
the banquet -
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More musical entertainment before and during
the banquet -
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More musical entertainment before and during
the banquet - the featured instrument is a qin
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The featured soloist during the banquet
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The featured soloist during the banquet
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The performer is using a sheng - an ancient
Chinese wind instrument.
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The spectacular performance begins with the
emperor's guards.
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The spectacular performance begins with the
emperor's guards.
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The ladies and entertainers of the Tang
Emperor's court - the number is "The King of Ever"
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The White Ramie Cloth Costume dance - a
delightful ballet in which the ladier deftly manipulate the long cloths
extending from their sleeves while the lights change colors.
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The Da Nuo Dance - various spirits and
goblins dance under changing light.
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The Da Nuo Dance - various spirits and
goblins dance under changing light.
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Da Nuo Dance
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Da Nuo Dance
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Da Nuo Dance
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Da Nuo Dance
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Da Nuo Dance
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The scene shifts - The Rainbow costume dance
- the court is awaiting the arrival of the emperor.
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The scene shifts - the court is awaiting the
arrival of the emperor.
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A contortionist begins here routine
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The Rainbow costume dance - courtesans dance
while awaiting the emperor
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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The warriors Triumphal Dance
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Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while
court members enjoy a spring garden party.
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Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while
court members enjoy a spring garden party.
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Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while
court members enjoy a spring garden party.
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Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while
court members enjoy a spring garden party.
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Happy Spring Outing - orchestral pieces while
court members enjoy a spring garden party.
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The Spring Orioles Song - A solo on the Pai
xiao - pipe flute - by a master musician
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The Spring Orioles Song - A solo on the Pai
xiao - pipe flute - by a master musician
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The main orchestra has moved off stage into
two side boxes.
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We are about to see the emperor's entrance.
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A fanfare to greet the emperor
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The soldiers are greeting the emperor with
multiple drums.
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And here comes the emperor's entorage down
the center isle of the restaurant. We had a 'ringside' - well stage-side seat
for the proceedings.
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A leading court official is waiting on stage
to greet the emperor.
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The emperor and his consort appear
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The emperor and his consort appear
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The emperor and his consort appear
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TA Ge - the emperor is seated on his throne
and the musicians and dancers are performing for him. (and us)
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The emperor sits serene and solemn, observing
every movement.
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An emperor's official or guard seated nearby
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An emperor's official or guard seated nearby
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A dancer pleases the emperor and empress
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The emperor takes his turn on the dance floor
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Dancers join the emperor
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Dancers join the emperor
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The soloist with the Pai Xiao joins the
emperor for the finale of the spectacular performance
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The orchestra takes its bows.
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The performers are enjoying the applause from
the delighted audience.
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Back at the ANA Grand Castle hotel after that
spectacular performance we can see the southern gate from the hotel window.
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The south east corner of the Ming Dynasty
walls - taking a taxi ride around the city.
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The tower at the south-east corner of the
Xi'an city wall
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The eastern gate (Dong men) of the Xi'an city
fortress wall - note there is no outer fortification for this gate
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The eastern gate of the Xi'an city fortress
wall - note there is no outer fortification for this gate
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The eastern gate seen from inside the city
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The Bell tower (Zhanglou) at the center of
Xi'an
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The Bell tower at the center of Xi'an
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Modern buildings surround the Xi'an city
central square. They are all interconnected by underground passage ways and
underground stores.
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Modern buildings surround the Xi'an city
central square. They are all interconnected by underground passage ways and
underground stores.
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Another view of the Bell Tower in Xi'an
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Facade of a remarkable building close by the
Xi'an southern gate.
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Facade of a remarkable building close by the
Xi'an southern gate.
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Facade of a remarkable building close by the
Xi'an southern gate.
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Modern buildings outside the southern wall of
Xi'an
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Part of the entrance gate to the grounds of
the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyan Ta) - 45 meters tall - in southern part of
Xi'an
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Part of the entrance gate to the grounds of
the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in southern part of Xi'an. It was founded in 707 AD
- 151 ft tall.
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Exhibition hall of the Small Wild Goose
Pagoda and Jainfu Temple
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The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
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The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
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Chinese ladies doing their morning Tai Chi
exercises at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda grounds.
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One of the buildings on the grounds of the
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
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The Small Wild Goose pagoda
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A building on the grounds of the Small Wild
Goose Pagoda that is an art gallery with prints for sale
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Another building on the pagoda grounds.
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The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small
Wild Goose pagoda
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The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small
Wild Goose pagoda
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The Jainfu Temple on the grounds of Small
Wild Goose pagoda
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Very expensive prints for sale at pagoda
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The Small Wild Goose Pagoda
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A large wall hanging for sale
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A large wall hanging for sale
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A large wall hanging for sale
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Caligraphy masters creating signs and sayings
for customers
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Statue of Buddha
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A very large bell - struck by a heavy wooden
beam
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A very large bell - struck by a heavy wooden
beam
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A building on the pagoda grounds.
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View of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and a
nearby modern high-rise building.
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Various machinery in the pagoda yard.
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A collection of steles
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Another view of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
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More Chinese doing their morning exercises.
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Another very large bell - housed in a special
building.
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Very modern style building next door to the
pagoda - Xi'an University of Electronic Science and Technology
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Another special building on the pagoda
grounds
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A giant drum hanging in its own small
building
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Lovely statues carved from natural wood
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Monkeys carved into a tree
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Musician playing the Chinese pipes.
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Another musician - playing the Pai Xiao -
flute
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Chinese musicians enjoying an improptu
concert.
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Sign outside the Jin Jang Jade carving
factory
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Tour bus parked next to modern apartment
buildings near the jade factory
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Tour bus parked next to modern apartment
buildings near the jade factory
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Tour group listening to a factory lecture
about making of jade items.
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Jade factory public relations man discoursing
on the finer points of jade products.
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The very impressive show rooms at the Xi'an
jade factory - bring lots of cash or a big credit card account.
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