Xi'an Day 1 (6/17/2012): Famen Temple (法门寺)

Well this is about exactly one month late of a post. I've been back in the States for a bit now and should probably do this. Was going to throw Xi'an in one big post but then realized that'll be obnoxious and ridiculous.

Xi'an (西安) is one of the oldest cities in China, one of the "Four Great Ancient Capitals of China". Some of the most important dynasties in Chinese history called this city home. We woke up at 5am to take the plane to Xi'an. I think (can't really remember) it took 3-4 hours, so not bad at all. It was a little plane so we actually took a bus from the terminal to the actual plane.

First thing I noticed after exiting the airport. The heat. Xi'an was more of a really dry hot rather than Shanghai's humid hot, but yikes. (Yep, I know.. I use really professional terms meteorologists probably use on a daily basis.) Got there a little before noon and went to see the Famen Temple (法门寺) before even going to the hotel. This temple has been renovated several times and is home to several relics that are supposedly directly related to Buddha. The place was huge. Lots of walking.

My little sister with some security guards. At a temple. A tad embarrassing to take.

Went to a famous dumpling place after we died from the heat. So many different types of dumplings! The little mini, colorful dumplings in the soup (picture below giant golden dumpling) were drawn out of this vintage-looking cauldron in the dark into individual bowls. Each color symbolizes a different fortune and no dumplings also has a good fortune associated with it. Twas cute.

The Drum Tower of Xi'an (西安鼓楼) was right outside the dumpling restaurant we went to for dinner and tons and tons of sparrows were flying to and from it. Stunning.

Days 2, 3, and 4 are on the way!