PORTS OF CALL - Asia
Xian, China
If you're looking to broaden your knowledge of Chinese civilisation, you've come to the right place. Located in the heart of China, Xian (or Xi'an) is listed among Athens, Cairo and Rome as a major ancient civilisation capital. It is home to many important historic treasures, such as the City Wall, remains from the Neolithic Banpo Village (dating as far back as 8000 BC!) and some of the most beautiful pagodas you're likely to see in China.
Don't Miss
No trip to Xian would be complete without a visit to one of the greatest archaeological excavations in the world. At the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, you can view life-size soldiers, weapons, horses and chariots lined up for battle and guarding the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the young emperor who assumed power at age 13. The archaeological recovery of the figures from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) is still in progress, having begun in 1974. Before that, the ancient treasure simply lay buried underfoot.
While on Your Cruisetour
Counted along with Athens, Cairo and Rome as a major ancient capital city, Xian offers plenty of fascinating history. You won't want to miss the Terracotta Army - discovered in 1974 and erected over 2,000 years ago, these life-size terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots are lined up for battle and guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You may also want to take a spin on the ancient City Wall, which dates back to 194 BCE. Some of China's most elaborate pagodas are on view here, and if you want to take home something beautiful with you, Xians have been carving luminous green jade for 5,000 years - their objects are some of the most meticulous in China.
Sporting Adventures
Take a bike ride on the ancient City Wall. Unlike the Great Wall of China, the City Wall is on relatively flat ground, and is broad enough for several bikes to easily pass (up to 46-feet wide) through at the same time. The fortification was first started in 194 BCE, when the city was known as Chang'an, or "Perpetual Peace," and completed by the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Enjoy the ride, the views and the classical Chinese architecture of the wall's gates.
Shopping for Bargains
Pick up a piece of jade carved in the Xian Jade Carving Factory. Xians have been carving the luminous green stone for 5,000 years, which explains why their jade bowls, bracelets and objects are some of the most meticulous in China.
Local Flavours
The must-try dish in Xian is Yang Rou Pao Mo (also written as "Yangrou Paomo"). But don't assume it's as easy as sitting down and being served, because you have to take part in the preparation. First, break bread into a bowl, then your server will fill it with noodles and mutton stock. Top it off with garlic, coriander and hot pepper sauce to taste, and slurp it up!
Local Currency
China's legal tender is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of RMB is the yuan. One yuan (or kuai) = 10 jiao (or mao). RMB are available in both paper notes and coins. The denominations of paper notes are 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao. The denominations of coins are 1 yuan; 5, 2 and 1 jiao.