Xi'an
Early the next morning we took a bullet train to Xi'an, only half an hour away. Our flight to northern Shaanxi wasn't until mid-afternoon, so we had a little bit of time to kill as tourists.
The city walls of Xi'an, though they've been repaired and retouched over the past 30 years, are still an impressive sight since they provide a unique glimpse into the past, specifically that of a giant 14-kilometer wall enclosing a once-capital of China.
In many spots outside the wall, long parks attract locals looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, get some exercise, read a book, or play the violin.
Xi'an is one of the most touristed cities in China, and the wall itself is an important attraction. In order to yet further capitalize on the industry, and not unlikely in preparation for the expected wave of tourism during the Olympics, even the city buildings just inside the wall (i.e. what one sees from the wall) are getting a "classic" makeover.
October is obviously the month when ginkgos explode into vibrant fall colors (at least it looks like an explosion to me).
