From the moment I stepped outside of Xian Airport, I knew right away I was in for scortching hot summer days in Xian. I've been told how hot summer is in Xian, but I did not expect it to be this hot! Stepping outside from the airport, I could feel the dry, heat wave - almost made me not want to leave the airport.
Also on my second day in Xian when I went touring the terra cotta pits, and the mausoleum of Emperor QinShiHuang, it was 43celcius outside. The driver told me this was a new heat record for Xian - Just my luck... In any case, if you ever plan on visiting xian during the summer, bring loose clothing that won't weigh you down, and bring lots of water.
3 Wheeler Taxi in Xian
Not all cities in China comes with 3 wheelers. They're little 3 wheeled vehicles that are either man-powered, or small motor powered. Back in 1995 when I first visited China, my hometown of Neijian in Szechuan Province used to have them, but they were banned some years later.
I had dinner after I finished my tour of the Xian City Wall, and was head back to my hotel on foot, which was less than 2km away. But on the way back, I was stuffed, and really didn't feel like walking. So, instead I took a 3 wheeler.
There’s two kinds of 3 wheelers, the older models where its human powered, and a new kind that’s motor powered. I hopped on a 3 wheeler, and told the driver my destination. The sun was still shining, and it wasn't so hot anymore. The breeze felt good and relaxing after a massive dinner.
Xian city street, near city center.
It was about a 10 minute ride back to the hotel, and cost me $10yuan. You could probably bargain about the price, but I didn’t since I think its pretty hard work. It took 10 minutes mainly because 3 wheelers are not allowed to drive on the main Beidajie. So they have to take the side roads, which is a slight detour, but it also gave me an opportunity to see more of the city life around Xian city center. |
