The Muslim markets.

Leaving Hanzhong city, the team of blossom searchers has reached the starting point of China's ancient silk road-Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. If you are visiting China, then Xi'an is definitely one of the cities you must experience.

Xi'an was also China's capital for many dynasties and at its peak it was described as the most prosperous city on the planet. These days, although the city is not among the fastest developing cities in China, it remains one of China's most attractive destinations, creatively blending its historic architectures with newer buildings.

The Xi'an City Wall is not only the most complete city wall that has survived a long period of history, but it's also one of the largest and most complete ancient military systems of defense in the world.

Friendly Xi'an locals suggest I try biking along the City Wall for an enjoyable and interesting experience.

The Muslim markets run north along Beiyuanmen from the Drum Tower and continue parallel to Huajie Xiang, which leads to the Great Mosque. They incorporate everything from foods to souvenirs. This is a great place to pick up your Chinese souvenirs.

Calligraphy, scroll paintings and art equipment, including enormous paint-brushes are seen in the string of shops and stalls that run east along Shuyuanmen, which gracefully decorate Xi'an with its rich cultural background.

In the evening we watched a grand dance performance of 'A Song of Unending Sorrow' at Lintong, close to Xi'an. The dance show is adapted from the poem of Bai Juyi, a famous poet from the Tang dynasty. The poem tells of the romance between Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty. Using Mt. Lishan as the setting, its beautifully designed costumes and splendid lighting give andiences a terrific impression of this ancient city.

A new subway system is currently under construction, making the city slightly crowded, like other rapidly developing cities. Standing in front of the Drum Tower in the center of the city, I'm deeply amazed by the elegant cultural blend in Xi'an, where the ancient meets the modern.