![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_book.jpg)
Reading
Smartphones are the new books
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_calligraphy.jpg)
Calligraphy
No matter how cold, as long as it doesn't rain, people will meet outside and practice calligraphy
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_cherryblossom.jpg)
Cherry Blossoms
When spring comes, cherries will blossom. No matter how much smog there is
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_citywalls.jpg)
City Walls
The sun is setting down over the ancient walls of Xi'an
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_comprehend.jpg)
Wu
Writings on a scroll about the importance of understanding (wù)
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_cricket.jpg)
Crickets
Crickets are held in tea houses as pets for the relaxing sounds they make
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_decorationlights.jpg)
Decoration Lights
Chinese like to decorate landmarks all year long, not only for Christmas
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_doors.jpg)
Doors
Old doors leading to a private art school
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_flute.jpg)
Flute
People like to practice dancing, singing and playing instruments publicly in the park
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_gaoxin.jpg)
Gaoxin
Xi'an's modern district, Gaoxin, is home to many tall and new buildings
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_home.jpg)
Home
A photo I took from my rooftop
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_kois.jpg)
Kois
Jinli are held in shallow pools as pets. They are supposed to recognize their master
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_ming.jpg)
Ming Tea Set
A traditional tea set fully maintained from the Ming Dynasty. For VIP customers only
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_newshoes.jpg)
New shoes
Stella is walking on top of the city walls
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_park.jpg)
Park
If people are not busy and not hungry, they most likely will meet in the park and chat
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_petbird.jpg)
Pet Birds
After being caged, their masters will take the birds to the park so they don't feel lonely. Ironic, isn't it?
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_relax.jpg)
Relax
Xi'an can get as hot as 40 °C. A short break in the shadow might be a good idea
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_spring-rhythm.jpg)
Rhythm of Spring
A small tree decorates a tea house
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_summerpalace.jpg)
Summer Palace
Every major Chinese city has at least one summer palace. This is the one in Xi'an
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_sunset.jpg)
Sunset
Dusk hides all stress on a beautiful day in Xi'an
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_tofu.jpg)
Tofu
Stella eating spicy tofu in one of many crowded food streets
![](https://www.klauseulenbach.de/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/xian16_watercalligraphy.jpg)
Water Calligraphy
This old man comes to the park everyday, using a big brush with water to memorize ancient writings