Kite Salesman

Stretching up into the Sky – A dozen people sold kites at the entrance to the touristy part of the Muslim Quarter. Their sales strategy: have their kites stretching twelve stories into the air.

Strangely, another occupation at the entrance to the touristy section of the Muslim District: Astronomer. Several men with giant telescopes on the back of their motorscooters stood at the Quarter’s entrance, trying to convince people to take a look at the stars, something Chinese people rarely get the opportunity to see. These men did not have an astronomy background, but instead appeared to be just a few years off the farm. That did not matter though, because they only had to convince Chinese yokels visiting Xian that they were authorities. This they did admirably well.

Trying to study English

Swaying

Brewed Together – After we had visited the Forest of Steles, we shared two bottles of the local brew. It was some of the worst tasting tipple I ever had. It is so local and low-quality, that they do not have their own bottles, but they use bottles with the labels of other companies cast in the mold of their glass bottles.

Shishkabob Remains

Xian’s Meat Sandwich – The closest traditional Chinese food comes to burgers.

Streetview

Barbery

Part of China’s propaganda promoting what the Communist leadership believes are “Chinese Values.”

Part of China’s propaganda promoting what the Communist leadership believes are “Chinese Values.”

This ad is part of a propaganda blitz pushed by Xi Jinping to revive ‘traditional’ Chinese values.

The propaganda selectively pushes the greatest parts of Chinese culture, like this poem by Wang Wei, one of the Tang Dynasty’s three most famous poets.

Hotel