China New Zealand Year of Tourism Xi'an
On September 10, 2019 the red carpet fit for an emperor will be rolled out for one thousand lucky New Zealanders visiting Xi’an invited to experience the stately Chang’an Impression Tang Dynasty Welcoming Ceremony in celebration of the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism.
Xi’an City Wall has a long history with an iconic ancient city wall that is the most well preserved in the world. The historical capital “Chang’ an” has a unique charm as the terminus of the Silk Road in Shaanxi Province as a melting pot of culture and religions; home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors, the glory days of Xī’ān (西安; pronounced ‘see-an’) may have ended in the early 10th century, but a considerable amount of ancient Cháng’ān, the former city, survives behind the often roaring, modern city. Xī’ān’s Ming-era city walls remain intact, vendors of all descriptions still crowd the narrow lanes of the Muslim Quarter, and there are enough places of interest to keep even the most amateur historian riveted.
The Army of Terracotta Warriors is one of the top archaeological finds in the world. This subterranean life-size army of thousands has silently stood guard over the soul of China’s first emperor for more than two millennia. Archaeologists believe Emperor Qin Shi Huang expected his rule to continue in death as it had in life. Other places to visit include the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi, Xī’ān City Walls and the Muslim Quarter, as well as pagodas and museums, plus a side trip to nearby Huá Shān.
Get Your Own Invite
Be one of the first 1,000 New Zealand visitors that schedule a trip to Xi’an on 10 September 2019 to secure your place at this once-in-a-lifetime event. From the moment you check in with the airline, the celebration will begin. So what are you waiting for?
contact Edie 021734140
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
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Have you picked up your tickets to our 80th anniversary party yet?
Kia ora neighbours, here is the cover of our amazing 80th anniversary special edition! There's just enough time to book your ticket to join editor Jo McCarroll at Hamilton Gardens on November 11. Ticketholders will get this special (RRP $16.20) in their goody bags. Each goody bag is also packed with gardening paraphernalia and a brand new Jack Hobbs-bred Hebe 'The Gardener' plant, released to mark this amazing milestone. Plus you'll also get all-day entry to the Enclosed Gardens, canapes and bubbles
, and spot prizes. We'd love to see you there.