Mint Mocha Musings

The hotelier's wife: an expat affair around the globe

  • Home
  • About Mint Mocha Musings
    • Contact Nicole
  • Blog Posts
    • Asian Adventures
    • Pacific Playgrounds
    • Expat Encounters
    • Repatriation Realities
    • Hotel Confessions
    • Motherhood Moments
    • Media Matters
    • China Culture
  • Work With Me
  • My Books!
    • My BOOKS
  • You’ll Find Me At….
    • Reviews/Interviews
    • Sunday Life
    • Sydney Morning Herald
    • Australian Hotelier Magazine
    • Mamamia
    • Kidspot
    • Essential Baby/Essential Kids
    • Huffington Post
    • FairPlanet.Org
    • Hong Kong Moms
    • JumpStart Magazine Hong Kong
    • AsiaSpa Magazine
    • W Hotel Hong Kong
    • Women With Words Hong Kong
    • The HK Hub
    • Expat Focus
    • SASSYmama/SASSYHongKong
    • Playtimes Magazine
    • Expats blog: an experience shared
    • expat blog
  • Snap of the Day in China
  • Word of the Week
  • Sponsored Posts/Reviews & Partnerships
  • Free Updates, Tips & Giveaways!
  • Travel Asia
    • China
      • Xi’an
      • Shanghai
      • Beijing
      • Guilin
      • Shenzhen
      • Hangzhou
      • Chengdu
      • Luoyang
      • Sanya
      • Guangzhou
    • Tibet
    • Hong Kong
    • Macau
    • Thailand
    • Singapore
  • Travel Pacific
    • New Caledonia
    • Fiji
  • Expats Transferring $$ Home
You are here: Home / Asian Adventures / Ever Wondered What an Ancient Chinese Village Looks Like? Of Course You Have…..

Ever Wondered What an Ancient Chinese Village Looks Like? Of Course You Have…..

by Nicole Webb

Village Lanterns in Xian

I’ve been trying to get out of the city for a sneak peek into a local Chinese village since we got here, seven months ago. 

There’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with the locals in a new country. I like to get amongst it and smell the noodles roses. 

Mind you, here in Xi’an,  you need to pick a day when you’re up for the paparazzi to well and truly ‘pap you! If you’re feeling like a quiet, inconspicuous day with the family, this is not the time or place to do it. Trust me.

With two ‘blondies’ in the family, clearly we are not going to fly under the radar, no matter how hard we try. To many locals, we are fair dinkum aliens with our pale skin, light wavy hair and ‘big’ noses! (Who said that!)

So with some inside advice up our sleeves, we were told there was a good village to see just outside the city. About an hour’s drive they said. (Clearly not taking into account one of the biggest festivals of the year Tomb Sweeping Day.) 

Not to be dissuaded we got in the car with about 50-thousand other locals that day and made our way through the dense traffic to Ma Wei Yi village.

As we sped along highways, slowed down through small towns and emerged in what looked to be the Chinese countryside, I had no idea what we were in for.  

(Our driver for the day spoke zero English, so he couldn’t enlighten us too much.) 

“Are we there yet, are we there yet?” The small but shrill voice beside me, rang out. 

The gap between cars was getting closer and given the unusual rain in Xi’an, the roads were pretty muddy and sloshy….drivers were getting stuck, left right and centre! Just quietly, it was quite amusing to watch. As we know, in Xi’an getting a driver’s license is not exactly a brain-taxing affair and with the greatest respect, the driving is a little on the chaotic side.

I looked up in the distance and saw…..much to my surprise, a Ferris Wheel.

Let’s be clear, it was no London Eye.

But yes a giant, random Ferris Wheel…perched at the top of the hill, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. 

Ferris Wheel Chinese Village

Possibly a sign that humanity is close by?

Cars were queuing by now….and the sole dirt road appeared to lead directly to the top of the hill. 

We decided our best bet was to get out and walk. (After hastily scrambling around for the word ‘walk’ to communicate our intentions to the driver we jumped out gesturing to meet back at the same spot in a couple of hours).

Wishing I’d bought my new gumboots, we trudged up the hill, through the mud with hundreds of others….and this is where the fun begins. 

People all around us were having a good look at the ‘waiguo ren’ (foreigners) …some were slyly running ahead of us to snap a not so sneaky picture. People boldly reaching out to give Ava’s blonde locks a little tug. 

We passed little stalls with fairy wings, fancy balloons and whaddyaknow….fresh eggs.

Once at the top, this.

A Tudor-like entrance, Chinese style.

Chinese Village Xian

Still not quite sure what to expect from this ‘village’….we followed the mammoth crowds. 

Village - beginning of village Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

A little closer and we came face to face with the ‘village’ – a carpet of old oriental rooftops, flanking a long narrow alley stretched out before us.

Snap of the Day Looking down on the Village  Mint Mocha Musings

We ventured down the steep stairway, trying not to get pushed by the crowds…. and entered the village vortex.

Village Crowds Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

A hive of heaving bodies, all meandering through the old cobble stone streets amid a wash of brightly coloured lanterns and flags. The scene was for all intents and purposes like stepping back in time…(with some modern day crowd surfing for good measure!)

Tiny kitchens and food stalls selling authentic Chinese food, were at every turn. Some had long bench tables outside, all filled to capacity with hungry locals, fervently slurping noodles and sipping soup, like there was no tomorrow.

Village Lunchtime Food Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

This is not quite the village I was imagining, but it was definitely full of fascinating flavours and colours. 

Village Ladies Cooking  Mint Mocha Musings

Village Cooking Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

Of course I draw the line at creatures like this on my plate!

Village Food Bugs Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

Tempted to ‘people watch’ for hours, if it wasn’t quite so hazardous to stop and become the tourist attraction ourselves.

Inside the little huts, ladies were weaving mats in traditional style and little pocket-sized museums were laden with ancient relics, even furniture. (Of course I’m not crafty at the best of times and to the elderly lady’s dismay, broke the piece of cotton!)

Village Making Mats Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

Village Clay Models Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

Out of the alley way and into a clearing….packed with more bodies roaming around on a sunny day …. there was the unmistakeable sound of a band on a stage….

Village Band Music Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

Although perhaps not quite the bands we’re used to. It sounded a little like a cat scratching a tin roof….a little closer and it wasn’t not quite so bad…. the acoustics clearly lost on the ramshackle equipment. For your entertaining pleasure…I bring you this video!

 

Then…..if that wasn’t bizarre enough, amidst the high-pitched ‘performance’, ancient rooftops, red lanterns and ancient rituals – a random, brightly colored theme park!

Village and Chinese Theme Park  Mint Mocha Musings

It was like stumbling across something from a long lost era. The rides a little on the vintage side.

Village Theme Park  Mint Mocha Musings

But of course my 4 year old’s face lit up. This is far more exciting than being squashed like sardines in a long forgotten Chinese food fair .

My senses assaulted with a seventies throwback – the scene like something out of an old American movie intertwined with a backdrop from ‘Breaking Bad.’ 

Village desert Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

I later find out this is not in fact an ancient village but a work in progress.  A tourist haven built with a purpose. (The half constructed traditional Chinese-style huts kind of gave it away.)

51.8 million yuan has been invested into recreating an ancient inn culture in the shape of Ma Wei Folk Culture Village.

The idea is to give locals and tourists the feeling they’re stepping back in time ….to a place people populated around a thousand years ago.

And while I’m not sure the kitschy theme park compliments this idea, it will definitely give you a taste of a bygone era.

 Village Warriors and Lanterns Xian  Mint Mocha Musings

I guess we’ll save the real thing for another day. 

This is China. 

Related Posts

  • When Parallel Worlds Collide: A Party of Writers in ChinaWhen Parallel Worlds Collide: A Party of Writers in China
  • Do You Want to Work Overseas? Tips for Choosing the Right Country.Do You Want to Work Overseas? Tips for Choosing the Right Country.
  • Travelling the Famous ‘Silk Road’ in the 21st Century: Will You Take the Journey?Travelling the Famous ‘Silk Road’ in the 21st Century: Will You Take the Journey?
  • Pandas in Chengdu? Don’t Mind if I Do!Pandas in Chengdu? Don’t Mind if I Do!
  • Don’t Call Us ‘Leftovers!’ China’s Unmarried Women Hit Back at Ikea.Don’t Call Us ‘Leftovers!’ China’s Unmarried Women Hit Back at Ikea.
  • The Wonder of Shopping on Taobao: China’s Secret Weapon.The Wonder of Shopping on Taobao: China’s Secret Weapon.

Enjoyed that post? If so, why not sign up to Mint Mocha Musings so you don't miss a thing! Updates, Tips and Freebies

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Instagram profile

Nicole Webb

Nicole is a journalist and writer (former News Reader with Sky News Australia) who, back in 2010, took a leap of faith and embarked on a journey to the city that never sleeps, Hong Kong! Fast forward four years, and Nicole, her hotelier husband and toddler stepped things up a notch and moved to Central China, where they lived in Xi'an for 2.5 years. Back in Sydney after a whirlwind adventure, Nicole continues her musings! Check out Mint Mocha Musings for plenty of intriguing, humorous and uplifting tales from her expat life in Asia so far. You can also find her on Twitter: @nicoledwebb. and Instagram at Mint Mocha Musings.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy LinkedIn profileMy Instagram profile

Latest posts by Nicole Webb (see all)

  • Back to School: Helping Children to Adjust During the Coronavirus Pandemic -
  • China Blonde Musings -
  • CHINA BLONDE: How a newsreader’s search for adventure led to friendship, acceptance….and peroxide pandemonium in China. -

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Asian Adventures, Expat Encounters, Mint Mocha Musings

Comments

  1. Amelia says

    at

    What an adventure! The architecture and food really takes you back centuries. Nice pictures 🙂

    • Nicole Webb says

      at

      Thanks Amelia! It’s a pretty amazing place. Can’t believe it’s been two years!! Hope you’re all well. xx

  2. Claire says

    at

    Fascinating! I always look forward to your blog posts – they are such fun and I love your descriptions.

    • Nicole Webb says

      at

      Oh thanks so much Claire, that means such a lot. So glad you look forward to them and enjoy them!! That’s what it’s all about. Thank you! 😉

Search here …

Order China Blonde here!

http://www.nicolewebbonline.com

Expats – Need to Transfer Money Home?

sending money home

NordVPN

Need a VPN

ClearFx Currency Converter Add this to your site
Australians living in Hong Kong
Support for repatriation!
Paperblog
Australian Women Bloggers Directory by Blog Chicks
Tripoto
Expat Interview
iCompareFX.com Expat Blog Awards 2017
Follow
Top 20 Expats Blogs 2017

VOTE NOW

Banners for Asian Expat Blogs Award 2018

Follow Me on Twitter!

  • Congratulations on your new book Animal Liberation Now @PeterSinger ! And a great, thought provoking podcast with… https://t.co/HJugr7UZDX 06:29:12 PM June 13, 2023 from Twitter for iPhone ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • A thoughtful interview by @SarahGrynberg on #ALifeofGreatness. Sarah's known for her in depth podcast, chatting wi… https://t.co/xDw9QMBSS3 03:42:13 PM June 13, 2023 from Twitter Web App ReplyRetweetFavorite
  • @mazymixer Hilarious isn’t it!!! 09:41:30 AM June 13, 2023 from Twitter for iPhone in reply to mazymixer ReplyRetweetFavorite
@nicoledwebb

Instagram

Follow Me!

Like Our Adventures on Facebook!

Top Posts & Pages

  • Contact Nicole
    Contact Nicole
  • About Mint Mocha Musings
    About Mint Mocha Musings
  • China's Paradise on Earth - Hangzhou!  Is it Worth a Visit?
    China's Paradise on Earth - Hangzhou! Is it Worth a Visit?
  • Eight Cultural Taboos in China You Really Ought to Know....
    Eight Cultural Taboos in China You Really Ought to Know....
  • Bridesmaids for Hire: This is China, Where it's More Than Just Holding the Bouquet!
    Bridesmaids for Hire: This is China, Where it's More Than Just Holding the Bouquet!
  • To Understand China, You Need to Understand the Power of 'Guanxi.'
    To Understand China, You Need to Understand the Power of 'Guanxi.'
  • Shenzhen! There's more to China's fastest growing city than shopping...
    Shenzhen! There's more to China's fastest growing city than shopping...
  • Maid in Hong Kong - the Helper phenomenon...
    Maid in Hong Kong - the Helper phenomenon...
  • Travelling the Famous 'Silk Road' in the 21st Century: Will You Take the Journey?
    Travelling the Famous 'Silk Road' in the 21st Century: Will You Take the Journey?
  • Having a Baby in China...the Good, the Bad, the Ugly!
    Having a Baby in China...the Good, the Bad, the Ugly!

© Copyright 2014 Mint Mocha Musings · All Rights Reserved · Graphics by Miss Pickles · Design by Project Prettify ·

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d