The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) presents the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces, featuring a dual presentation of past and present Chinese art and culture. Opening in May, this exhibition will bring forth this concept by exhibiting the world famous ancient Terracotta Warriors alongside a parallel display of new works by famous contemporary artist, Cai Guo-Qiang.

The Terracotta Warriors are known as the guardians of immortality and the eighth wonder of the world. This exhibition will feature eight warrior figures and two life-size horses from the Imperial Army, as well as two half-size replica bronze chariots, each drawn by four horses. ‘The Transient Landscape’ by Cai Guo-Qiang on the other hand will see new art works inspired by his home country’s culture and its enduring philosophical traditions, including a monumental installation of 10,000 suspended porcelain birds. 

维多利亚国家美术馆(NGV)宣告了墨尔本冬季的杰出展会-以过去和现在的中国艺术和文化的双重呈现为特色，也显示古今艺术冲撞的理念。此次展览将于5月开幕，除了世界著名的古代兵马俑，同时展出当代著名艺术家蔡国强的新作品。

兵马俑被誉为不朽的守护者和世界第八大奇迹。此次展览将展出8个兵马俑战士和两匹真实尺寸的皇军战马，以及两辆实物一半大小的青铜战车复制品。另一方面，蔡国强也以“转瞬即逝的风景”为题，将展出一些新的艺术作品，这些作品的灵感来自他的祖国中国的文化及其悠久的哲学传统，其中包括1万只悬挂装置的优美瓷鸟。

Images courtesy of NGV

Formerly known as Chang’an, Xi’an is one important ancient city in the world that you absolutely must visit! It is now a popular tourist site because of its rich history and good food.

5 top places in Xi’an:

1. Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum
   Listed as a world UNESCO heritage site, the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum located in the Lintong District is the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. It also holds the world famous Terracotta Army.
   
2. Bell Tower
   Built in the early Ming Dynasty, the Bell Tower of Xi’an is located right at the centre of the city and is an important landmark of Xi’an. It is one of its finest kind in China.
   
3. Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area
   Known as the second cultural symbol of Shaanxi, the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area is renowned for storing the Finger Bone of the Sakyamuni Buddha. One of its sectors, the Namaste Dagoba, has a fascinating theatre performance of the history of Famen Temple you should not miss!
   
4. Qianling Mausoleum
   The Qianling Mausoleum is where tombs of the imperial family of the Tang Dynasty are located. This includes the tombs of the famous Emperor Tang Gaozong and his wife, Emperor Wu Zetian, the only female Emperor to ever rule in China.
   
5. Muslim Quarter
   Rich in culture and it’s abundance of delicious food, the Muslim Quarter not only enclaves the majority of the Muslim population of Xi’an, but has also turned into one of the most visited tourist spots in the district!
   

5 top dishes in Xi’an:

1. Biang Biang noodles
   Savoury and chewy in taste, the classic Biang Biang noodles made from wheat flour are served with vinegar and topped with assorted vegetables and braised meats. ‘Biang’ describes the sound made when the noodle dough is slapped against the working surface repeatedly.
   
2. Liang Pi （凉皮)
   Made from wheat or rice flour, Liang Pi (Cold Skin Noodles) is a local snack where cold thinly sliced rice noodles are  drizzled with chilli oil sauce and topped with spices and vegetables. It is a yummy vegan dish!
   
3. Rou Jia Mo（肉夹馍）
   Invented in the Qin Dynasty, Rio Jia Mo is the oldest hamburger in the world, It is a crispy handmade bread with tender stewed fatty pork patty stuffed in the middle! Other meat alternatives are also available.
   
4. Yang Rou Pao Mo（羊肉泡馍）
   Yang Rou Pao Mo is a dish where hand-pulled flatbread crumbles are cooked in a flavourful mutton broth with rice vermicelli and topped with slices of lamb or beef of your choice and pickled sweet garlic. Hand-pulling the flatbread is also a time to gossip and socialize for locals!
   
5. Suan Tang Shui Jiao （酸汤水饺）
   Suan Tang Shui Jiao with locally made mutton dumplings are boiled in a mouth-watering hot and sour soup. Every dumpling is an explosion of flavour! Sesame seeds, chopped leeks and cilantro are added to make the dish pop!

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原以为誉有古都之称的西安还是古旧的城都，其实西安古城墙的外围远比上海、北京都来得先进繁荣，具时代感的高楼大厦比比皆是。宽阔的马路车辆络绎不绝，道路上的清洁维持指标更是令人赞叹。

古时的西安，即是繁华的长安，也是帝王之都。历代帝王的皇陵几乎都在这里。

因为涉及国家文物的保存和江山社稷龙脉之地的风水，不少皇陵至今仍然是原封不动地矗立着。这里的每一寸土地几乎是历史的最佳见证。

西安不仅是国外游客多，国内游客量也很高，毕竟那是身为龙的传人必访之地。西安的天气不是极度的燥热，就是极度的寒冷，极少有适度的气候。当地的人民风情有别与中国一般的区县，说华语身著回服的回族，多种的主食面类，都是当地的特色。不少景点，还特设该地历史有关的舞台剧，让古时事迹重现眼前，如:《长恨歌》、《法门往事》等。

说到五大必访的景点有：秦始皇陵、钟楼、法门寺、乾陵、回民街。

五大必吃的地道美食有: “BiangBiang”面、凉皮、肉夹馍、羊肉泡膜、酸汤水饺。

English  text by Madilyn Y , Chinese text & photography by Layzhoz Yeap