Instead of Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping was glad that he could receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his hometown of Xi’an.
Recalling his visit to Ahmedabad, President Jinping told Modi: “You received me so warmly in your hometown last year, now, I have the opportunity to receive you in mine.”
Modi was given a traditional Tang Dynasty welcome at the Ancient City Gate of Xi’an.
The Indian PM visited the South City Wall, which at its base is 50 or 60 feet wide and at the top is about 40 feet wide.
The wall, which is a 40-foot tall rectangle and stretches for about 14 kilometres, was erected in the 14th century Ming Dynasty, under the regime of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.
Terracotta Warriors Museum
Modi began his day with a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors museum which has a large collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China.
The Indian PM’s presence at the Terracotta Museum – the first stop evoking China’s civilizational roots – set the tone for his visit to China, which is expected to be strong on unveiling India’s historical connect with the Middle Kingdom.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
The two leaders also visited the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 AD in recognition of monk Hiuen Tsang’s 17-year-long journey to India and his efforts to popularise Buddhism in China.
Prime Minister Modi also gifted a Bodhi sapling to the temple. In turn, the Abbot of the monastery gifted a figurine of Hiuen Tsang, also known as Xuan Zang, to Modi.
Daxingshan Temple
The Indian PM interacted with some of the priests present before taking a round of the temple’s Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Mountain Gate.
Built in 265-289 in the Jin Dynasty, this temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China and a birthplace of Chinese Tantric Buddhism.
Now, For Some Business
Other than the guided tour, the Indian PM also spoke business with the Chinese President and other delegates. During his 90-minute talk, Modi raised a series of stress points for the countries, including how China issues visas to applicants from Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as Southern Tibet.
He also shared concerns with President Xi about the $46 billion economic corridor that China is building through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Tonight’s Special? Chinese!
All this work would definitely make anyone hungry and our very own PM is no different. A seven-course meal was prepared for Modi.
The menu at the dinner had many ‘Chinese specials’ like sour and spicy soup with fired dough, assorted vegetables with pancake and red bean rice, beancurd with mushroom and water chestnut in bean sauce among others.
After the dinner, Modi and Xi watched a colourful cultural event. And apparently, it was raining.
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Keqiang today in Beijing.
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