Xi'an surprised me completely on this trip to China

I went to China with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Xi'an. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for Peking duck on day two and went back every day after that.

West Lake was the big planned experience and delivered as expected. But it was cutting-edge cities that became the unexpected highlight — something I stumbled across rather than planned. 14 days was just right for getting below the surface without rushing.