The Muslim Quarter in Xi'an has been home to the city’s Muslim community for centuries. Stretching north from the Drum Tower, the quarter is a maze of narrow alleys and lively backstreets. It is home to halal butcher shops, small mosques, food markets brimming with local delicacies, and stores selling everything from spices to traditional crafts. It’s a fascinating place to explore, with the scents of sizzling street food filling the air, and it offers a unique glimpse into the cultural fusion that defines Xi'an.

Xi'an’s largest Taoist temple, the Temple of the Eight Immortals, dates back to the Song Dynasty and remains an active place of worship. The temple was supposedly built on the site of an ancient wine shop and is said to have been constructed to protect against subterranean divine thunder. As you explore the temple, you'll notice vivid scenes from Taoist mythology painted around the courtyard. The temple also has an intriguing historical connection: in 1901, Empress Cixi, mother of China’s last emperor, sought refuge here after fleeing Beijing during the Boxer Rebellion.

The Australian Seabird Rescue, Research, Rehabilitation and Coastal Education Centre in Ballina offers a comprehensive educational experience for people of all ages. Participants experience first hand the issues in their local environment. The interactive, hands on approach gives everyone an unforgettable experience that they can take home and share with others. All presentations include a one hour informative talk by one of their trained volunteers, as well as a chance to see wildlife that may be in their care. Animals that you may get the opportunity to get a close-up look at may include pelicans, other sea birds, shore birds, and even the fascinating and endangered sea turtles.