[Rick Lee]

It's probably different for weddings, but normally, it's a custom to fuss a lot over who pays the dinner tab. It's almost a phony dance and then one side gives in.

I was in Xi'an two Januarys ago and it was COLD. Air quality is near unbearable. But it is a cool city and the Qin Tomb is truly one of the most amazing sights in the world. On the bus from the airport into town, you'll go through some rough areas. If you stay in the center of the city, walk around the old city wall a bit. It is also just amazing and goes on forever. If you haven't been to China before, crossing the street in some cities is more dangerous than holding targets at the rifle range. It's very scary. IIRC, Xi'an has some pretty cool street markets in the winter time too and people eat outdoors in frigid temps. Read up on the Qin Tomb and the Terra Cotta Army. It literally brought a tear to my eye. Such a fascinating place.

If you have time in Beijing, be sure to get a massage from the blind ladies and go wandering around the Hutongs.