i'm confused by the information on the airport shuttle bus posted on wikitravel. it says, "The airport bus leaves every half-hour from 6AM to 6PM, a ticket is 27rmb and takes about one hour. As long as there is an arriving flight, there will be a bus, so don't worry about arriving late at night or early morning."

so, does the shuttle bus operate from 6am to 6pm or 24/7? i understand that there are a few lines. i'm interested in the one that goes to the bell tower. i'm asking because we should be arriving at the airport in the late afternoon or evening, and don't want to spend too much money on taxi fare.

my next question concerns the muslim quarters. till what time does the place (i.e. the shops and restaurants) stay open on a saturday night? oh, and do the bell tower and drum tower stay lit throughout the night?

okay, last question, at least for now: our flight departing xian leaves early in the morning at 8ish. i don't suppose there is a bus to airport that early in the morning. so, i guess taxi is our best bet. how much does a taxi ride to the airport cost from the south gate?

thank you, folks.