A Xi'an Getaway for May Day: A Local's Guide

Freshly back from Xi'an, a friend has compiled this guide to help you experience the charm of this ancient capital. 🗺️ A Four-Day Itinerary DAY 1: First Encounter with Chang'an • Afternoon Arrival: Check in to your hotel and head to Sajinqiao (Lao Majia Rou Jia Mo is highly recommended). • Evening: Listen to the evening drums at the Drum Tower (bianzhong performance at 6 p.m.). • As Night Falls: Capture the Bell Tower at night (the fifth-floor viewing platform at Kaiyuan Shopping Mall offers the best view). DAY 2: Elegance of the Tang Dynasty • Morning Exploration: Shaanxi History Museum (reservations for the 10 a.m. entry are recommended). • Afternoon Tranquility: Take a photo with the Xuanzang statue at the south square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (side backlighting adds a touch of solemnity). • Evening Charm: Stroll through the Grand Tang Mall (arrive before 7 p.m. to watch the lights gradually illuminate). DAY 3: Legacy of the Qin Dynasty • Morning Antiquities: Terracotta Army (fewer crowds when it opens at 8:30 a.m.). • Afternoon Entertainment: "The 12.12" live-action show at Huaqing Palace (a more engaging experience than the usual route). • Night Spectacle: The Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance (seats in mid-section A offer the best viewing experience). DAY 4: Literary Chang'an • Stele Forest Exploration: Join a free guided tour (daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.). • Shuyuanmen Treasure Hunt: Experience handmade paper-cutting and rubbing from stone tablets (look for the time-honored shop next to Yu Youren's Former Residence). 🏡 Accommodation Tips ▫️ Around the Bell and Drum Towers: Yixi Hostel (renovated from a Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard) is recommended. ▫️ Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area: The Westin Xi'an provides direct access to the Grand Tang Mall pedestrian walkway. ▫️ Qujiang Family Fun: Furongge Hotel (includes free children's Hanfu experience). ▫️ North Railway Station Transit: JI Hotel (8-minute walk to the high-speed rail entrance). 🚌 Transportation Reminders • Airport to City Center: Take Line 14 to North Railway Station and transfer to Line 2 (¥7 total). • City Transportation: Get a Changan Tong E-Card on Alipay for subway access. • Bike Sharing Tip: Retro Ding Ding bikes are recommended within the city walls. 🍜 Food Recommendations ▫️ No. 13 Shaanxi Restaurant on Fen Lane: Hulu Chicken with sweet osmanthus wine (half portions available). ▫️ Lao Li Jia Biang Biang Noodles: Classic combo of chili oil and Bingfeng soda. ▫️ Yu Ze Gai Jiao Mian: Double Pepper Chicken Noodles with sweet garlic (expect lines after 2 p.m.). ▫️ Ma Bo Kao Rou: Grilled beef kidney with hawthorn soup to cut through the richness (minimum order of 20 skewers). 💡 Five Important Notes 1️⃣ Shaanxi History Museum Reservations: Book tickets three days in advance on the official WeChat account (tickets released at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. daily). 2️⃣ Song of Everlasting Sorrow Seating: Prioritize center seats; east and west sections have partially obstructed views. 3️⃣ City Wall Cycling: Rent bikes from Yongning Gate (newer bikes available). 4️⃣ Muslim Quarter Purchases: Opt for freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from vendors who cut and squeeze on the spot. 5️⃣ Holiday Crowds: Performance times at the Grand Tang Mall may be adjusted due to large crowds.