Xi'an by day, Chang'an by night—dream back to the Tang Dynasty, and always come back to Chang'an!

Xi'an, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a wealth of ancient sites and delicious cuisine. Here's a detailed travel guide covering attractions, food, transportation, and things to keep in mind: --- ### **1. Must-See Attractions** **1. History and Culture** - **Terracotta Army Museum (Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor):** - The eighth wonder of the world. Hiring a guide or renting an audio guide is recommended. - **Transportation:** Take Subway Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station, then transfer to bus No. 602. - **Tips:** Avoid peak seasons and holidays. Arrive early. - **Shaanxi History Museum:** - Free admission, but reservations are required 3 days in advance via the official website or WeChat official account. Purchasing a ticket for the "Treasures of the Tang Dynasty" exhibition (CNY 30) allows you to skip the line. - **Star exhibits:** Gold-inlaid agate cup with animal head and the Gilt Dancing Horse Cup. - **Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Grand Tang Mall:** - Entering the pagoda requires a ticket (CNY 25). Visit the Grand Tang Mall in the evening for stunning night views, lights, and performances (such as the "Dancing Lady"). - **Recommended time:** 7:00 pm–10:00 pm. - **Xi'an City Wall:** - The most complete ancient city wall in China. Renting a bicycle is recommended (CNY 45/3 hours). The South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the most iconic entrance. - **Bell Tower & Drum Tower:** - Combined ticket: CNY 50. The night view is more beautiful. Climbing the towers is optional. The nearby Muslim Quarter can be visited at the same time. **2. Other Recommendations** - **Mount Hua** (day trip): - Take the high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Mount Hua North Station (30 minutes). It is recommended to take the West Peak cable car up and the North Peak cable car down. Those who are physically fit can challenge the "Long Sky Plank Road." - **Famen Temple** (half-day trip): - Houses the Finger Bone Relic of the Buddha. Suitable for visitors interested in Buddhist culture. --- ### **2. Food Guide** **1. Must-Try Dishes** - **Rou Jia Mo (meat sandwich):** Qin Yu Rou Jia Mo (Dongmutoushi branch) is recommended. - **Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton stew with bread):** Lao Sun Jia and Tong Sheng Xiang are popular choices. Remember to break the bread yourself for a more authentic experience. - **Liang Pi (cold noodles):** Wei Jia Liang Pi (the secret recipe is spicy). - **Biang biang Noodles:** Ai Hua Ku Dai Mian (near the Bell Tower). - **Hu La Tang (spicy soup):** Lao Zi Hao Jia Jia Meatball Hu La Tang. - **Muslim Quarter snacks:** - Red willow barbecue, Jia San soup dumplings, Ding Jia crispy pork, and Southeast Asian zeng gao (steamed glutinous rice cake). **2. Food Streets** - **Muslim Quarter:** Crowded with tourists but offers a wide variety of food. It is recommended to venture deeper into the area (Dapuyuan and Sajinqiao offer a more local experience). - **Yongxingfang:** Clean environment. Try the Zichang pancakes and the "bowl-smashing" wine (CNY 5 per bowl). - **Xiaonanmen Morning Market:** A gathering place for locals to have breakfast. Try the youcha mahua (fried dough twists in batter) and cai jia mo (vegetable sandwich). --- ### **3. Transportation Guide** - **Airport to City Center:** - Subway Line 14 (approx. 1 hour) or airport shuttle bus (CNY 25). - **City Transportation:** - Subway (scan the QR code with Alipay for the "Xi'an Electronic Subway Card"), shared bikes (suitable for riding within the city walls). - Taxis have a starting fare of CNY 8.5, but traffic jams are common near tourist attractions. --- ### **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Near the Bell Tower/South Gate:** Convenient transportation and vibrant nightlife (e.g., South Gate Bar Street). - **Around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda:** Many high-end hotels, convenient for visiting the Grand Tang Mall. - **Hostels/B&Bs:** Characteristic courtyard guesthouses can be found near the Muslim Quarter and Shuyuanmen. --- ### **5. Things to Keep in Mind** 1. **Beware of scams:** - Don't trust touts near the Terracotta Army who offer to take you to "undeveloped tombs." - Remember to bargain in the Muslim Quarter. Choose freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. 2. **Weather:** Hot in summer (bring sunscreen), dry in winter (bring moisturizer). 3. **Cultural experiences:** - Wear Hanfu while visiting the Grand Tang Mall (rentals available in the scenic area). Watch the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance (a live-action dance drama at Huaqing Palace; purchase tickets in advance). --- ### **6. Sample Itinerary** - **3-Day Tour:** - **Day 1:** Terracotta Army → Huaqing Palace → "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" performance. - **Day 2:** Shaanxi History Museum → Giant Wild Goose Pagoda → Grand Tang Mall. - **Day 3:** Xi'an City Wall → Muslim Quarter → Bell Tower and Drum Tower night view. --- Xi'an is a city that needs to be savored slowly. It's recommended to learn about the historical background for a more enriching experience! If you have other needs (e.g., family travel, niche attractions), please leave a comment below.