查看原文
其他

Xi'an in 24 Hours

2017-06-17 ShanghaiWOWeng

Photo Source: Wikipedia

 

Xi’an is known for many things, including the Terracotta Warriors, Biang Biang Noodles, the Chinese Burger, smog, and much more. The cityis located in Northwestern China’s Shaanxi Province, about 8 million people live there and it's truly a remarkable place to visit. The culture of Xi’an is where the true value lies. While you can still find many places to let loose in the evening or enjoy a nice western style meal, Xi’an (as opposed to Shanghai, Beijing, or other major cities) has a good hold on its local culture that it won’t let go of any time soon. Here’s a few ideas of what to do when spending a day or two in Xi’an.

 

Photo Source: youtube.com

 

Terracotta Warriors


It would be insane to go to Xi’an and not visit these guys. One of China’s most famous wonders is the forgotten army guarding the tomb of Chinese emperor. This site is Xi’an most notable tourist attraction, although it is about an hour out from the outskirts of the city. If you go early in the morning you can beat the afternoon crowds and have plenty of time to see what you need to see, and head back into the city for some fun.

 

Photo Source: CNN.com

 

Biking the City Wall


Don’t want to lose all that work you did on your summer body now do you? During this trip to Xi’an you can enjoy magnificent views by simply climbing to the top of the city wall for a fee of RMB 45 and taking a long stroll or even a bike ride (yes, it’s allowed). Don’t forget to bring some water, or beer, or other beverages as the top of the wall can get hot in the heat of summer. Still nothing compared to Shanghai’s humid summers, enjoy the dry heat of the west my friends!


Photo Source: Imgur.com

 

Muslim Quarter


Next stop: some insanely delicious food. Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is home to the Great Mosque (donation of about RMB 15), and adventurous alley ways full of delicious street food and antique shops. Rule number 1: Don’t buy anything for more than 40% of the original price the vendors say (except for food). Meaning if they say RMB 100 for that chessboard, you better not pay more than RMB 40 (actual price RMB 5 - 10). Honestly, this quarter will make you feel like you stepped into some strange fusion of Morocco & China, resembling medina-like structures. The local culture here is beyond extraordinary, and like everything in China that’s cool it has become massively commercialized, but still not anything like the Yu Garden. Enjoy!


Eat Biang Biang Noodles


You CANNOT go to Xi’an and forget about these oh –so-delicious noodles. Called “Biang-Biang” (a character most Chinese people can’t even write), these noodles are famous throughout all of China, and even have a few restaurants selling them all the way in New York City. Thick, spicy, and oily noodles mixed with pork, veggies, and some kind of magic, these are a must try while in their hometown.


Here’s a recommendation for where to eat them if you’re in the Muslim Quarter anyway.


Name: Lóuběilóu Fànzhuāng (楼北楼饭庄)

Location: Located at the north end of the main Muslim street, this is both convenient and delicious!

Address: 131 Beiyuanmen

Tell Your Taxi Driver: 莲湖区 北院门131号

 

And here’s the character of Biang for you to study: 

Photo Source: Home Tourism Bureau of Shaanxi Province

 

Nightlife or Day-Drinking at Defu Alley

 

If you’re looking for some shenanigans while in Xi’an, Defu Alley is the place to check out. While peaceful for some daytime cocktails, at night it can still liven up and be a great place to smash some beers, bar hop, and find some street grub from the various vendors. Nearly every shop on the street is a different wine, beer, music, or billiards bar. Prepare your liver, hit the street, and don’t leave without entering every single bar on the block, some of which look very much like people’s apartments turned underground bar. Either way, enjoy yourself.

 

Address: North of Xiangzimiao Street, South Gate Of Xi'an, Beilin District, Xi'an 710002, China

 

Photo Source: China Tour Guide

 

Xi’an Bell Tower


The Bell Tower of Xi'an, built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty, is essentially the official symbol of the city of Xi'an. As one of the grandest of its kind in China, the Bell Tower also contains several large bronze-cast bells from the Tang Dynasty. The tower base covers over 1,377 square meters. There are several myths and legends surrounding the Bell Tower construction and meaning. Best to go for yourself an find out. The Bell Tower is a central point in the city of Xi’an and not far from Defu Alley. 


Related Articles



8 Amazing Terrace Ladies' Nights




Shanghai's Most Expensive Japanese Restaurants

您可能也对以下帖子感兴趣

文章有问题?点此查看未经处理的缓存