Mamali Travelogue | Ancient Capital of a Thousand Years: Often Come to Chang'an – See Today's Xi'an, Feel Yesterday's Chang'an

There's a city you can't bear to leave, a nostalgia called 'having been here,' a melody sung with hearts wide open. The 600-year-old city wall now lets you touch it freely. Xi'an's street food will turn you into a foodie. Beneath your feet once lay buried nobility and splendor. Heping Gate's Maling is the most unassuming one. Under Xi'an people's walls runs the Xi'an people's train. Xi'an people must have paomo wherever they go. Xi'an's high-rises rise one after another. In Xi'an people's hearts, this is Xi'an's song. — Folk song "Xi'an People's Song"

Every corner of Xi'an, its streets and alleys, overflows with heritage – the profound wisdom of the Great Tang's golden age, the lingering charm of Chang'an's elegant legacy.

How ever many times you visit Xi'an, it's never enough. Touch the 600-year-old city wall, seeing it by day as warriors and horses thundering in, and by night as fairy robes fluttering in a dance of neon.

This trip, three days and two nights, I saw today's Xi'an and felt yesterday's Chang'an.

If daytime seems dull, the night will surely be exhilarating.

As night falls, colorful lanterns light up, rows upon rows, dazzling and exquisite...

Ancient Chang'an, today's Xi'an, brims with charm once evening comes.

In this bustling night, don't shy away, don't refuse – just immerse yourself.

Stroll the parks, admire the lanterns, watch the performances. Tang Paradise never sleeps, alive with drumbeats and joyous celebration.

Phoenix dances across the nine heavens, Western Region beauties in silhouette. Rainbow-feathered robes, a grand Tang wedding.

The culture of the High Tang runs deep and long, and its dance and music are pearls in that vast cultural sea.

Watch a performance of "Qin Terracotta Warriors Love."

Luckily, we met "living" terracotta warriors and even had close encounters with them.

Go to Hancheng Lake, wear Hanfu, and learn traditional Chinese etiquette. Let the dust of Western Han and the breeze of Eastern Han wash away the weariness of modern life.

From the Bell Tower to the Drum Tower, you pass through a bustling commercial street. Crowds throng, lively and vibrant.

Nowadays, many seek out local delicacies while traveling.

Biangbiang noodles served in a basin.

Day 1: Banpo Museum – Da Qin Xiao Yan (Great Qin Small Banquet) – Terracotta Warriors – Qin Terracotta Love – Qin Academy – Huaqing Palace

> Banpo Museum: rich in history and culture, highly visitable, plus experience drilling wood for fire from ancient times

> Da Qin Xiao Yan: representative of Xi'an's exquisite cuisine, where you can experience Tang Dynasty dining etiquette and customs

> Terracotta Warriors: a must-visit in Xi'an, always awe-inspiring

> "Qin Terracotta Love" show: comparable to the Impression series, personally I think it's well worth seeing

> Qin Academy: hands-on terracotta warrior-making experience, a favorite study tour for kids

> Nighttime Huaqing Palace: magnificent, especially the lanterns dazzling

Day 2: Hancheng Lake – Bell and Drum Towers – Zui Chang'an (Drunken Chang'an) – Tang Paradise – Great Tang All Day Mall

> Hancheng Lake: try on Hanfu; the highest building, Dafeng Pavilion, offers excellent views

> Landmark Bell Tower and Drum Tower

> Zui Chang'an: signature dishes like gourd chicken and brush-rack pastry

> Tang Paradise's "Dreaming Back to the Tang" show: splendid and stunning

> Great Tang All Day Mall: a must to visit at night for lanterns, performances, food – fantastic atmosphere

Day 3: Yongxing Fang – Xi'an City Wall – Zhanbai Art Hotel – return to Jinan – end of trip

> Yongxing Fang: eat and shop all day long

> Bid farewell to Xi'an on the city wall aglow with evening lights

> Zhanbai Art Hotel: very artistic and creatively inspired

> Trip ends.

Banpo Museum – Da Qin Xiao Yan – Terracotta Warriors – Qin Terracotta Love – Qin Academy – Huaqing Palace

Museum | Banpo Museum

Xi'an Banpo Museum belongs to the Yangshao Culture, an important Neolithic culture in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, in a matriarchal system. This museum has a long history and holds a high position domestically.

Xi'an Banpo Museum has an elegant exterior and a slightly rustic architectural style, giving a strong sense of historical immersion.

The Neolithic era in ancient culture holds unforgettable memories.

Banpo site unearthed stone axes, bone needles, and a large number of tools, painted pottery, sculptures, and ornaments, reflecting the living conditions and artistic level of the Banpo ancestors.

These tools and items from a distant past, real parts of history, seem incredible. Using animal bones to make tools is a testament to ancient human wisdom.

The exhibition hall uses scene reconstructions, virtual imaging, and other modern display methods and interactive multimedia to enhance the visitor experience, transporting you into the life of Banpo people: hunting, fishing, raising pigs, planting millet, cooking, building houses...

This set of shells and animal teeth is very well preserved.

The museum has unearthed nearly ten thousand tools and utensils, as well as a considerable amount of painted pottery, sculptures, and various ornaments.

I'm particularly intrigued by the 'mystery of the human-face fish design'! So much like a sorcerer's mask.

And the incredible pointed-bottom bottle. Its shape is unique: small mouth, large belly, pointed bottom. Why did they make such strange bottles? What were they used for? Traditionally seen as water-drawing tools, but with new archaeological findings, some now think they might be wine brewing vessels.

The Banpo site reveals rich cultural connotations of a typical Yangshao matriarchal clan settlement from about 6,000 years ago: social organization, livelihood, economic forms, marriage, customs, arts.

The site is divided into residential area, burial area, and pottery kiln area, with the residential area protected by a moat. East of the moat is the kiln area, north is the burial area. The earliest date is about 4800 BC.

In the residential area, you can see round or square semi-subterranean house remains, evidence of Banpo people's 'dwelling in caves in winter, nests in summer.'

The sacrificial site centered on a stone pillar is also here. The pottery kiln area displays a horizontal cave kiln, one of the earliest and best-preserved kiln sites in China. Excavations uncovered over 40 house remains, 200 storage pits, 80 fire pits, 400 post holes, 6 kilns, and 170 tombs.

Pleasantly surprising is that Banpo Museum has established an educational experience area 'Prehistoric Workshop.' Here you can experience primitive life: drilling wood for fire, drilling pottery, building primitive houses, plant dyeing... These fun and educational activities are great for kids, learning history while appreciating the enduring charm of Chinese civilization.

Food | True Love Lishan's Da Qin Xiao Yan

Nowadays, many people seek outstanding local cuisine while traveling. Xi'an is not short on delicacies, but places like Da Qin Xiao Yan that elevate Xi'an food to such refinement are rare.

Creative dining "Da Qin Xiao Yan" originates from Qin dynasty generals Wang Jian and his son Wang Ben, who helped Qin Shihuang unify the six states. After unification, the Emperor often hosted banquets for them; they humbly named the feast "Da Qin Xiao Yan" to honor the imperial grace. This Qin culture-themed restaurant, adjacent to the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Pool ruins, exudes a rich Qin ambiance.

The restaurant's decoration is fascinating, instantly transporting you back. Before dining, you can try on Qin-style costumes for free, an immersive dining experience. You can also play the ancient bells, which foreign friends particularly enjoy.

Men's Hanfu is also very stylish.

Women have more choices of costumes, with many hair accessories to match. So before eating, you can enjoy a beautiful photo session.

During the meal, there's an opening ceremony with each dish explained with its story, full of ritual.

The essence here is to experience the fusion of Qin's culinary essence and modern dining concepts. Wearing ancient costumes, following ancient rituals, feels quite special. This attracts many foreign tourists, experiencing the ancient individual serving system and solemn etiquette culture, with Qin's food culture well inherited.

Da Qin Xiao Yan consists of four parts: 'General, Prime Minister, Harmony, Qin.' Each part's dishes are well-balanced in nutrition, meticulously prepared, imitating imperial kitchen's individual serving style, reproducing the solemnity of Qin imperial banquets.

The food tastes good; I particularly like the 'gourd chicken,' made from 18-day-old small chicken, crispy outside and tender inside. This dish is in the 'Harmony' set.

The roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) is too 'refined', gone in one bite! Lacking the thrill of big bites of bread and meat.

Other dishes innovate on traditional Shaanxi local cooking, incorporating new cultural elements, maintaining traditional styles while with unique creativity. The environment is serene, perfect for couple dates or friends gathering.

Museum | Terracotta Warriors

Former French Prime Minister Chirac once said: 'There were seven wonders of the world, and the discovery of the Qin terracotta warriors makes it eight. Not seeing the pyramids means not visiting Egypt; not seeing the terracotta warriors means not visiting China.' As one of the largest, most uniquely structured, and richest in connotation imperial tombs in the world, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor shocks the world with its majesty.

This is my third visit. I remember my first visit was in primary school with my parents; back then, my understanding of history and culture was shallow, so I just looked. This time, still crowded with tourists. The terracotta warriors museum really is perennially popular!

Just looking at the small entrance, you'd never guess the awe-inspiring scene inside.

Here you can see the 'bronze chariots' we learned about in history textbooks. Although replicas, they still make you marvel at the craftsmen's skill back then.

Looking closely, you can see the figures behind the chariot, and the umbrella they hold.

The most breathtaking is Pit 1! It is the largest, rectangular, a military formation alternating chariots and infantry. This vast underground army is a treasure trove of ancient sculpture art.

What an ancient army formation from 2000 years ago! They are clad in armor and sharp weapons, neatly arrayed, imposing and unstoppable. Instantly, you feel the distance of history vanish, a mysterious force drawing you into the clamor and chariot cries of an ancient battlefield. Truly 'none before, none to come.'

The terracotta warriors are grand in scale, awe-inspiring in scene, unparalleled in momentum, with high value. The bronze weapons unearthed – swords, spears, halberds, scimitars – though buried for over two millennia, are still sharp and gleaming, truly a miracle in the history of metallurgy.

The crafting of the terracotta warriors is based on real life, with delicate and lively artistic techniques. The figures' attire and expressions vary. There are many hairstyles, different hand gestures, and facial expressions full of diversity.

The Qin warriors, with realistic methods, vividly display Emperor Qin's command of thousands of troops, his conquest of the six states, and his majestic power. The general figures stand tall and proud at the front, as if commanding.

They appear calm, wise, and resourceful. The soldier figures have gleaming eyes, stern expressions, and fierce bravery. From their attire, expressions, and gestures, you can tell officer from soldier, infantry from cavalry. There are bearded veterans and fresh-faced youths.

The Terracotta Warriors of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor are a precious cultural treasure comparable to the Pyramids and ancient Greek sculptures, and their discovery is the most spectacular archaeological achievement of 20th-century China. They fully demonstrate the superb artistic talent of ancient Chinese people and are a pride and precious wealth of the Chinese nation.

Show | Qin Terracotta Love

Very unfortunately, we came at a bad time as they were doing equipment maintenance, so we missed the "Qin Terracotta Love" performance...

Fortunately, we met "living" terracotta warriors and had close encounters with them.

Looking closely at their costumes, they are exquisitely made, with flawless details. This close-up effect is only possible up close.

The Qin emperor's costume is majestic, with very wide sleeves! The accessories are meticulous too! Under stage lights, it would be even more imposing.

The women's costumes are sumptuous, with delicate patterns.

Even posing by the ancient bells looks so beautiful! Would love to see them perform on stage!

Our foreign friends, super interested in ancient costumes, looked charming once dressed up with hair accessories!

Let's take a happy group photo!

Hope next time in Xi'an, I can watch "Qin Terracotta Love".

Hands-on | Qin Academy

In the small building next to the Terracotta Warriors, there's a "Qin Academy" where you can experience making terracotta warriors.

The process is not complicated, using specially customized molds.

Though the molds are simple, the finished warriors leave much room for creative expression. Look at the 'Iron Man' version made by kids – their imagination is impressive!

And the painted Qin emperor! His expression is spot-on, especially those eyes! Oddly amusing.

Although worlds apart from the ancient techniques, the clay used is the same! Local red clay!

Fill the clay, press, open – and a beginner-level warrior takes shape.

On-site, friends listen to the teacher's explanation while earnestly crafting warriors.

Later, they trim, scraping off excess clay, making the warrior more refined.

The teacher says the process, simple as it is, is popular with foreign visitors. Sharing historical anecdotes while making, this is probably the lightest and most enjoyable way to engage with history.

Lantern Festival | Huaqing Palace

Xi'an Huaqing Palace's Tang Palace Lantern Festival has become its own brand. Visiting Xi'an during winter holidays, be sure to go!

Before dark, crowds already line up. The trees at the entrance are draped with colorful lights; the giant lanterns are stunning.

Entering the garden, you see all kinds of lanterns. The fish-shaped lanterns on trees are so beautiful.

The themed lantern group 'Auspicious Elephants' features elephants, dragons, emperor and consort, evoking a dream of returning to the prosperous Tang, with wishes for good fortune.

On the northern slope of Mount Li, beside the imperial path, there's the tallest and largest mountain dragon lantern in China – 'Dragon Soaring Over Li Mountain,' showing the auspicious dragon riding the wind.

The lantern groups are infused with historical significance, deeply interpreting Huaqing Palace's history, imperial bath culture, pear garden culture, religious culture, etc. Tang-style palace lanterns transport you to the Tang Dynasty. Various festival-themed lights are diverse and gorgeous. The splendid musical light show, with three-dimensional ink painting texture, is especially not to be missed.

The large lantern group 'Imperial Tour of the Tang Palace' lets us experience the prosperity of the Tang, recreating the bustling scene of Chang'an.

Talking to the stars, dancing with Mount Li. Drones join the fun! Combined with the popular drone light show, they present a spectacle blending culture and technology.

The nightly high-tech special effects version of 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow' is also a must-see. Through sound, light, and electricity, it recreates a colorful water light show. Being there, immersed, you feel the majestic beauty of instant transformation!

The upgraded 2.0 version of the 3D landscape stereoscopic light show, based on the dance drama 'The Song of Everlasting Sorrow' and its renowned technology, creates Asia's largest interactive blessing screen and the most dazzling stage lasers.

Tens of thousands of star lights on the mountain create a vast starry sky, classical meets technology, giving traditional lantern art new life.

The sparkling, magnificent Huaqing Palace of the Tang is a beauty not to be missed.

Hancheng Lake – Bell and Drum Towers – Zui Chang'an – Tang Paradise – Great Tang All Day Mall

Attraction | Hancheng Lake

Xi'an Hancheng Lake Scenic Area is a free-entry area with charming bridges and streams, exquisite classical gardens.

Go to Hancheng Lake to wear Hanfu and learn traditional Chinese etiquette. The area offers Hanfu experience and cultural etiquette learning. There's a dedicated school and teachers; enthusiasts of Han culture shouldn't miss it.

Full of ceremony, everyone studies very earnestly.

The lake and mountain scenery are beautiful. On clear autumn and winter days, taking a boat is very relaxing. Locals also enjoy visiting on weekends.

Boating on Hancheng Lake, let the dust of Western Han and the breeze of Eastern Han wash away life's fatigue.

The fun Han Bridge Water Town features ancient-style northern water town architecture, shops, handcraft workshops, and street vendors' calls, really enjoyable.

Dafeng Pavilion is the landmark of Hancheng Lake. Climb to the 7th floor for an overlook of the Han Chang'an City ruins; the view is grand and excellent, making you feel the trip worthwhile.

On the first floor of Dafeng Pavilion, there's a Hanfu photo studio with antique decor, props like ancient zithers, lamps, fans – great for photos.

Little Tips:

Address: Northwestern corner of North Second Ring Road and Zhuhong Road, Weiyang District, Xi'an

Transport: bus 221 to Beierhuan Zhuhong Intersection, then a 5-min walk.

Hours: 8:30–19:00

Tickets: free entry; electric shuttle and boat rides chargeable.

Attraction | Bell and Drum Towers

The Bell Tower and Drum Tower are iconic buildings of Xi'an, located in the city center, once the landmarks of Ming Dynasty Xi'an. In the Tang Dynasty, regulations stated: the bell rings to open the city gates, the drum beats to close them. This is the origin of 'morning bell and evening drum.' Today, they no longer keep time.

From an architectural art perspective, the Bell Tower incorporates both Tang-Song architectural principles and Ming innovations, with its double-eave triple-drip style and wooden carvings and paintings, making the Xi'an Bell Tower uniquely charming among ancient bell towers.

From a construction technique viewpoint, it is a testament to the wisdom of ancient Chinese laborers.

Nowadays, the large bell at the corner is an iconic symbol.

From the Bell Tower to the Drum Tower, you pass through a bustling commercial street. Crowds throng, lively and vibrant.

The antique-style buildings fit perfectly. High-hanging red lanterns become a scenic line.

The Drum Tower's Wentian Drum still holds a Guinness World Record: the heaviest drum in the world is the Wentian Drum in Xi'an's Drum Tower, with a drum head diameter of 2.83 meters, height 1.8 meters, weighing 1800 kg.

On both sides of the Drum Tower, two rows of large drums are placed, very spectacular.

Looking down from the Drum Tower, the entrance to Muslim Street is crowded; lush trees block the view, but rising smoke hints at its bustle and prosperity.

Climbing the Drum Tower, you look down at the packed Muslim Street.

On the first floor of the Drum Tower, there's a small exhibition on ancient musical instruments; don't miss it if interested.

Also, there are performances of traditional bells and ancient music.

'Morning bell and evening drum' is not just a timekeeping method, but a reminder of the fleeting nature of time. Xi'an's Bell and Drum Towers, like embodiments of time's messenger and historical witnesses, when you glance up at them, make you sigh that a hundred years pass in a flash – time should be cherished.

Food | Zui Chang'an

Zui Chang'an is a famous restaurant in Xi'an, claiming a chef inheritor of Shaanxi cuisine intangible cultural heritage.

At the flagship store entrance by the Bell Tower, lanterns hang, full of antique charm.

Inside, a culture wall displays dish names.

The ground floor hall has casual seating, retro decor, with old-style tables and utensils.

Most prominent are the lanterns covering the ceiling.

Recommended dish: Cold-dressed stomach on a drying rack. Uniquely presented, dipped in special chili and sesame paste, rich in texture, really satisfying.

Recommended dish: Old Shaanxi Gourd Chicken. Must-try in Xi'an. The chicken here is tender inside with crispy skin, even better dipped in chili.

Recommended dish: Assorted Hot Pot. A northern-style traditional hotpot, perfect for cold winter days to warm you up.

Recommended dish: Osmanthus Honey Cold Rice Cake. My first time trying it in Xi'an, not overly sweet, slightly light and refreshing.

Recommended dish: Brush-Rack Pastry. Personally love this. After spicy and savory dishes, a bite of this sweet pastry is very satisfying.

Other dishes are also good.

Lantern Festival | Tang Paradise

As lights go on in the Qujiang New District south of Xi'an, Tang Paradise is already brightly lit. Crowds of visitors, local and from afar, pour in.

The giant peacock lantern at the entrance! Super stunning!

Tang Paradise is decorated with countless palace lanterns, creating a fantastic atmosphere. At night, it's like entering a dazzling wonderland.

Compared to previous years, the lantern groups are larger, more innovative, incorporating high-tech into traditional lantern-making and artistry.

Look at these exquisite palace lanterns, truly embodying the charm of 'shape, color, sound, light, movement' and 'height, grandeur, novelty, uniqueness, specialness,' providing a stunning visual feast and adding cultural flavor to the New Year.

Combining motion and stillness, offering visitors a strong visual and auditory multi-dimensional experience.

The water lanterns are especially eye-catching, with a creative 'Dreaming of Tang' boat tour route.

Technology Tang, light and shadow lotus. Through high-tech light and shadow, a novel dreamy experience creates a visual and sensory technological Tang.

At night, passing through bustling crowds, capture moments amidst the dim lights.

Show | "Dreaming Back to the Tang"

The signature show of Tang Paradise, "Dreaming Back to the Tang," now in its gold version.

The performance venue, Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens Theatre. The entrance is beautifully decorated with colorful lights.

The culture of the High Tang runs deep, and dance and music are pearls in that vast cultural sea. The new "Dreaming Back to the Tang Gold Edition" is well worth seeing.

The show tells the romantic love story of modern girl "Meng'er" who travels through a thousand years, searching for her dream lover "Chang'an."

It explores dimensions from war, street life, song and dance, weddings, to the Maritime Silk Road, presenting a mesmerizing, imaginative vision of the prosperous Tang.

Act 1: Beacon Fires of Chang'an, valiant soldiers battle. Amidst war and fluttering flags, Meng'er and Chang'an search desperately.

Act 2: National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance, bathed in Huaqing, comparing to the nine states. Like lotus rising from water, flying together, true love immortalized.

Act 3: Prosperous Society, masked exorcism and operas in Chang'an. Willows and spring outings, local operas, exorcism dances and community celebrations, peace across the land.

Act 4: Silk Road Customs, beautiful as a painting. Phoenix dances nine heavens, Western Region silhouettes. Sailing the seas, forging ahead.

Act 5: Grand Wedding, Dreaming Back to the Tang celebration. Rainbow-feathered robes, Tang wedding. A thousand-year love, dream fulfilled.

After watching, you feel the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, the shock of high-tech audio-visuals, the enjoyment of exquisite art, spending a dreamy feast of Tang culture dance and music.

Attraction | Great Tang All Day Mall

Exiting Tang Paradise, a short walk brings you to the bustling Great Tang All Day Mall.

The path is festively lit, every tree carefully decorated. From architecture to streets, grass to trees, Chinese red is the theme.

Authentic folk customs, bustling crowds, a dazzling array of goods, specialty snacks, rich cultural activities...

Everywhere lanterns and streamers, throngs of visitors, exuberant atmosphere. Stroll the parks, admire lanterns, watch performances – the Great Tang All Day Mall is alive with drumbeats and joy. Along the way, various beautiful lantern groups, vibrant in color and design.

In front of Xi'an Concert Hall, the antique building under lantern light is even more charming.

Walking in the Great Tang All Day Mall, amid drumbeats, the pulse of history walks with you.

Historical figure sculptures combined with modern urban culture, here you enjoy the most beautiful lanterns and the most authentic traditional New Year.

Folk rap, Chinese opera face-changing, dragon and lion dances perform in turn, all favorites of young people.

The colorful lanterns, with their unique cultural and artistic charm, vividly present the ancient city's history, human warmth, and folk spirit.

This is Xi'an, this is the Great Tang All Day Mall! A true all-night city!

Yongxing Fang – Xi'an City Wall – Zhanbai Art Hotel – Return to Jinan – Trip Ends

Attraction | Yongxing Fang

Feast on the trendiest Shaanxi flavors in Yongxing Fang. When in Xi'an, don't miss the food in Yongxing Fang! You can eat while walking, buy while browsing – it's a joyful food tour.

Yongxing Fang gathers dozens of the most distinctive Shaanxi delicacies: zenggao, Qinzhen rice noodles, cured meat roujiamo, shepherd's purse spring rolls, golden thread pagoda pastry, buckwheat noodles... each one a treat. You can truly eat as you stroll!

Yongxing Fang is full of New Year spirit! Lanterns and couplets everywhere create a fantastic atmosphere. Even the staff wear bright red jackets, making it perfect for families to enjoy.

Yongxing Fang offers visitors the most authentic Shaanxi flavors, a New Year feast combining intangible cultural heritage foods, local specialties, folk handicrafts, and cultural performances, satisfying the desire to 'stroll, admire, taste, buy, and be entertained' all in one go.

Here, eating while walking and shopping while browsing is the real deal! Stopping at each vendor, it's so much fun! Especially for lovers of local Xi'an cuisine, you can find almost everything here!

During festivals, there are interesting folk performances: Shaanxi opera, puppet shows... very entertaining, kids love them.

First, the bowl-smashing wine: drink a bowl, make a wish, smash the bowl, then hang a blessing plaque. The whole ritual is fun, though the wine is quite light.

In Yongxing Fang, you can experience intangible cultural cuisine, folk crafts, and cultural performances at zero distance, allowing you to eat, shop, see, play, and experience Shaanxi in one stop.

For lunch at Guanzhong Lou, we tried the "Wei Zheng Family Banquet." As the former residence of Tang official Wei Zheng, this banquet is a special culinary experience, deeply exploring Tang food culture and incorporating many Shaanxi snacks.

Little Tips:

Address: 100 meters northwest of the intersection of Dongxin Street and Shuncheng East Road North Section, Xi'an.

Driving is very congested and parking hard to find. Recommend public transport.

From Xi'an High-Speed Rail Station, take Line 2 to Beidajie, transfer to Line 1 to Chaoyangmen Station, then 15-min walk.

Hours: Most shops 10:00-22:00

Tickets: Free

Accommodation | Zhanbai Art Hotel

In Xi'an, we stayed at Zhanbai Art Hotel.

The lobby is simply styled, incorporating interesting designs: geometric sofas, robot-shaped lamps, etc.

Also, a cart made from disposable hotel amenities, reminding people to be eco-friendly.

I particularly like the public areas, like corridors, decorated with artworks, photos by international artists.

Sitting on a sofa, you can appreciate art, leisurely and pleasant.

Zhanbai has diverse room types, spacious and airy, with high-quality furniture and warm colors, extremely comfortable.

On sunny afternoons, sunlight streams into the room, creating charming light and shadow, bringing inner comfort and peace.

The children's room thoughtfully includes a tent, full of childhood fun.

During our stay, we also enjoyed the hotel's cold buffet, quite good.

Over 1300 years ago, Tang Taizong wrote, 'Auspicious light opens the festive season, gentle breezes stir the fragrant year,' ushering in the splendor of 'Xi'an Chinese New Year.' Since Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang, Xi'an's rich festival culture, traditional folklore, and distinctive intangible cultural heritage, passed down for millennia, have built the deepest cultural memory of the Chinese nation.

Now, centuries later, the ancient city of Xi'an brims with vitality and charm. In three days and two nights, we saw today's Xi'an and felt yesterday's Chang'an.

Traveling to 30 countries. Senior media professional, travel/food KOL, independent photographer, aerial videographer, social media influencer. Author of "Mamali Travelogue," advocate of a lifestyle blending food, travel, and sports, a global creative nomad enthusiast. Obsessed with extreme sports – diving, rock climbing, cycling, skiing – and has traveled many countries.

This travelogue's text and images are original by Mamali, all rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

Travelogue Contents

1. Foreword

2. Preview

3. Itinerary

4. Day 1

5. Day 2

6. Day 3

7. Afterword

8. About the Author

9. Copyright

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