A 4-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Self-Drive Trip in Xi’an | Just Us Two, Off We Went

Xi'an has always been the top ancient capital in my heart, and I've always had a special soft spot for Chang'an.

Just after New Year's Day 2021, I rewatched a drama about the glory days of Chang'an, and it left me wanting more. So I said to a Guo, "How about we find a weekend and pop over to Xi'an?" To my surprise, she happily agreed.

And just like that, we embarked on this spontaneous Xi'an trip. The year 2021 had just begun, our hearts brimming with wishes and hopes, and among them, of course, one blessing was: Long live friendship!

Xi'an, alongside Athens, Rome, and Cairo, is known as one of the world's four great ancient capitals, each with thousands of years of history. It is also one of China's six ancient civilized capitals. If the history of Chinese civilization were a brilliant historical drama, half of its plot would unfold in Xi'an.

Xi'an's history is so rich and profound, and its scenic spots and historic sites are countless. For this spur-of-the-moment trip with a Guo, we chose a more off-the-beaten-path route, wanting to see a different side of Chang'an city.

Travel demands lightness and freedom, which is why I love self-driving so much. The world is so vast, you can't drive to every corner, but that's okay—you can always rent a car. In Xi'an we opted for LD Cloud car rental, with 24-hour contactless self-service pickup and return. We got a Qoros SUV—stylish looks and a huge interior space added a touch of joy to our journey!

【Day 1: Huimin Street - Laochenggen Gpark - Bushe Chang'an Li B&B】

First stop, Huimin Street. We checked into Bushe Chang'an Li, located in Tucai Lane just off Huimin Street. After dropping our bags at the B&B, we picked up our rental car from a nearby LD Cloud spot and drove straight to Fangsuo Bookstore at Gpark to shoot the wood-themed reading nook.

【Day 2: Shijingli - OCAT Xi'an - Old Steel Factory Art District - Yinxiang Nanhu B&B】

Early morning we headed to Shijingli to fly the drone for aerial shots. Then to OCAT Xi'an for some minimalist-style photos, and finally to the Old Steel Factory Art District to capture industrial-chic shots. We stayed at Yinxiang Nanhu B&B near Qujiang Heritage Park. In the evening, we strolled with the camera toward Tang Paradise to snap night scenes.

【Day 3: Sanlian Bookstore - Starbucks - Shaanxi History Museum - Shaanxi Art Museum - Qinglong Temple - Xiaoge B&B】

Morning started at Sanlian Bookstore in Zhongda International for photos, then a quick stop on the first floor at the Starbucks Reserve to shoot the cool local Xi'an logo. Shaanxi Art Museum is perfect for portraits, and shooting under its dome gives an planetarium-like vibe.

【Day 4: Xi'an Expo Park - Car Return】

Early morning at Xi'an Expo Park. Flying the drone here was especially gorgeous, almost like seeing the sea. Afterwards, we used the LD Cloud app to find a nearby drop-off spot and returned the car.

Chang'an, a city that once lived like a dream in people's minds.

Huimin Street, also called "Huifang" by locals, is a temple of food and a street steeped in Muslim culture. The moment we arrived in Xi'an, we headed straight to Huimin Street—everything there tasted of old Xi'an. A bowl of mixed-nut fried dough twists in tea and a roujiamo in the early morning, then the streets slowly filling with people, hawkers calling out, kids laughing and playing, an old uncle next door blasting his radio... at that moment, all the noise flooded my mind. Beauty never arrives suddenly, nor is it built in a day; having lost so much, I just wanted to hold on to this instant.

This famous food and culture street is lined with countless eateries, dazzling and overwhelming. Due to the pandemic, Huimin Street wasn't as bustling as when I'd visited before, but it still overflowed with lively human warmth.

There aren't many cities like Xi'an, with such distinct and orderly urban layout, square and neat, streets and lanes in tidy grids like a well-field. Even the commercial hubs differ little from the Tang dynasty, and the names of streets and lanes are steeped in history, roads with well-sourced names. Huimin Street, the embodiment of Xi'an's local charm, isn't just one street—it's a collective name for several lanes in the Muslim quarter. Beiyuanmen is the most famous and easiest-to-find part of Huimin Street, and many of its shops have become flagship landmarks.

Flagstone paths, tree-lined avenues, the district's many lanes carrying strong Islamic style, flanked by rows of imitation Ming-Qing architecture. Walking through, you see shops blending traditional Chinese and Muslim design everywhere: ethnic costumes, handicrafts, halal groceries, restaurants, and Hui snack stalls at every turn.

On Huimin Street you can discover the most down-to-earth, authentic Xi'an life. It's not just a food street; for many, it's the old neighborhood where they spent their childhood. In our lives, there's always that one alley—not wide, not fancy—but it holds flavors you're used to and things you can never forget.

a Guo and I, two major foodies, ate our way through Huimin Street while swapping food stories. She talked about Changsha's delicacies; I recalled Taiyuan's Food Street and the old military camp neighborhood near my home...

Laochenggen Gpark commercial area is in Xi'an's Daxing New District. What I want to introduce is a massive new cultural landmark here: Xi'an Fangsuo Commune (Fangsuo Bookstore). Fangsuo Bookstore is a globally acclaimed cultural brand that once won the best bookstore award at the London Book Fair—the first in Asia to do so.

The name "Fangsuo" is deeply historical, drawn from the "Wen Xuan" (Selected Literature) compiled by the Liang dynasty writer Xiao Tong: "If it is truly Vajra, then it is the named form; if it is truly permanent dwelling, then it becomes the Fangsuo." Founder Mao Jihong chose "Fangsuo" with a clear aspiration—to make bookstores once again places where people dwell. Through meticulous design, Fangsuo has become an all-new cultural space integrating books, aesthetic living, coffee, and exhibitions.

Xi'an's Fangsuo covers nearly 5,000 square meters in a standalone building, housing over 200,000 books and 35,000 rare art titles. There's a five-meter-high circular book tower.

Fangsuo is not just a sanctuary for reading, but also a temple where architectural art and aesthetics converge. The entire building, inside and out, is stunning. Its facade draws inspiration from the ancient Chang'an defensive "walled gate" (wengcheng) and Roman arches, creating a deeply immersive experience. Once inside, you discover repeated high-arched corridors and coffered ceilings that feel like entering a hall of knowledge.

On Fangsuo's glass door is a blessing from poet Leung Ping-kwan: "May we return to the age of more poetry reading: 'the obscure lyricism in wind-blown chorus needs another way of listening.'" Fangsuo is a pure spiritual haven carved from the clamor of the world, forever open to every soul that loves reading and yearns for peace.

"Reeds and rushes are green, green, white dew turns to frost. My beloved is on the water's side."

Within these most beautiful verses of the Book of Songs lies Xi'an's loveliest little town. In Fengdong, about an hour's drive from downtown, sits a town themed around the culture of the Book of Songs, named Shijingli.

Shijingli takes the Book of Songs as its soul, transforming the landscapes, customs, music, and characters described in the ancient poems about this land into tangible scenery and architecture, creating a poetic paradise.

In the glorious Western Zhou period, the twin capitals Feng and Hao were built on the banks of the Feng River, and it was here that the Book of Songs was born. Thus, the Feng River is the very birthplace of the classic. This town features buildings and landscapes echoing the Book of Songs, along with such serene spots as the Book of Songs Post Station, Guofeng Square, Luming Food Street, Guanju Square, Xiaoya Book Club, Guqin Museum, and Laoshe Teahouse.

Xi'an was known in ancient times as Chang'an, and since antiquity it has been said that "eight rivers encircle Chang'an." The Feng River is one of these. The millennial flow of the Feng nurtured the brilliant ritual and music culture of the Book of Songs. I hadn't expected that this Xi'an trip would let us escape the city's hustle and, in this quiet, refined place, cross millennia with a Guo and savor a poetic life.

At the Book of Songs Post Station, you find creative little items brimming with poetry. Eleven kinds of immersive learning experiences let you calm your mind and feel the poetry flowing, experiencing a leisurely state of mind. Stepping into Laoshe Teahouse, a trace of sunshine, a pot of clear tea, a melodious tune of "The Reeds"—life has never been so tranquil and real.

The poetry in Shijingli isn't confined to the written word; it comes alive on stage. The Fengya Poetry Hall uses dazzling stage lighting, dynamic real-life sets, and live performances to retell the epic sagas of the Book of Songs.

What captivated me most was Shijingli Garden. Here, charming buildings are tucked among bamboo groves and pine trees. Man-made grace blends with nature's masterful craftsmanship, creating a dreamscape. I instantly felt I was walking through a poem, listening to thousand-year-old history telling its many stories.

Let time slow down; let ourselves quiet down; let the world return to poetry.

When I visit different cities, I always like to check out museums and art galleries. I had a Guo drive me to OCAT Xi'an. This art museum integrates Xi'an and international resources, presenting Chinese contemporary art at world-class standards.

OCAT Xi'an has three floors, including two exhibition spaces and an event center. It's an art museum, but even more an art space, with wonderfully diverse shows. 2020 marked OCAT Xi'an's sixth anniversary, and we were just in time for it.

Through exhibitions and events, Xi'an focuses on contemporary art practices, especially those that look back at history and forward to the future, while reflecting on the cultural diversity along the Silk Road. It's been said that East and West once met in ancient Xi'an, and today the museum strives to continue that fusion by presenting cutting-edge contemporary art.

The sixth-anniversary retrospective selected some of the most distinctive pieces from past exhibitions and public programs over six years. It included works from the academic research series "What Does It Have to Do With...", "OCAT Xi'an Corner", "Xi'an Portraits", and specially featured artist Deng Dafei's long scroll piece "Xi'an Notes: Ruins Memorial". The retrospective drew so much interest from art lovers that it was extended until February 28, 2021.

OCAT Xi'an continually presents new exhibitions. According to official news, there's an upcoming solo show by American photographer Alec Soth titled "I and You: Alec Soth".

I'm sure many of you, like Mao Mao, love art and exploring exhibitions. OCAT Xi'an is a fantastic choice—not only can you enjoy a range of art and culture, but it's also an incredibly photogenic spot, with each exhibition offering you a fresh set of stunning photos!

a Guo and I escaped the city right in the heart of the city and drove to the Old Steel Factory in the eastern part of the new district. Away from the bustling commercial hubs, here was an extra dose of quiet and indolence. The silent streets of Old Steel Factory, with their yellowed walls, are etched with the marks of time.

Xi'an's Old Steel Factory was originally the Shaanxi Steel Plant producing military fittings. Today, it has been transformed on its original foundations into the Old Steel Factory Design and Creative Industry Park. The industrial buildings inside the compound were built in the 1960s, deeply influenced by Soviet architectural styles and carrying a strong sense of the times—a place that constantly makes you think back.

Buildings in Xi'an are heavy with age; many have white walls and gray tiles, and they exude an irresistible charm amid the concrete and steel giants. The Old Steel Factory is an important landmark of Xi'an's eastern industrial heritage. Former production workshops have been reshaped into B&Bs, pubs, music bars, and all kinds of industrial components have become artworks. What remains unchanged is the stories history tells, along with the memories and emotions of countless people.

Inside the Old Steel Factory there's also a City Memory Museum, displaying an array of everyday items from old Xi'an households: all sorts of stools and chairs, water vats, kettles, cups, pots, pans, telephone sets, televisions, sewing machines... This human fireworks always moves me, making you aware of life's changes and the city's memory.

Old bricks, old timber, old furniture; cement, red bricks, greenery, oil paintings; flamboyant graffiti coiling around steel frameworks; contemporary art splashed inside elevator shafts... the weight of the ancient city of Chang'an and the historical transformations of the Old Steel Factory. Standing in this creative park with its unique industrial style, I felt a strong longing to be back in that fiery era not so long gone.

Many people say winter is the worst season to visit Xi'an. Our B&B, which my buddy and I booked, was right by Nanhu Lake. However, stepping out in the morning for a walk along the Qujiang Nanhu Lake, the lake and light under the winter sun had a flavor all their own. The lakeshore, the willow leaves, the water plants all showed the distinctive golden hue of autumn and winter, mirrored in the shallow water together with the distant high-rises.

Lake ducks, swans, and an occasional white egret would call out, skimming the waves, sending ripples spreading. Egrets circled high in the sky, their snowy feathers dazzling in the sunlight. Many people were birdwatching by the lake. Nanhu had a natural, tranquil beauty—it was desolate yet vibrant, deep yet full of life.

Strolling southward in the evening for about ten minutes, you reach Qujiang Book City. Qujiang Book City is also a super-popular Instagrammable bookstore, though we didn't go this time. But if you have the chance, you can wander into a sea of books, pick one, lounge lazily on a sofa, and read under the soft overhead lights.

Opposite Qujiang Book City is the entrance to Tang Paradise. When the lights come on at night, it's utterly dreamlike, with lanterns hanging everywhere, scenes straight out of Spirited Away reappearing before your eyes. Since I dawdled and got out too late, I could only photograph the theater and streets outside. The small square across has a musical fountain—watching the colorful jets at night is beautiful, but it was a bit cold. Still, we had a blast.

The charm of Xi'an isn't just the imperial city's majesty or the faded elegance of the ancient capital; it also possesses a gentleness like that of a Jiangnan water town, something that tugs at your heartstrings.

Xi'an's Sanlian Bookstore opened in early 2019. It's the fourth nationwide chain store of the venerable "Sanlian Bookstore" and the first refined youth culture shop in Northwest China. Designed around the concept of "Forever Young", it has crafted an independent, free space that blends culture, art, and socializing—all in a modest area.

Xi'an Sanlian Bookstore is located on the fifth floor of Zhongda International on South Street, very close to the Bell Tower; just a few minutes' walk. The design mixes retro and modern: furniture combines wood and modern metal, and warm yellow floor lamps beside the bookshelves make readers feel completely cozy and comfortable while reading.

The biggest highlight is the three-story spiral staircase, a must-shoot spot for photography lovers. White metal handrails paired with transparent glass steps, viewed from above, resemble a spiral time tunnel, bursting with futuristic and technological vibes. Arranged around the staircase are wooden bookshelves, so readers can ascend step by step, appreciating the beauty of the spiral element in space while seeing all kinds of books slowly unfold before them. I recommend all photo-loving friends use wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lenses to capture the large scene—the effect is powerful! You're free to take photos inside, and the heating is strong—so friends, you can wear your lovely skirts and take some Y2K-style shots.

Xi'an's Sanlian Bookstore put a lot of thought into book placement. Designers didn't just stick books onto shelves uniformly; they created a sense of flow, giving readers the wonderful feeling of being surrounded by books, immersed in a sea of books. The selection is vast, built around four main themes: Literature, Music, Art, and Science. They also regularly invite prominent figures as mentors to hold lectures and exhibitions.

Unlike many bookstores that don't provide reading space, this one offers ample room—a large central table, many comfortable chairs, so readers who often get worried about being shooed out for not buying can relax. There's also a leisure and entertainment area and a kids' zone. And Starbucks fans can feast their eyes and taste buds while reading: there's a giant Starbucks logo perfect for photos, and you can savor your favorite book in the modern ambiance.

As an ancient capital of sixteen dynasties, Xi'an carries a weighty history. So, my buddy and I naturally had to visit the Shaanxi History Museum.

The museum's exterior gloriously echoes the splendor of the High Tang, vividly displaying the magnificence of that golden era. The overall architectural layout is well-organized, with a dignified, solemn style, creating an atmosphere that merges imperial palace gardens with traditional landscaping, while also showing a touch of modern technology.

On my travels, I often photograph buildings, and traditional Eastern architecture is the most worthy of scrutiny. At the history museum, you can intuitively feel the spatial composition characteristic of Chinese traditional palace buildings—"the supreme center surrounded on all sides"—and the aesthetics of the East.

The Shaanxi History Museum's exhibition halls are divided into permanent, thematic, and temporary displays. The permanent collection covers seven halls (Prehistory, Zhou, Qin, Han, Wei-Jin-Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui-Tang, and Song-Yuan-Ming-Qing). Taking historical progression as a clue, each era's representative artifacts showcase the contemporary culture, reflecting the development of ancient social civilization in the Shaanxi region.

You can trace human evolution, seeing skull fossils of ancient Lantian Man, Stone Age tools, and settlement sites—Shaanxi is indeed one of the cradles of the Chinese nation. You can see bronze ware; the Western Zhou emperors built their capital in Xi'an, and various vessels and inscriptions reveal the period's culture, the bronze bells symbolizing rank and power. You can feel the kingly demeanor of Qin Shihuang uniting the six states, the military weapons and the awe-inspiring terracotta warriors. You can take pride in the zenith of Chinese civilization: during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the world's most prosperous international metropolis was precisely Chang'an, which also hosted the Silk Road connecting East and West.

Do you know the museum's viral treasures? One of my absolute favorites is the "Qin·Du Tiger Tally". The tiger tally represents military authority, a token shaped like a crouching tiger made of bronze or gold, split in two, one half kept by the emperor and one by the general, effective only when joined together.

The highlight "Tang Dynasty Legacy—Hejiacun Hoard Unearthed Artifacts Exhibition" has been on display in the museum's west hall for six years, featuring the star treasure "Beast-Head Agate Cup"; the "Tang Gold-Rimmed Beast-Head Agate Cup", a national heavy treasure, made from extremely rare banded agate; and the hollow sphere "Grape Flower-and-Bird Pattern Silver Sachet", reputedly the same style as Yang Guifei's. These marvels of wisdom and art conquered a Guo and me—we so proud of the vast and profound Chinese culture!

The blood of the Qin, the charm of the Han, the style of the Tang—three of the most glorious dynasties left their most brilliant achievements to an enchanting Chang'an. At Shaanxi History Museum, the historical artifacts span over a million years, a monumental work of Chinese civilization. Come here to read history and look back on the past!

Walking through the city's streets and alleys, you feel like you've time-traveled. The perfect fusion of Eastern and Western art has shaped this ancient city into a captivating capital rich with both Oriental grace and Western forms. So, strolling along, I always feel as if I'm weaving back and forth between modern Xi'an and ancient Chang'an.

The Shaanxi Art Museum is the sole professional art museum in Northwest China, and also the largest art museum in China's western region. It mainly collects and displays ancient Chinese art relics and modern artistic classics, such as Chinese paintings, oil paintings, prints, sculptures, watercolors and gouaches, crafts, calligraphy, seal carving, New Year prints, rubbings, folk artworks, and more.

After touring the art museum, we also went to see the "Return to Chang'an" exhibition. This exhibition was meticulously prepared by the Shaanxi Art Museum over more than a year, selecting from the National Art Museum of China's vast collection works by artists from Shaanxi or who lived and worked there at various times, including the masters of the "Chang'an School of Painting". A total of 87 pieces by 81 artists were chosen, spanning Chinese painting, oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, posters, and many other genres.

Most works in "Return to Chang'an" were created in Chang'an, departed decades ago, and have now returned for the first time. Among them are classics by Chang'an School masters like Shi Lu's "Eastern Dawn", Zhao Wangyun's "Return from Yan'an", Huang Zhou's "Snowstorm before Dawn", as well as gold-medal winners at national art exhibitions, such as Yang Lizhou and Wang Yingchun's "Taihang Iron Wall", Guo Xianlu's "Information: An Opportunity to Develop Human Intelligence", and Xing Qingren's "Rosy Memories".

In Xi'an, the history is endless, the ruins are endless, and what you can't fully take in is the profound culture accumulated by this city over millennia. No other city inspires such deep love. I can't quite remember exactly what was exhibited now, but the words at the entrance of the exhibition hall stayed with me: Return to Chang'an!

My buddy said she wanted to seek out some of Xi'an's sense of time-worn history. After the history museum, we went straight to Qinglong Temple. It could be considered a niche attraction; not many people know about it, and with pandemic controls, even fewer visitors came. We arrived around four in the afternoon, the warm afternoon sunlight pouring down on us. Monks were chanting sutras—everything felt so ethereal.

Actually, Qinglong Temple isn't large; official figures say it covers 219 mu, with the main structures being the pagoda ruins, Guyuan Tower, Kukai Memorial Hall, a Tang-style courtyard, and some monastic quarters. Despite its small size, it's exquisitely arranged, and many young ladies come here to dress in hanfu and take photos. Someone described it as "halls brilliant, carved glazed ridges towering, majestic and grand, verdant and solemn, the tall vermilion gate inlaid with copper nails, knocker rings clanging—a bit awe-inspiring."

Online they say the peak season for visitors is spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full romantic bloom. But now, in winter, the courtyard is full of green pines and cypresses, which has its own special charm. Pavilions, towers, bridges, corridors, and halls are spaced with purpose, stretching forward.

Past the small square, going further inside, is the Tang-style courtyard where the film "Legend of the Demon Cat" was shot. Remembering the celestial maiden photos I hadn't taken, I had a few shots here. Goofing off with my buddy, time flew by. My buddy doesn't like being photographed, but whenever we go out, I always end up taking a few shots of her.

The sunset was perfect, and so was our story.

All banquets come to an end, and so do all journeys. As our Xi'an self-drive trip drew to a close, a Guo and I arrived at Xi'an Expo Park. Can you imagine? In Shaanxi, a Guo actually told me we could encounter the sea here! (I trust my buddy a lot, but this particular statement I never believed—haha.)

Xi'an Expo Park is located in Xi'an's Chanba Ecological District, the site of the 2011 Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition. The park mainly has three service zones (Coconut Wind Waterfront, Bashang Renjia, and European Flair) and four themed pavilions (Chang'an Pagoda, Nature Pavilion, Children's Cute Pet Pavilion, and Treasure Museum).

At the Expo Park you can admire a wide variety of horticultural displays from different regions and countries. It's also dubbed "Xi'an's Happiest Scenic Area", because it's a fantastic spot for wedding photos. You'll often see pairs of newlyweds on their romantic and joyful journeys. Though due to the pandemic, a Guo and I didn't run into too many.

Chang'an Pagoda is the observation tower in Xi'an Expo Park, standing on Xiaozhongnan Hill inside the park. Its design combines the charm of Sui-Tang square pagodas with modern elements. The Nature Pavilion, east of the pagoda, is a botanical greenhouse showcasing plants and ecological landscapes from different regions and climate zones around the world. The Treasure Museum, on the park's main axis, primarily displays Hongshan culture jades, calligraphy and paintings by famous figures, mineral crystals, and paleontological fossils. The Children's Cute Pet Pavilion consists of Animal Fun Valley, Monkey Mountain, Bear Paradise, and Bird Forest—obviously kids' favorite place! a Guo said I'm a kid too.

As for the sea a Guo mentioned, well, it was the sea in the wedding photos. Yep—looking at those beautifully crafted photos, yes, that was indeed the "sea."

1. Bushe Chang'an Li

Mao Mao came to Xi'an again. To really feel the city's flavor, we decided to stay on Huimin Street, the most lively and down-to-earth spot in Xi'an. The Bushe Chang'an Li Lady Series III we stayed at is hidden right in this bustling hub.

Before check-in, the B&B butler contacted me in advance with the address, directions, and other travel info. The whole place is in an antique Chinese style, extremely elegant. The lobby has a designated traditional photo spot and a parent-child play area, perfect for families. There's also a reading area—you can pick a book you like, brew a cup of tea, and enjoy the slow pace of B&B life.

The room Mao Mao stayed in was called "Sui Yin". It's said all the room names are taken from the thirteen dynasties—really unique. Besides the atmospheric lobby, the room decor is fantastic: a pipa hangs on the wall, and the ornaments are exquisite, reflecting Tang culture and Xi'an character. Mao Mao came with a friend, so we booked a twin room. One side features tatami mats—set up the tea table and it becomes a little living room to sit with a friend for tea and chat. The other side has gel bedding and pillows, very comfortable. Special mention: the bathroom provides a foot-bathing tub, disposable foot bath bags, and herbal soaks—so health-nurturing!

Special experience: Traditional costume experience—the property offers free hanfu rental for 2 hours. You can put on the hanfu and take photos in the B&B's antique-style set-ups; it's truly beautiful, giving you the feeling of preparing your makeup by the little window.

Nearby sights: City Wall, Beilin Museum, Yongxingfang, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Tang All Day Mall, Tang Paradise, Daming Palace Heritage Park, and more.

About the food: Oh, and there are free tastings of jujubes, fermented tea, and sour plum powder. The public area on the ground floor has a kitchen with a microwave and such, very convenient. If you want to eat out, the butler thoughtfully gives you a local food guide that's both delicious and budget-friendly!

2. Yinxiang Nanhu B&B

Coming to Xi'an with friends, I still wanted to stay in a distinctive B&B. We found Yinxiang Nanhu, which is also very close to the Great Tang All Day Mall we wanted to visit. Only after arriving did we learn that many celebrities have stayed here (Guan Zhilin, Shen Mengchen, Jiang Xin, Karen Mok have all been to this B&B).

The B&B is in a courtyard style, the whole environment very refined. The courtyard features new Chinese landscape design—right as you enter, you see a tea table where you can sit and chat over tea with friends, giving a very cozy feel. Nanhu Lake is right beside it, the environment superb. During the day you can see egrets, swans, wild ducks, etc.

We booked a twin room with breakfast included. In the morning, the butler delivered breakfast to our room—so thoughtful. And parking is very convenient and free!

The room was very spacious, ours was on the lower ground floor. There's also a gym and a billiards table. The room is exquisite; from the décor to the layout, you can see the designer's care. Toiletries are complete, and there's a water bar and a capsule coffee machine.

Nearby sights: Buses go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Bell Tower, Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, and more. The B&B itself is inside Qujiang Park. In the evening we walked to Tang Paradise; as New Year approached, lanterns hung along the streets—super beautiful.

3. Xiaoge B&B (Chanba Train Station Branch)

On our third night in Xi'an, we stayed at Xiaoge B&B in Baqiao District. It was our coziest night in the city, with a true homey feel. It's in the affordable luxury class, tastefully designed, exceptionally tidy, and with top-notch service and facilities.

This B&B's actual photos matched the listing perfectly—the best match Mao Mao has ever seen. The whole place is in a new Chinese style, and each bedroom is decorated differently. One bedroom has a hanging bed, another has bed curtains—both very romantic. Look up upon entering and you see a starry-sky ceiling. The living room sofa is in Chinese style, quite distinctive; you can sit there reading or watch a movie projected on the screen. On the balcony, a super comfy hanging hammock invites you to lounge in the sun—absolutely blissful.

The small living room has a very comfy sofa, opposite which is a writing desk with the four treasures of the study—you can practice calligraphy. There's even a set of bronze bells, capturing the essence of Xi'an. The kitchen has everything you need to cook your own meals, and the wine cabinet includes red wine and beer. Xiaoge even treated us to a bottle of beer. The toilet is smart and impeccably clean, which put my clean-freak roommate at complete ease. The floor heating kept the large room genuinely warm—fantastic.

About food: The host, Xiaoge, is very thoughtful and gave us detailed local food tips. Just 20 meters east of the complex is a food street called Yi Jie, full of Shaanxi-style barbecue and noodle shops, yangrou paomo, roujiamo, liangpi—you name it. Chongqing hot pot and Chengdu skewers are also there. Yu Jing Cheng, as Baqiao's largest residential area, has been established for years with a long-term population of over 100,000 and comprehensive commercial amenities. The Jiajia underground supermarket makes grocery shopping quick and easy, and the Kaide Mall meets most people's shopping needs!

Nearby sights: 1.3 km straight-line distance from the Mijia Cliff Neolithic Site; 1.5 km from Banpo Museum; 2.1 km from Tianmu Hot Spring.

1. A cup of coffee

With a Guo in Xi'an, we had a 2021 cup of coffee, talked about our past stories, and dreamed about future travel destinations.

2. A Chinese meal

This restaurant is called True Love China. We loved the name alone, and the best dish was the chicken a Guo ordered—so incredibly flavorful!

3. A Western meal

Life needs a sense of ceremony. Our Xi'an self-drive trip, of course, couldn't do without savoring and reading life's flavors.

4. A local snack

When in Xi'an, you must sample the local food. There are so, so many snacks. This time I tried a different delicacy—Jia's fried-dough twists in tea. We transformed into total foodies in seconds!

There are many car rental platforms. Mao Mao recommends choosing a 24-hour self-service pickup and return option, which cuts down on contact during the pandemic—super convenient!

Here I have to introduce LD Cloud, because it provided the most crucial help for a Guo and my Xi'an road trip.

Almost all LD Cloud cars are fuel vehicles with off-road capability, effortlessly handling mountains and rough roads—ideal for self-driving travel and exploring nature.

Attached: LD Cloud rental car photos:

Nothing but cuteness.

Travelogue Table of Contents:

1. Foreword

2. Long live friendship | Seeing a different Chang'an City

3. Everyday memories | Slow time on Huimin Street

4. Fangsuo Bookstore | Where the heart finds peace, there is home

5. Shijingli | Traveling through the Book of Songs

6. OCAT Xi'an | Immersed in art space

7. City memories | The steel spirit of Old Steel Factory

8. Winter on Nanhu Lake | Charming scenery

9. Sanlian Bookstore | The scent of books in Chang'an

10. Shaanxi History Museum | Looking back on the past

11. Shaanxi Art Museum | Return to Chang'an

12. Qinglong Temple | Buddhist chant and faith

13. Xi'an Expo Park | Encountering the sea

14. Xi'an | Our accommodation and food memories

15. Xi'an | Our little tips for renting a car

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